Airdrie-area residents are offering a snapshot of local wildlife after a recent callout prompted by a rare wolverine sighting west of Calgary.
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Following a DiscoverAirdrie request for submissions, readers shared photos capturing eagles, owls, moose, geese and horses spotted in and around the region.
A bald eagle perches in a tree northwest of Airdrie. Photo / Barry Philpott
Several submissions featured eagles — one of Alberta’s most recognizable birds of prey.
A bald eagle perches in a tree in the Airdrie area. Photo / Dy Run
The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation says the province is home to both bald and golden eagles, which are often seen soaring over river valleys or open plains.
Bald eagles are commonly found near water, where they feed primarily on fish, while golden eagles are more often seen hunting mammals across open landscapes.
An owl perches in a tree in northwest Airdrie. Photo / Michelle Brodie
Owls also appeared in reader submissions, typically photographed in treed areas and near open fields.
An owl perches in a tree at Elk Hill Playground in Airdrie. Photo / Angela Stone
Nature Alberta says more than a dozen owl species are found in the province, with some — including the great horned owl — commonly seen year-round, while others appear seasonally.
Some species, such as snowy owls, are more often seen in winter, particularly in open areas.
Moose stand within Airdrie city limits on Feb. 15, 2025. Photo / Michelle Brodie
Moose sightings shared by readers reflect how wildlife continues to move through areas near growing communities.
The Government of Alberta says suburban development and expanding urban green spaces have increased the likelihood of encounters between people and moose.
While moose are not typically aggressive, they can become dangerous if stressed or protecting their young, and residents are advised to keep their distance.
A Canada goose stands on a third-floor balcony in the Willowbrook neighbourhood of Airdrie. Photo / Barbara Trudeau
A goose also appeared among the submissions — a common presence in many Alberta communities.
The provincial government says Canada geese have adapted well to urban environments, where they can thrive due to limited natural predators and readily available food sources such as grass.
Geese can be territorial and may act aggressively when protecting nests or young, and residents are advised not to feed them and to give them space.
A horse grazes in northwest Airdrie. Photo / Barry Philpott
Some submissions also included horses, reflecting the mix of wildlife and agricultural life that defines much of the Airdrie region.
The City of Airdrie says the area is home to a wide range of animals — including deer, coyotes, skunks and beavers — and notes that co-existing with wildlife is key to maintaining a healthy urban ecosystem.
Residents are advised not to feed wildlife, to keep pets under control and to give animals space to avoid conflict.
The reader callout followed a March 9 article documenting a wolverine captured on a trail camera west of Calgary — a sighting described as a “first-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
While no additional wolverine sightings were submitted, the photos offer a snapshot of the animals more commonly seen across the Airdrie area.
Wolverine sightings, while rare, have surfaced closer to home in the past.
In November 2024, DiscoverAirdrie reported that an Airdrie resident described seeing what he believed to be a wolverine crossing Veterans Boulevard.
“I knew for sure it was a wolverine. I’ve seen a lot of animals, but this was something else,” he said.
The sighting could not be independently confirmed.
The response offers a reminder that while rare sightings like a wolverine may capture attention, it’s the everyday encounters that continue to define life alongside wildlife in the Airdrie area.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM.