Your Guide to Cochrane’s
Must-Attend Events
Starts Here!
Your Guide to Cochrane’s
Must-Attend Events
Starts Here!
One of the most enchanting aspects of living in Cochrane is our proximity to nature. From the rolling foothills to the serene Bow River Valley, we share our beautiful town with a diverse array of wildlife. Whether it’s a deer grazing in a park or a fox darting through a neighbourhood, these encounters remind us of the unique place we call home.
However, sharing our space with wild animals comes with a responsibility to co-exist safely and respectfully. At Urbancasual.ca, we’ve put together a guide based on the Town of Cochrane’s recommendations to help you and our wild neighbors stay safe.
3. Leash Your Pets – Always keep dogs on-leash (except in designated areas) and keep cats indoors to protect them and local wildlife.
4. Stay Alert – Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk when many animals are most active.
5. Communicate – Let your neighbours know if you’ve spotted wildlife nearby so everyone can take precautions.
Different animals require different approaches. Here’s how to handle some of Cochrane’s most common wild residents:
Bears
Bears are most active in the spring and fall. To minimize contact, only put your waste carts out on the morning of collection day and remove bird feeders between April 1 and November 30. Always clean your barbecue after use and store it indoors if possible. Harvest any ripe fruit trees or bushes and never leave food out.
Fawns & Deer
Cochrane is home to many protective mother deer and their fawns. Never approach them, and keep your dogs leashed to avoid confrontations. If you see a fawn alone, it is likely waiting for its mother to return—admire it from a distance! Secure your yard so they don’t find their way in and end up stuck or worse, injured!
Foxes
Fox sightings are common, especially in the spring. Keep them at a safe distance by removing food sources like fallen fruit and sealing off potential nesting sites under decks or sheds.
Skunks
Skunks are particularly active during their mating season from February to March. Give them plenty of space, keep your bins sealed, and ensure your pets are leashed to avoid an “unpleasant” encounter.
Coyotes
Coyotes play a vital role in our ecosystem by controlling rodent populations. To minimize conflicts, keep your bird feeders clean, supervise your pets, and always dispose of pet waste properly.
While most wildlife encounters are harmless, some situations may pose a risk to public safety. If you encounter a bear or any wildlife that appears to be a public safety concern, please report it immediately.
Report a Poacher Line (24-Hour): 1-800-642-3800
By following these simple guidelines, we can ensure that Cochrane remains a safe and harmonious place for both people and animals. For more detailed information, you can visit the Town of Cochrane’s Wildlife Page.
Have you had a memorable wildlife encounter in Cochrane? Share your stories with us! And don’t forget to check our Monthly Events Calendar for more ways to enjoy our town’s natural beauty.
