Agricultural Services

Beaver Control

Saddle Hills County has large areas of brush, forest and waterways which are home to beavers. Beaver dams can obstruct ditch and waterway drainage to such an extent that roads and fields are flooded. To prevent this, the County has a beaver control program to help keep beaver populations at manageable levels. Beaver dams that threaten County infrastructure are removed through digging, draining or blasting. Problem animals may be killed to prevent them rebuilding their dams.

Alberta Agriculture Factsheet- Beaver Control (384 KB)

Coyote Control

Coyotes can cause significant livestock predation losses in remote areas. The Manager of Rural Development may distribute 1080 poison tablets to ratepayers who have confirmed coyote damages. This control method is used as an alternative to shooting or trapping coyotes, and poison is distributed at the discretion of the Manager of Rural Development. Control measures such as fences and guard dogs should be in place before poison is used.

Alberta Agriculture Factsheet- Predator Control (224 KB)

Rat Control

Alberta is a legislated rat exclusion zone. No species of the genus Rattus, including the Norway rat or black rat, is allowed in Alberta. This includes pet rats, fancy rats and rats kept as food for reptiles. Ratepayers can report any suspected rat sighting to the Manager of Rural Development or to Alberta Agriculture Inspectors.

Alberta Agriculture Factsheet- Rat Control History (148 KB)
Alberta Agriculture Factsheet- Rat Control (272 KB)