News & Events

Carnivores and Communities Program

The MD of Pincher Creek in cooperation with the Waterton Biosphere Region has implemented a program to effectively remove and dispose of the carcasses of cattle, bison, goats, and horses. This program includes the entire M.D. of Pincher Creek (as well as areas of Cardston, Willow Creek and Ranchland). The purpose of the initiative is to remove these attractants from the landscape and effectively reduce human–carnivore conflict.

This is being achieved by the availability of bear-proof bins to deposit carcasses in along with on-site pick up by West Coast Reduction ltd. (when necessary for larger stock and horses) with all costs covered by the program. Intensive Livestock Operations are not eligible for the carcass removal program, but may be eligible for help with on farm composting. If transporting any cattle carcasses to the bins, producers must tag the carcass with a CCIA tag and have a valid CFIA SRM transport permit which is issued at no cost and on an annual basis.

These permits can be obtained online and assistance is available from the MD of Pincher Creek Administration Building. Please let either the bin host, or the M.D. know if you have put a carcass in a bin, so that arrangements can be made for West Coast Reduction Ltd. to empty the bin.

For more information on mitigating conflict with large carnivores, please visit www.watertonbiosphere.com/projects/carnivores-communities

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