Domestic Animals, Wildlife, Pests & Invasive Animal Species

• 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 can deliver the animal to the Regina Humane Society, or other rescues 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.

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.

Pest control in the RM of Edenwold involves managing various animals that can cause significant damage to crops, property, and ecosystems. Effective strategies include integrated pest management, which combines chemical, biological, and cultural control methods. Here are some of the common pests:

• Rats: Known for their ability to spread diseases and damage stored food supplies.  They are considered an invasive species in Saskatchewan.
• 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.
• Mice: Small rodents that can infest homes and agricultural areas, contaminating food and spreading diseases.
• Nuisance Beaver: Their dam-building activities can lead to flooding and damage to trees and vegetation

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.

Rat Control 

The RM hires 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.

Richardson Ground Squirrel - Alternatives to Strychnine

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.

Mosquito Control

In an effort to minimize the spread of West Nile Virus and to protect the public, the RM has initiated a mosquito control program within the Emerald Park area. The control program is operated under Saskatchewan Environment using a larvicide called vectobac. The larvacide is applied to standing bodies of water by a licensed applicator approximately six times throughout the season.

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