NEWS RELEASE for immediate release

Meewasin Reminds Public of Safe Wildlife Precautions

Monday June 24th, 2019

Summer is an active time for many animals that make their home in the river valley and
natural areas around Saskatoon like the Northeast Swale. The river and swales are a
wildlife corridor and is an important part of the unique prairie ecosystem. Coyotes and
cougars have been spotted and it is important to keep in mind the following guidelines
for coexistence:

• Follow any and all signage posted in an area, including recommendations on

alternate routes.
• Never feed wildlife including coyotes, deer or other wildlife.
• Remove features from your yard that can attract the animals; such as containing
waste and compost, pick up fallen fruit, and feed pets indoors.
• Supervise all pets when outdoors, keeping them inside when possible and on-
leash when outdoors.
• Stay as far away from cougars or coyotes as possible and if you find yourself
being approached by one, act big and make loud noises to deter them, while
slowly backing away, maintaining eye contact and giving them a clear path to
leave the area.

Meewasin’s Resource Management Officer reminds everyone of the key to coexisting,

“The river valley and natural areas within and around Saskatoon provide habitat and
movement corridors for all forms of wildlife including birds, deer, coyotes and even
animals like cougars. As urban areas continue to move into our rural landscape, we will
continue to see further human/wildlife interactions. If we hope to have humans and
wildlife coexist in our river valley and natural areas around Saskatoon, we need to find
ways to give each other the space we need to reduce conflict. Be wildlife aware when
enjoying the beauty of nature. ”

If you need more information or would like to report activity please call (306) 975-3300
and leave the area immediately. For emergencies please call 9-11.

For more information contact Renny Grilz at Meewasin 306-665-6887

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About Meewasin Valley Authority

Meewasin is a conservation agency dedicated to conserving the ecological, cultural and
historical resources of the South Saskatchewan river valley and providing free public
access to its amenities. Meewasin is a charitable organization and ecosystem leader
that is jointly funded through support from the City of Saskatoon, the Province of
Saskatchewan, and the University of Saskatchewan with donations from corporations
and individuals. There are 67 square kilometers of land and over 80km of established
trail, which saw 1.4 million users in 2017/18, in the Meewasin Valley. The area also
features sites that help people to connect to nature through experiences such as, the
Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink @Nutrien Plaza, Beaver Creek Conservation Area, the
Meewasin Northeast Swale and the River Landing Spray Area. To get involved with
Meewasin or learn more visit www.meewasin.com