Dear friend,

With appreciation,

Sara Dubois
Manager, Wildlife Services

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

Late-fall born Red Squirrels released after rough start to life

After more than 7 months in rehabilitation care, two baby Red Squirrels were finally healthy and strong enough to be released back to the wild after a rough start to life.

The two were the only survivors of a nest born late in the season in 2011. The squirrels were very sick when found, suffering from parasitic infection which left them without fur and totally unprepared for fall and winter.

On April 30th, following intensive treatment and enriched rehabilitation, the pair were released in nest boxes in a large local park known for great Red Squirrel habitat.

Photo credit: Christina Carrieres, Senior Wildlife Rehabilitator

More...

To feed or not to feed? Wildlife feeding can lead to more harm than good

Although provincial laws already prohibit feeding certain wildlife like bears and coyotes, a wave of municipalities across BC are proposing new bylaws to further restrict feeding wildlife like deer, raccoons, squirrels, and some birds. This is good news for these animals, who too often lose their fear of people and can become perceived as a nuisance.

Mother Nature provides ample food for wild animals, even in urban areas, so it’s our responsibility to ensure we are not intentionally or unintentionally (e.g., garbage, compost) feeding wildlife. What about feeding birds? Learn more about the pros and cons of this activity, and the responsibilities that come with it.   

Photo credit: Sally Cornies

More...

Help prevent unnecessary orphans

Wild animals such as squirrels, skunks and raccoons often become more visible over the spring and summer months. As days grow longer, the females are easier to spot as they make frequent trips to and from nest and den sites to feed their young. As single parents, the mother’s health and presence is critical to the survival of these mammal babies.

Though some people enjoy watching this increased activity, others are less tolerant of wild animals on their properties and attempt to trap and move the animals or call pest control companies to intervene. Unfortunately, many babies find themselves suddenly orphaned when their mother is trapped and removed by a frustrated individual.

Find out what you can do to handle a wild family who has made your home their home.

More...

 BC wildlife photos wanted 

Show off your wildlife photography skills with our annual Wildlife-In-Focus Urban Wildlife Photography contest. Be sure to take your camera with you when exploring parks, beaches or even your own backyard this spring and summer.

Photos must be taken in British Columbia and feature free-living wild animals (not in captivity or pets) – no limit to the number of entries. Check out past winners in anticipation of the contest opening July 1, with submissions being accepted until September 30, 2012.

Photo credit: Becky Forsayeth, 2011 Wildlife-In-Focus Contest Honourable Mention

 More...

 A provincial voice for wildlife

Did you know there is an organization that represents wildlife rehabilitators across the province? Founded in 1989, the Wildlife Rehabilitators’ Network of British Columbia (WRNBC) is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to speaking up for wildlife and promoting wildlife rehabilitation.

Network members participate in an annual conference, engage in professional development opportunities, and keep abreast of relevant news and research via a quarterly newsletter and members-only website. WRNBC also meets regularly with government to present urgent concerns and issues on behalf of its membership. In turn, members agree to abide by a code of ethics and a newly developed set of minimum animal care standards.

To learn more about what WRNBC is doing for wildlife rehabilitators or how to get involved, visit wrnbc.org.

WILDLIFE ADVOCACY – Red lights can lure songbirds to their death

Generally, when you think of risks to songbirds what often comes to mind is habitat loss, pesticide use and maybe cat predation. But did you know communication towers kill millions of birds every year? According to researchers from Environment Canada and other U.S. agencies and universities, songbirds are attracted to the lights of some 84,000 communication towers across North America.

The birds, dazed and confused by the red lights used to warn aircraft, circle around the towers, eventually hitting the supporting cables or exhausting themselves. The towers kill an estimated 6.8 million birds each year. Scientists say just changing the steady red lights to blinking lights would save an estimated 45 percent of birds. What can you do about it? Write your MP to voice your concern.