‘It’s a death trap’: Calgary resident calls for changes after deer impaled on fence

Residents of a Calgary neighbourhood are demanding changes after 2 deer impaled themselves on a fence

WARNING: This story contains descriptions and an image of an animal in distress

A Calgary woman says something more needs to be done to protect wildlife after a deer was impaled on a fence near a popular city park.

She says it’s the second time its happened in as many weeks, with the most recent incident taking place on the morning of Nov. 5 as Bobbi Turko walked near Carburn Park in the city’s southeast.

“I was coming up from the pathway only to unfortunately discover the second deer in less than two weeks impaled on this fence,” Turko said.

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She called 911 while her husband called Alberta Fish & Wildlife. Turko said about an hour later, a police officer showed up and shot the deer.

“(The deer) was still alive when I came up and it was a real struggle for him. He was caught on his hind leg and he just hung there,” she added.

A short video she took of the deer shows it wiggling upside down after the top of the fence pierced the animal’s back left leg.

The large metal fence separates the public park from a plot of land that is currently vacant, but is slated for future development.

A representative for the company that owns the property told CTV News it is open to looking at solutions for a fence that is safer for wildlife that still abides by the city’s bylaw.

“We are definitely assessing and keeping our options open and, if there’s something we can do, we can do that,” said Julian Faltous with JEC Enterprises Inc.

“We’re expecting construction to start on homes hopefully before the spring, which we’re hoping will mitigate this type of thing going forward,” he added.

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services confirms it received the report for an impaled deer in Riverbend and an officer contacted the complainant and Calgary Police and was informed the matter had been addressed.

The agency says it is aware of Turko’s report of another deer impaled in the same area a few weeks prior, but says it was not called out at the time and cannot confirm the first incident.

While such incidents are not common, they do highlight the importance of wildlife-friendly urban infrastructure," reads a statement in part.

“If someone encounters a wild animal that is injured, they should immediately contact FWES at 1-800-642-3800 or call 911 if the situation is urgent.”

Turko just wants other solutions considered to keep wildlife in the area safe.

“I think that when you have to experience something like this yourself and you realize the trauma that it causes wildlife, it is completely senseless and entirely preventable. This fence doesn’t have to be here in in the way it is,” she said. “It’s a death trap.”

A statement from the City notes the fence is located on private property and is the responsibility of the property owner.