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Domestic Animals, Wildlife, Pests & Invasive Animal Species

While home to many helpful and beneficial plants and animals, the RM of Edenwold is also home to invasive species and nuisance animals. If you have any questions about the information below, please contact the RM Office.

Domestic Animals

In the RM of Edenwold, common domestic animals include:

Dogs: Popular pets for companionship and security.
Cats: Favored for their independence and ability to control pests.
Horses: Used for riding, farming, and recreational activities.
Cattle: Raised for beef and dairy production.
Sheep: Kept for wool and meat.
Pigs: Raised for pork production.
Chickens: Commonly kept for eggs and meat.

These animals play significant roles in both urban and rural settings, contributing to the province's agricultural and social landscape.

The RM's Animal Control Bylaw prohibits domestic animals from running-at-large within the RM. If you find a loose or lost dog or cat, you may be able to deliver the animal to the rescues in the area where it will be impounded. If claimed within the impoundment period, the owner will be required to pay all associated costs. If an animal is not claimed, it may be adopted or euthanized.

If you find a violent or aggressive dog, do not approach it. Instead, call 911.

Wildlife

In the RM of Edenwold, common wildlife include:

White-tailed and Mule Deer: agile, herbivorous mammals with antlers, often seen gracefully navigating through forests, grasslands and even urban settings.
Coyotes: adaptable predators known for their distinctive howls and ability to thrive in diverse environments .
Skunks: nocturnal mammals known for their distinctive black-and-white markings and their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism.
Badgers: Solitary, stout, nocturnal mammals known for their digging ability and distinctive black-and-white faces.
Raccoons: nocturnal mammals known for their distinctive black masks, ringed tails, and exceptional manual dexterity, which allows them to manipulate objects and forage efficiently.

Here are some general tips to help keep wildlife from moving onto your property or community:

Do Not Feed Wildlife: Avoid leaving food outside, including pet food and bird feeders, as they attract animals.
Secure Trash: Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and store them indoors if possible.
Remove Attractants: Clear fallen fruit, vegetables, and other food sources from your yard.
Install Fencing: Use fencing to protect gardens and other areas from wildlife.
Seal Entry Points: Close off any gaps or holes in your home’s exterior to prevent animals from entering.
Maintain Landscaping: Trim overgrown shrubs and trees to reduce hiding spots.
Use Natural Repellents: Consider using natural deterrents like cayenne pepper to keep animals away.

The RM appoints Wildlife Officers to provide remedial action against specific wildlife. Please contact the RM Office if you need a Wildlife Officer's assistance for the following species:

Coyote
Nuisance Beaver
Porcupine
Badger

Deer

While the RM would like to help you with your deer-related concerns, in almost all cases, the RM cannot provide any help. Wild animals are outside municipal jurisdiction and instead fall to the provincial government and the Ministry of Environment. If you have questions about deer in the community, please call the Ministry of Environment at (800) 567-4224 or visit Ministry of Environment Reporting Wildlife Scenarios

Skunks

The RM has a limited number of skunk traps available for resident use at the RM Office.

Coyotes

The RM has instated a bounty for coyotes. Please refer here for more information.

To keep yourself and your pets safe, please follow these safety tips:

Keep your pets safe - Coyotes are particularly dangerous to domestic pets as they see cats and dogs as prey. To keep your pets safe, keep unattended cats and dogs indoors or in completely enclosed runs, especially at night. Do not assume that a fence will keep a coyote out of your backyard. Make sure you turn on outdoor lights if it is dark, and check your backyard for unexpected wildlife. If you are walking your pet outside, make sure to keep them on a short leash while walking.
Stay wary if coyotes are in the area - If you or a neighbour have seen coyotes in the area, do not leave children unsupervised. Coyotes will not attack adults, but children are less likely to scare coyotes away. When walking outside, bring noisemakers, like whistles and horns, to scare coyotes away. If you encounter a coyote, yell, clap your hands, whistle, and try to make yourself look large. Whatever you do, do not run away, turn your back on a coyote, or let a coyote get between yourself and your pet or child.

Pests & Invasive Species

Pest management in the RM of Edenwold focuses on reducing impacts to agriculture, property, and infrastructure while promoting environmentally responsible practices.

Common pests in the RM include:

Rats: An invasive species in Saskatchewan that can spread disease and damage stored feed and property.
Mice: Small rodents known to infest homes, farmyards, and storage areas.
Gophers: Burrowing rodents that can cause extensive damage to crops and soil structures.
Moles: These animals create tunnels that can disrupt plant roots and soil stability.
Nuisance Beaver: Their dam-building activities can lead to flooding and damage to trees and vegetation

Richardson’s Ground Squirrels (Gophers)

Management of gopher populations has evolved in recent years.

In 2021, the use of strychnine was discontinued by Health Canada. However, it has since been reintroduced under an Emergency Use Registration (EUR) due to significant agricultural impacts.

Today, there are two primary management approaches available:

Strychnine Stewardship Program

Strychnine is permitted under strict provincial regulation for targeted use in eligible rural areas only.

➡️ Learn about eligibility, training requirements, and product availability:

SCAP – Gopher Control Program (GCP)

This program provides cost-shared funding to help offset the cost of approved gopher control products and encourage proactive management.

➡️ View funding details and how to submit claims

In March 2021, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada banned the use of strychnine in controlling Richardson's Ground Squirrel (RGS) (i.e. gopher) populations. As a result of this ban, rural residents and business owners must use alternative products, including Burrow Oat Bait, Rozul RTU Field Rodent Bait, and Ramik Green.

SARM manages The Gopher Control Program that can be used to subsidize the purchase and application of eligible gopher bait. For more details, click here.

To learn more about strychnine alternatives, click here.

If you previously used strychnine and are interested in alternative options, or have an RGS infestation and would like assistance, please contact the RM Office.

Rat Control

The RM contracts a pest control officer to conduct farm site inspections for rat infestations.

If you are an agricultural or rural resident, you may be able to receive bait from the municipality at no charge and is available at the Municipal Office. When receiving bait, you will be required to agree to the following conditions:

bait cannot be applied in residential areas;
bait must be used only on properties owned or leased by the person obtaining the bait; and
landowners must sign an acknowledgement for the amount of bait received.

Nuisance Beaver

As per Bylaw No. 2011-02, beaver have been deemed open season and are eligible to collect a bounty. For more information click here.

If you have questions about the municipality's mosquito control program, please contact the RM Office.

Mosquito Control

To help reduce the risk of West Nile Virus, the RM operates a mosquito control program in the Emerald Park area.

A larvicide (Vectobac) is applied to standing water
Applications are carried out by a licensed applicator
Treatments typically occur multiple times throughout the season

For more information about mosquito control activities, please contact the RM Office.