Alberta is home to more than 1,800 types of flowers, 400 species of birds, 90 mammal species, 18 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 65 species of fish. From April 5 to 11 is recognized as National Wildlife Week, a time to celebrate our natural heritage and support conservation efforts across the country.

Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon gave his opinion on celebrating National Wildlife Week, “I’m passionate about Alberta’s wildlife and wild places. I’m also proud that our government has a robust conservation agenda and is committed to working with conservation groups, industry, municipalities and biologists to ensure wildlife – especially at-risk species – have every opportunity to thrive.”

It's important to have to the appropriate knowledge and respect for our diverse wildlife as it plays an important role in our province. There are many different programs that make sure our wildlife has the opportunity to thrive and grow. For example, the BearSmart program has helped reduce human-bear interactions and the creation of the caribou sub-regional task forces help maintain naturally self-sustaining woodland caribou populations.

Nixon said, “As an avid hunter and angler, I also deeply respect that our province offers an abundance of hunting opportunities to Albertans in a safe, responsible and ethical manner.”

Minister Nixon also added, “My department is currently working to update species management plans and modernize the wildlife regulation. In close collaboration with stakeholders, we will ensure that conservation, wise management and sustainable use of our wildlife resources are incorporated into the work we do every day and in the future. We have already updated the province’s sportfishing regulations with an eye to these details, and there is more to come in that area.”

The programs Alberta has in place allows people to enjoy the great outdoors, when the current pandemic ends Nixon wants Albertans get out and explore what Alberta has to offer.