A beaver has been found shot dead at Three Mile Bend Recreation Area.
Red Deer city RCMP are investigating the incident after receiving a tip from a member of the public who found the dead beaver while canoeing at the park.
Further investigation revealed that the probable cause of death was a gunshot wound.
The City has turned the animal over to Alberta Fish and Wildlife and has opened a case file with the RCMP.
“This has become more than an issue of wildlife in Red Deer’s park system; this is now a serious breach of public safety,” said Insp. Ray Noble. “By illegally discharging a firearm within City limits and killing wildlife in our park system, this individual has committed a crime and if caught, appropriate action will be taken.”
It is not possible to identify the beaver as the one that killed a dog and injured several more almost two weeks ago, but Red Deer RCMP are very concerned about this latest incident involving wildlife at the off-leash park.
The City of Red Deer’s Firearms bylaw prohibits the discharge of any firearm within the boundaries of the City.
Other provincial and federal legislation also addresses this offence.
While Red Deer city RCMP are requesting the public’s help in locating the individual who shot the beaver, the City is no longer planning to remove or relocate the remaining beavers from the park in response to the previous complaint from Alberta Animal Services.
“The City has received no additional reports of beaver attacks at Three Mile Bend since last weekend,” said Trevor Poth, parks superintendent with the City. “Based on that and the illegal killing of this beaver, we see no need to trap or relocate any beaver at Three Mile Bend at this time.
“We will, however, continue to monitor the situation at the park and educate park users.”
The City has put up more signage in the park warning users of wildlife in the area and will be distributing information to educate park users about coexisting with wildlife.
However, dog owners are reminded of their responsibility to maintain control over their pets, even when in an off-leash park.
Anyone who has information about this incident should contact the RCMP at 403-343-5575.
