Skip to content

AIWC to hold on-site talk about Winter Hunters

While many of Alberta’s wildlife migrate south for the winter, other animals stay in the province and adapt to survive the cold winter months.
On the hunt
Foxes are just one species that will be highlighted in an upcoming on-site talk hosted by the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation.

While many of Alberta’s wildlife migrate south for the winter, other animals stay in the province and adapt to survive the cold winter months. Such will be the theme of Winter Hunters – the final on-site talk of 2018 at the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC). The talk will be held Nov. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m., at AIWC’s animal hospital 10 kilometres south of Madden. “We are lucky, in Alberta, that we have wildlife that stay with us year-round,” said AIWC Executive Director Holly Duvall. “They obviously need to eat during that time, so we’re going to be talking about how local species overcome the challenges they face in winter and still keep well-fed.” Some of the mammals that will be discussed include foxes, coyotes and wolves, Duvall said. Birds of prey, such as the great horned owl or snowy owl, are also considered winter hunters, Duvall added, though their situation differs in that they migrate to Alberta from the Arctic during the winter. “That’s a bit more unusual, in that these species choose to migrate here, in the winter,” she said. Though winter can be a tough time for many of Alberta’s animals, attendees will also learn how winter conditions can help predators hunt, by providing snow cover and tracks that are easy to follow. Following the Nov. 3 presentation, which will be led by AIWC Wildlife Education Assistant Mila Mezei, staff will provide a guided tour of certain portions of the institute’s animal hospital. “That’s one of the reasons we do our on-site talks – to show sections of our wildlife hospital,” Duvall said, adding the portions of the facility that will be toured will depend on the animals in AIWC’s care at that time. “There is a lot they can still see, and it gives them a good snapshot of how a wildlife hospital runs,” she said. “It’s a great reason to get out…come and see us and learn more about our wild neighbours.” Tickets for the event are available at aiwc.ca. The cost to attend the talk is $15 for AIWC membership-holders and $20 for non-members. Tickets can also be reserved over the phone by calling 403-936-2361. While the Nov. 3 on-site talk will be AIWC’s final one of the year, a schedule of future talks through 2019 is already posted on the institute’s website. Duvall said there are many reasons to attend Winter Hunters, or any of AIWC’s other on-site talks. “It’s unique and gives a great education piece about the wildlife that co-habitate with us,” she said.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks