Two hares were shot with darts in the last two weeks in Red Deer, but managed to survive their attacks and have been spotted in the city.
Carol Kelly, executive director of Medicine River Wildlife Centre, said one hare has a dart sticking out of its neck and the other has a dart in its hind leg.
She said reports of the injured animals came from the Mountview and Deer Park neighbourhoods.
"I have had three people report finding just darts in their yard. I'm not sure who's doing this, but I have reported it to the RCMP, and Fish and Wildlife," Kelly said.
"It's illegal to harm an animal. It's also illegal to shoot off a weapon in the city."
Kelly encouraged anyone with information about the shootings to contact the wildlife centre. Thankfully there have been few instances through the years of animals or birds being shot with a dart, or bow and arrow.
She said hares are notoriously impossible to catch in traps to remove the darts, and they seem to be doing okay. They may also have babies which need them so it's best to leave them alone.
Unlike rabbits, hares don't eat people's gardens or dig holes. Hares eat mostly grasses and weeds and cause few problems or complaints.
"If someone does have a problem, and that's why they think they should be shooting them, please call us. We'll sort out their problems in a much kinder way."
People who find baby hares should also call Medicine River before they do anything, Kelly added.
"Don't pick them up. Don't take them home. Don't try and raise them. They do horribly in captivity. The best thing you can do is leave them with mom."
For more information visit www.medicineriverwildlifecentre.ca or call 403-728-3467.
