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UNLESS SOMEONE LIKE YOU CARES A WHOLE AWFUL LOT, NOTHING IS GOING TO GET BETTER IT'S NOT - Dr. Seuss
Warning! This is the real life, non media Disney version! Animals kill people, on purpose or unintentionally through transmission of diseases. People kill animals, on purpose, and also unintentionally through collisions, habitat loss, and accidental poisoning. Animals also kill other animals.
The humanity in us does not want to see countless avoidable deaths every year. We have the knowledge and resources to do something about this but it's up to you, the user of the environment to learn the small changes that make a huge impact. Every individual life, both human and animal, is worth this change.
While some individuals opinion may disagree with the death of animals all together, we represent a balanced, scientific approach.
We present the science of what is currently occurring in the outdoor world, not opinion or feelings. While every species is unique and special, there's a few groups in the Okanagan Valley you should be aware of for your sake, and theirs!
These guys need our help! Find out what you can do!
Endangered Species
They weren't born bad, they just weren't supposed to be born here. They're hurting the local Species and can't be relocated.
Invasive Species
They're in your garden, they're breaking into your house, they just wrote off your new truck. Urban Wildlife Species are all around us and we need to learn how to live together.
Urban Conflict Species
Don't be scared, be aware! Get educated. Whether it's in their scat or their bite, some Species pose a significant risk to human health.
Human Health Risk
The U.N Bushmeat Sourcebook is the best global reference why wildgame is so good in our diets and necessary as a food source around the world! Take some pressure off the commercial food industry and self sustain yourself with a freezer full of GMO free, locally fed meat.
Wild Game Species
British Columbia has an amazing collection of fur bearing species! That means they are managed by Stewards of the Land and can be trapped with a B.C Fur Trappers License. If you think they're adorable and shouldn't be killed please click here to learn more about wildlife management.
Fur Bearing Species
Aside from learning about the animals, there are other facts relating to local wildlife you really should be aware of...
Organizations working to protect our Wildlife
Volunteer
Aside from the frustrations of Urban Wildlife Conflicts or the fear of dangerous predators, we really love animals! Due to a great amount of misinformation we are here to help you find what you need in regards to Wildlife in the Okanagan.
Found an animal?
Dead
Alive
Needs Help
B.C. Wildlife Rule # 1 - All Wildlife is property of the crown. Think Robin Hood, and that's the Kings' deer. Anything relating to wildlife is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. They make the laws based on science.
Know The Law, Ignorance Isn't An Excuse
Due to laws being based on science, the more data the better! The BEST thing you can do as an individual to help wildlife is report it! Be a Scientist in your Community and on your Journeys and report Wildlife sightings today!
Dead
Do You Want To Keep It?
Ewww NO! Make it Go Away
Some species are absolute No Keepers, Eagles or Loons for instance. Invasive species have a green light with no documentation required. Any other species requires a paper trail to help protect against the illegal possession of wildlife. Contact Front Counter BC for a General Wildlife Permit
Municipalities and highways divide the responsibility of removal of dead wildlife. Please be respectful and take the lesson learned which is typically, slow down and look for wildlife!
Is it dead but already Taxidermied? Many people find taxidermied wildlife at yard sales, thrift stores, and departed loved ones possessions. If you do not possess a papertrail for that animal you are technically in illegal possession of wildlife. Don't worry there's a solution!
The government is trying to do their job protect wildlife. There are a few hoops to jump through, but it is possible to attain a possession permit through Front Counter BC.
Due to laws being based on science, the more data the better! The BEST thing you can do as an individual to help wildlife is report it! Be a Scientist in your Community and on your Journeys and report Wildlife sightings today!
Alive
Do You Want To Keep It?
Of course you do! They're adorable! However based on current legislation it is against the law to possess wildlife. Seriously! Bring that little snake or frog home from your camping trip and you've broken the law. While Conservation Officers are wonderful, kind people working to protect wildlife, they can also be extremely stern when enforcing the law.
Help! Make it Go Away
If it's a threat to human health the B.C. Conservation Office Service is contacted for assistance.
If it's not damaging your health, just your garden, home, or vehicle, you will require the services of a Wildlife Control Specialist/ Trapper. If it's a local species, it can typically be relocated (only by a license trapper). If an invasive species or ill it must be euthanized.
They're cute but not cuddly...
But that costs money and I can do anything!
Awesome! Ya you can do it!
Live traps are sold in stores and can be used for the protection of private property. If successful, congratulations! Now what? B.C Wildlife Laws State Transportation of wildlife
37 A person who ships or transports in British Columbia, or engages another person to ship or transport in British Columbia, wildlife or fish or parts of them, except as provided by regulation, commits an offence.
That means you cannot take that critter for a drive anywhere to release it without being properly permitted.
Then what are you supposed to do?
Well you got yourself in this pickle by catching it and here's how you get out.
Cover the trap to avoid stress or sun exposure to the animal.
** Research the species!! If you think you're being kind by spraying/ cooling an underground species with a hose, you are in fact waterboarding the poor creature because they get their hydration from the food they eat.
***
The job is simple, advice is found online, just secure your home. Block entry ways, remove food attractants. Then the animal is released on the spot without having been transported.
It's not dead yet! Help!!
Alive
HELP!!
Depending on the species there are several ways wildlife in the Okanagan Valley can be helped.
Owls & Raptors
North Okanagan Contact for OWL
Paul Christie - (604) 377-0379
Owls & Raptors
South Okanagan Rehabilitation Center for Owls, South Okanagan
Western Rattlesnakes
Free service to relocate Endangered Western Rattlesnakes
If it's something else and you're unsure, call the R.A.P.P line and find out. Sometimes lucky critters in need catch a ride to the Kamloops BC Wildlife Park for rehabilitation!
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