Ball python spotted slithering around Kananaskis Country

By Jessica Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter A wayward reptile native to Sub-Saharan Africa is slithering around Bow Valley Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country. The Bow Valley dump station sees a lot of visitors during the busy summer tourist season, but a ball python spotted on site Sunday (July 21) may be its most unexpected to-date. Alberta Parks issued a wildlife … Read more

Contestants gather in Stavely for auctioneer championship

By Rob VogtThe best auctioneers in the world gathered in Stavely last week, vying to make it to the finals of the International Livestock Auctioneer Championship.A total of 30 auctioneers from Australia, the United States and Canada took their turns selling 2,200 head of cattle at a sale at Foothills Auction in Stavely on Friday, July 12.The event started with … Read more

Blue-green algae bloom advisory issued for Clear Lake

By Rob VogtPeople who use Clear Lake, east of Stavely, are urged to be cautious, with a health advisory in effect for blue-green algae in the water.On July 12, Alberta Health Services announced blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom has been identified in the waters of Clear Lake. Residents living near the shores of this lake, as well as visitors to these … Read more

Claresholm RCMP report for the month of May

The following complaints/calls for service were made to the Claresholm RCMP Detachment during the month of May, 2024. Not every call/file is listed below, but just the most relevant ones. Some complaints received were later determined to being Unfounded or not Police matters.Traffic related• One traffic collision resulting in fatal injuries;• One reportable non-fatal traffic collision;• Three reportable traffic collisions;• … Read more

Loving Your Lake with photo challenge

By Scott Hayes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter An increasingly popular photography challenge, just in time for Lakes Appreciation Month in July. Living Lakes Canada (LLC) is encouraging people to enjoy their favourite waterbodies by taking pictures of them for the fourth annual Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge. LLC Lakes Program Manager Georgia Peck said the contest underscores the importance of getting the … Read more

Pronghorn migration aided by volunteers

By Justin Sibbet, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Pronghorns are a staple of southern Alberta, yet the animal faces significant migration challenges every year in the region. T.J. Schwanky, wildlife projects facilitator with the Alberta Wildlife Federation, says fencing designed to keep cattle and other animals in, also doubles as a barrier to pronghorns.  “The pronghorn much prefer to crawl under fences … Read more

Grizzly bears back in crosshairs as Alberta lifts hunting ban in select cases

By Jessica Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Alberta’s government is allowing targeted hunts on “problem” grizzly bears after a nearly 20-year ban on hunting the threatened species. The province’s forestry and parks ministry may issue what it is calling a grizzly bear management authorization for the purpose of hunting if a wildlife officer determines a grizzly is involved in a human-bear … Read more