March 2014

Dear friend,

For many of us on the west coast, spring arrived a little early with local wildlife starting their seasonal activities earlier this month. Reports of bears waking up early, nesting birds and denning mammals, and the arrival of Wild ARC’s first baby squirrels this week are all the signs of the new season. It’s time once again to prepare our yards and our homes for potential wildlife visitors and be aware of humane techniques to encourage them along.

As the BC SPCA’s Call Centre celebrates its’ first anniversary this month, we reflect upon the 4,849 wildlife calls received from around the province in 2013, and want to remind those looking for humane solutions to wildlife issues, or those trying to locate wildlife services, that the hotline is open seven days a week. Please be sure to pass on the hotline number 1-855-6BC-SPCA to those in need this busy spring wildlife season.

With appreciation,

Sara Dubois
Manager, Scientific Programs
BC SPCA Chief Scientific Officer

PS. You can multiply your impact! Forward this message to friends, family and colleagues.

Wing in a sling – amazing Wild ARC recovery stories  

Broken bones are a very common reason that wild animals need the services of a wildlife rehabilitation centre. These injuries are often very difficult to fix because the things that animals encounter – cars, windows, power lines, predators – generally cause quite significant damage.

Recently, two very fortunate Wild ARC patients have helped to highlight the severe challenges faced by our local wildlife, and also their resiliency and capacity to heal, given the right treatment and supportive care.

Read more...

Photo credit: Christina Carrieres, Senior Wildlife Rehabilitator

A decade of celebrating wildlife care at Wild ARC’s annual open house

Ten years ago, Wild ARC’s first open house was attended by over 200 guests who dropped into the centre and walked around animal-print footpaths to discover our facility. Today, a decade later, the open house weekend is well-oiled event with an online reservation system to accommodate 500 guests during 12 tour times each day, with shuttle buses and traffic controllers managing transport, and over 50 volunteers and staff helping out!

Guests are always impressed with the event and our facilities, often walking away saying, “I didn’t know it took this much work to care for local wildlife!” There are only a few days left to make a reservation to come out and be inspired this weekend on March 29 & 30.

Photo caption: A view from inside the Flight Pen

Spring cleaning with critters in mind 

The days are getting longer, the sun is out a bit more often... Spring is definitely here!

Along with the rest of your spring cleaning chores, don’t forget to keep an eye out for quick and easy things you can do to help your wild neighbours thrive during this active season.

Whether you're cleaning inside or setting up your yard for the season, find out how you can benefit local wildlife in the process!

Photo credit: Heather Schmitt, Wild ARC Assistant Manager

Busting wildlife myths

Can opossums really hang upside down with their tails?

Does seeing a raccoon out during the day mean the animal has rabies?

Can porcupines actually throw their quills?

Find out the truth behind these and other common wildlife myths.

Photo credit: Michael Hewitt, BC SPCA Wildlife-In-Focus Photography Contest

Critter cams give behind-the-scenes look at animal action

Ever wonder what wild animals do when they think no one is watching? Now you can find out. From playful raccoons and curious otters to birds, deer, mink and more, the cameras are now rolling at Wild ARC. Five different animal cameras are mounted in enclosures and one will be live streamed at a time – allowing viewers to see the seasonal changes with our patients, as last year’s baby otters grow up and get released this spring and new raccoon and deer young arrive.

A new feature to help wildlife in care has also been launched. “Buy me dinner?” is a fun new way to support wild animals in need at the centre. Buy an owl dinner for $10 or dinner for an otter for $30 – you can even pick up the cheque for everyone!

Photo credit: Christina Carrieres, Senior Wildlife Rehabilitator

Super sale on Wild ARC clothing merchandise

To clear out last year’s merchandise, all Wild ARC clothing items on SHOP BC SPCA are on super sale at 30-60% off regular price!

White and green golf shirts, cute women’s two-tone t-shirts, and basic t-shirts with deer or raptor logos are available in only a few remaining sizes. These make great gifts and payment is easy with PayPal, all major credit cards and even bitcoin!