Dear friend,

As the end of the year draws closer, we've wrapped up a number of exciting activities that support and celebrate local wildlife - like our annual photo contest and our new film festival. (More on those, later...)

It was a busy year with these great events, but it was the staggering number of wild animals admitted to Wild ARC in 2011 that really kept us on our toes. Up almost 10% from last year’s patient numbers, our wildlife facility, along with many others in the province, saw historic numbers of wildlife in need. Wildlife distress calls to local conservation officers were also up. With human-wildlife encounters on the rise, education and advocacy for wild animals in B.C. is growing in importance.

As someone who cares deeply about wild animals and their welfare, you can help by keeping informed about issues that impact wildlife in your area. I also invite you to share what's happening in your community with us – so don’t hesitate to send in your story ideas.

With appreciation,

Sara Dubois
Manager, Wildlife Services

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

Two years was too long for one Wild ARC patient

Most Wild ARC patients are in care for a few weeks, or perhaps several months if they are very young or severely injured.

Rarely do wild animals need treatment for a year or more, but one special young bird had another plan. After almost two years in care with specialized training, a young red-tailed hawk was finally scheduled for release - but just days before, she decided to leave early on her own. Months later, we received a report at the end of October and were thankful to learn of her successful hunting escapades in the area.

Photo credit: Christina Carrieres, Senior Wildlife Rehabilitator

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Dangerous exotic animals set loose and killed in Ohio - could it happen here?

On October 18, a tragic end came to 48 exotic animals in Zanesville, Ohio.

Local deputies said they were forced to shoot 18 tigers, 17 lions, eight bears and three cougars. They were considered a threat to public safety after being intentionally released from their enclosures. Could this ever happen in Canada?

Sadly, the answer is yes. Previously, several large cats in Ontario and British Columbia killed their owners. As there is no federal law prohibiting the private ownership of exotic animals, provinces are left to create their own regulations or exist with none at all.

In 2007, the BC SPCA worked tirelessly to prohibit exotic animals in the province. Within two years the B.C. government introduced new legislation and a permitting process restricting and even banning the ownership of certain exotic animals.

The BC SPCA believes that no wild animal – whether born in the wild or bred in captivity – should be a pet or used for entertainment. The new legislation is a first step in protecting exotic animals but more can be done.

You can learn more about this change and why owning an exotic animal is a bad idea.

Photo credit: Deb Borland

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Wildlife crossing

November is a peak month for deer fatalities.

Please slow down and watch for wildlife on the roads. Also, litter attracts rodents – who then attract their predators like hawks and owls that can be hit by vehicles while chasing their prey.  Be sure to dispose of garbage properly.

As the days get shorter, you may be driving to and from work in the dark. During this time, wild animals may be crossing roads in search of food, to avoid deep snow or – in the case of deer – to find a mate, and may be difficult to see.

If you come across a wild animal who has been hit by a vehicle, you'll want to be prepared with information on how to identify, rescue and transport injured animals.

Contact local authorities to remove any animals killed on the roads as soon as possible to avoid additional scavenging animals from being hit.

Photo credit: Susan Worrall

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Marine mammals under pressure

From ecotourism to pollution to fish farming, marine mammals are affected by human actions on a daily basis – in B.C., Canada and around the world. The BC SPCA recognizes the complex needs of these highly sentient and social animals, and strives to improve their lives through education and advocacy.

Explore the BC SPCA position statements on marine mammal welfare and other wildlife issues.

Photo credit: Rebecca Forsayeth

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Photo contest winners announced

The 2011 Wildlife-in-Focus photography contest closed on September 30, 2011.

With 500 photos submitted and $2,700 raised to support local wildlife, this year's contest was another great success.

Selecting this year's winners was a very difficult decision given all the amazing and diverse images submitted. We wish to thank all those who participated and invite you to join us next year!

Congratulations to the 2011 winners:

Backyard Habitats
1 - Barry Hetschko, Duncan – Sue Coleman, Limited Edition Print
2 - Richard Coulson, Surrey – Digital Photo Frame
3 - Jeff McCallum, Surrey – Wild ARC Prize Pack

Wild Settings
1 - Kevin Mazur, Victoria – Sue Coleman, Limited Edition Print
2 - Dennis McLaren, Prince George – Digital Photo Frame
3 - Vijay Vishwanathan, Vancouver – Wild ARC Prize Pack

The two first place photos featured here will also be published in an upcoming issue of AnimalSense and all winning images and honourable mentions will be online soon.

Until then, you can check out past contest winners from 2009 & 2010. All the amazing photos entered each year help the BC SPCA educate our communities about our local wildlife. Other images from this year’s contest are also featured throughout in this edition of WildSense.
 
Photo credit: Barry Hetschko (osprey) & Kevin Mazur (grizzly)

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Paws and Claws Film Festival wrap-up

Thank you to all the filmmakers and participants in the first wildlife film festival hosted by BC SPCA Wild ARC.

Ten films were selected for online viewing including Eagle Among the Swarm, What Do You Mean My House Comes With A Bear, and Experience Western Canadian Wilderness. A screening at Camosun College on November 2 in Victoria featured six of these films for our audience, like Great Blue Herons of Stanley Park, SPOIL and the exciting trailer for Midway an upcoming feature film.

Two filmmakers were honoured at the Paws and Claws Film Festival Soiree, the closing event on November 5 that included a dinner and auction along with screenings. Mike McKinlay and Jeff Turner were acknowledged for their films, Fallen Gardens and The Last Grizzly of Paradise Valley.

More...

Wildlife Tip - Help birds by choosing organic shade-grown coffee

While you sip your coffee contemplating whether you ought to maintain a winter bird feeding station, keep in mind the type of coffee you choose may have an even greater effect in helping protect birds.

Coffee plants grown in the undergrowth of the tropical rainforests provide crucial habitat for song birds where the rich biodiversity is preserved and herbicides and fertilizers are restricted. Approximately 150 bird species live on farms of shade grown coffee, whereas non-shaded coffee supports as few as 20-50 species.

Also, because the coffee grows more slowly it results in a richer tasting coffee said to be superior to commercial plantation coffee – which is good for you and good for birds.

Look for Fair Trade organic shade-grown coffee to help preserve declining migratory bird populations and support local producers.

Photo credit: Lindsey Sieben