March 7, 2024UPDATE: Health Canada has announced a complete ban on strychnine use in Canada after consulting the public and stakeholders. All uses of strychnine will be illegal by September 7, 2024 and all registrations of strychnine will be cancelled. While this decision is a very positive outcome for animal welfare, this ban does not apply to …
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News Category: Take action, Wildlife
March 1, 2024While achieving that crystal-clear window is satisfying for a homeowner, for birds, it’s a death trap – to them, it’s hardly visible at all. There is no set season, day or time when birds are safe from window collisions, and migratory birds are especially vulnerable. In Canada, as many as 16 to 42 million birds are …
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News Category: Wildlife
March 1, 2024More than 9,760 species of wild animals and plants are critically endangered, while over 40,000 are endangered or vulnerable. This means big trouble worldwide, with so many species potentially threatened with extinction. World Wildlife Day 2024 is focused on recovering key species for ecosystem restoration. To reverse the fate of the most critically endangered species, …
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News Category: Wildlife
February 12, 2024Whether it’s out on a hike or in your own backyard, wild animals and pets don’t belong together. Encounters can be scary and quickly become dangerous – for the wildlife and your pets. Read our pets and wildlife brochure (PDF). You can keep pets and wildlife safe this summer by taking these simple actions: Leash …
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News Category: Wildlife
February 8, 2024Love is in the air – and not just for humans! February marks the beginning of many wild animals’ mating season, many of them looking for a life-long mate. Did you know these B.C. animals mate for life? Barn owls Male and female barn owls often mate for life and may regularly use the same …
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News Category: Wildlife
January 23, 2024As we say goodbye to 2023, the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) is already preparing for this year’s busy season. Thanks to the dedication of staff, volunteers and our community, Wild ARC was able to care for 2,132 animals last year from 131 different species, each with their own unique diet, treatment …
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News Category: Wildlife
January 23, 2024What happens when someone can no longer keep their exotic pet? Unlike cats or dogs, exotic pets can’t be brought to just any animal shelter. Many shelters don’t have the facilities or expertise necessary to provide for their needs. Few rescue groups take in exotic animals, and those that do are often already at capacity. …
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News Category: Wildlife
December 14, 2023Feeding wildlife can seem like an enjoyable way to connect with nature, but it can often lead to serious problems for species like squirrels, raccoons, deer and bears. Wild animals who get used to a hand-out will often take the easy route despite ample natural foods being available – even in urban areas. You might …
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News Category: Wildlife
November 29, 2023The BC SPCA is aware of sightings and reports of a purported wolf-dog hybrid in the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), including a recent situation involving a young French Bulldog who was allegedly killed by the animal while walking on leash with its owners. With limited information on the animal and recognizing that the Society …
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News Category: Wildlife
November 20, 2023When wandering the aisles in a pet store, looking at all the tidy, brightly lit displays of lizards, frogs, snakes and tortoises for sale, the harms of the global wildlife trade can seem like a distant reality. Yet the truth is that there’s a link between those animals behind the glass and the suffering of …
Continue reading “5 reasons to care about the exotic pet trade”
News Category: Wildlife