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Crows - Part of Nature and Life in Olds
Spring is here, and wildlife is returning to our community, including crows and other migratory birds that seasonally call Olds their home.

Many residents have concerns regarding crows in the community. The annual influx of crows is a part of the natural cycle of the Earth's seasons, which residents need to understand and to accept. Controlling crows is a difficult task because crows are intelligent and quickly learn to keep their distance from potential dangers, including control measures.

Crows - adaptive, intelligent and wary
Crows are migratory birds that winter in warmer climates. In the fall, crows form large flocks in preparation for migration, and they are usually absent from colder climates until Spring. In fact, crows are a sign of spring is around the corner and a good indicator of warmer temperatures to come!

Crows like to nest in tall trees, and Olds has an abundance of trees that make good nesting sites. Like gulls and other scavengers, crows will eat any biological substance, dead or alive! Crows are beneficial as they eat a lot of insects and clean up dead animals and garbage.

Crows are often at their noisiest when their young leave the nest. Young crows are still dependent on their parents for food and safety, and constantly communicate with their parents while they are away from the nest. Moreover, crows can be very aggressive animals and are known to dive-bomb animals and humans that get close to nesting areas.

Managing Crow Populations - What We can Do

1. Reduce potential food sources - Crows (and all animals) tend to congregate or forage near known food sources. Residents and businesses can help reduce food sources by keeping garbage and compost bins closed to close off potential food sources for crows. In addition, keeping your garbage bins closed will reduce other wildlife coming to town looking for food.
2. Explore Crow Management Options - The Town of Olds is currently exploring crow management options that align with sustainability principles. All creatures on earth must co-exist, and we all have a responsibility to live in ways that respect, preserve and celebrate the Environment, Society, Culture, the Economy and Governance. For more information on how you can live a Sustainable Life, visit our Sustainable Living page.