Dear friend,

Last month’s inaugural issue of WildSense was warmly welcomed by wildlife enthusiasts across the province, along with (finally!) a good stretch of summer weather.

Despite the late summer heat, it has been a very busy season, not only at our wildlife centre Wild ARC - which has seen our highest summer intake numbers on record - but close encounters with bears and cougars in the province are featured on almost every nightly news report.

The cool and damp spring, compounded by a short condensed summer, so far has really affected local wildlife and the food they depend on. Please continue to be cautious and wildlife-aware when out enjoying the late summer weather. Let’s keep us and our wildlife safe!
 
We still have a busy fall ahead with many wildlife activities to look forward to and we hope you can join us.

With appreciation,

Sara Dubois
Manager, Wildlife Services

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

Annual Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause another success

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Most wildlife patients treated by the specialized staff at the BC SPCA Wild ARC are in care due to a negative human-wildlife interaction, often a vehicle or window impact, nest cut down, or a domestic pet attack.

But on August 22, a rare case of a “natural” problem was discovered by an Oak Bay resident who found an owl stuck upside-down in a tree. Rescuers determined his sticky situation was just that - a natural sticky substance plus the light rainfall had literally stuck him to the tree.

Photo credit: Christina Carrieres, BC SPCA Wild ARC senior wildlife rehabilitator.

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Wildlife emergencies not restricted to Wild ARC patients

Unfortunately wildlife emergencies can happen at any time, anywhere in B.C. If you are unsure what to do if you were to find an injured or orphaned wild animal please review our information on identifying and transporting wildlife in distress, and key points to remember before you attempt to rescue.

Throughout the province there are a number of government-permitted wildlife rehabilitation centres, including Wild ARC which serves southern Vancouver Island. For wildlife in distress outside of this area, find a rehabilitation facility near you.

Photo credit: Kathy Lamb

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Fuel the road to recovery for wild animals in need

Gas fill-up: $75
Tune-up: $200
New tires: $800
Cost of rescuing and transporting a wild animal in need: Priceless.

Wild ARC rescues and transports injured and orphaned wildlife from all points on southern Vancouver Island - over 1,600 animals have been transported this year alone. Thousands of dollars are spent on fuel and truck maintenance annually. You can help our wildlife by donating a gas card of any amount today.

Send in your store receipt plus return mailing information and we’ll send you a tax receipt for the value.

To learn more about donating gas cards and other items to help animals in need, visit the BC SPCA Wild ARC gift item wish list.

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Windows: a clear problem for birds

Each year, wildlife rehabilitation centres across the province receive hundreds of calls regarding birds who have collided with windows.

In fact, scientists contend that next to habitat destruction clear and reflective sheet glass causes the deaths of more birds than any other human-related mortality factor.

Fortunately, we can take steps to protect birds and still enjoy the view.

Photo credit: Kenneth Meisner

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It’s not easy being a bear

Urban centres throughout the province are expanding into regions once occupied by black bears.

As a result, bears are being displaced from their natural habitats. Yet, at the same time, they are being drawn into towns and cities by human food sources such as compost piles, bird feeders, garbage, fruit trees and pet food.

Even in more remote wilderness habitats, bears may not be safe as our curiosity for nature and adventurous spirit for the outdoors brings us into closer contact.

Without a doubt, pressure is building and bears often pay the price.

Photo credit: Michael Beckett

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Countdown to annual photo contest September 30 deadline

Winning photos will be featured in an upcoming issue of AnimalSense and all contest proceeds go towards helping wildlife in need, like the Barred Owl above, at Wild ARC. With the exception of his picture, all the photos in this issue of WildSense are past photo contest entrants!

Enter your photos today!

Photo credit: Caspar Davis

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Paws and Claws Film Festival submissions open until October 15

Last month, we proudly announced the Paws and Claws Film Festival Soiree set for November 5. Tickets are still available. Purchase yours online today.

Now, the real fun begins as we welcome wildlife film submissions online until October 15.  This one-of-a-kind contest in Western Canada open to amateur and professional filmmakers of all ages.

Films can be submitted into one of three themes - Youth Wildlife Education, Urban Wildlife, Wild Settings - and will ideally represent the diversity of wildlife species in Western Canada and the challenges they face.

Enter your film today!

Online viewing and voting for nominated films will start October 31 with winners announced at the Film Festival Soiree.

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Wildlife Tip - Woodpeckers waking you up early?

You recognize the sound in an instant. Woodpeckers!

The repetitious strumming on dead trees and poles in the early morning hours serves two purposes. The first is to uncover insects. Woodpeckers, such as the large red-headed Pileated Woodpecker, excavate fist-sized holes in the search for insects. They use their long barbed tongue to fish out insects.

But sometimes woodpeckers will strum on metal drain pipes or house siding. They do this to make noise to establish territories and to attract mates. If this early morning jack-hammering is too disturbing, you can deter them from pecking on your house by putting up some humane visual deterrents like: Mylar® iridescent (or shiny metal) tape or a battery-operated “Attack Spider”®, sold online or at local bird supply stores and garden centres.

Photo credit: Al Crawford

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