Avenue

Find Wildlife in the Urban Jungle

By Lori Beattie

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Slow your pace, be stealth-like and observe. It’s true this city is no longer a prairie backwater, but still, when you head outdoors in Calgary, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter wildlife — and not just a back-alley coyote, either.

Head to the river valleys and parks at dawn or dusk, when wildlife is more active; walk or sit quietly and watch for a change in pattern in the landscape, some movement, markings on trees or droppings on the ground.

You could start your urban wildlife pursuit with a walk in South Glenmore Park, where you might cross paths with a lynx chasing a rabbit supper (hopefully from a distance). Follow river valley trails where ducks and geese congregate, and watch for the great horned owl perched in the poplar trees, ready to pluck its feathery feast from the forest floor. Catch sight of bald eagles soaring over the Elbow River near Sandy Beach Park and watch for pelicans on the Bow River near Beaverdam Flats Park. Hike alongside deer in the community of Varsity and observe beavers at work in Weaselhead Natural Park.

Slow your pace to catch a glimpse of the pygmy owl in Fish Creek Provincial Park and step carefully on Nose Hill at dusk while porcupines travel the trails. Spice up your nightlife with some urban wildlife this summer.

Lori Beattie views urban wildlife while leading urban hikes with her company, Fit Frog Adventures, fitfrog.ca.