Fish and wildlife officers in Sundre are asking area landowners "not to take matters into their own handsî when encountering wildlife on their properties.
Following an incident southeast of Sundre on Feb. 14 where a landowner shot a young moose that had wondered onto his property, residents are being reminded that they should let trained officers take care of problem wildlife.
Sundre-based fish and wildlife officer Samantha Hillier says the tough winter in the region has lead to an increase in instances of deer and moose coming onto farms and other properties in search of food.
"We want people to call us or call Report-a-Poacher (1-800-642-3800) and we will go out and haze the animal out of their yard or field. We have rubber bullets, bangers and baton guns to deal with these animals. We don't have to put them down,î said Hillier.
"It's been a tough winter with the deep snow and the ungulates don't want to walk through the deep snow so they are going to be on the roads, in people's yards, in towns. For safety, call us and don't take matters into your own hands.î
Officers are currently investigating the Feb. 14 moose shooting southeast of Sundre.
Although the young moose was only wounded by the landowner, officers later had to put the animal down because of its injuries, she said.
Officers are also reminding residents and visitors that the Report-A-Poacher program pays up to $2,000 for information leading to poaching convictions.
