City warns people of beaver attacks at Terwillegar Dog Park

The City of Edmonton has put up bulletins at Terwillegar Dog Park to warn people of beavers at the popular off-leash park after two dogs had to undergo surgery.

The city urges dog owners to keep their pets close by and out of the water after several dogs were attacked by beavers over the past few weeks.

“Even though it is an off-leash dog park, make sure you still have that control of your dog, whether it be on leash or you have the control through voice,” City of Edmonton park ranger Kara Abel said. “Make sure that you’re keeping the dog close to you, especially if you see the presence of wildlife or you actually see signs of wildlife.”

There are more than 10 ponds at the dog park, at least three of which are home to beavers.

“Know that you are in one of North America’s largest river valley systems and this is a huge wildlife corridor so you will see a lot of different types of wildfire,” Abel said.

“Give them their distance. If you do see wildlife, put your dogs on leash.”

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Earlier this month, Global News spoke with two dog owners who said their pets were attacked by a beaver at the dog park.

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READ MORE: Several Edmonton pet owners say dogs attacked by beaver in Terwillegar park

Zachary Cole said his Golden Retriever Wall-E and English Setter Arty suffered cuts and had to undergo surgery after an attack on June 1.

Andrea MacGillivray said her dog was also attacked by a beaver at Terwillegar Dog Park on the same night.

“Beaver attacks are not common. However, with the frequency of dogs entering into natural habitats, they are increasing,” Abel said.

“It is more about us coming into their habitats and their natural environments and not necessarily knowing that beavers and other wildlife do need their territory. They can become territorial, whether it’s during their season when they have their kits… or with regards to them just having their own distance for their food source.”

The temporary signs will eventually be replaced by permanent billboards reminding dog walkers to keep their companions away from the water.

Watch below: An Edmonton dog owner is warning others after his pets were injured by a beaver at Terwillegar Dog Park. 

2:07 Edmonton dog owners report beaver attacks