February 6, 2025The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is setting its sights on a bold future for animal welfare in the province with the launch of its new 2025-2030 strategic plan. With an emphasis on tackling the root causes of animal suffering, while continuing to act as a safety net for …
Continue reading “BC SPCA aims to tackle root causes of animal suffering with launch of its new 2025-2030 strategic plan”
News Category: Adoption, Animal cruelty, Farm, Pet care, Wildlife, Youth
January 31, 2025Love 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 …
Continue reading “‘Owl’ always love you – and other animals who mate for life”
News Category: Wildlife
January 21, 2025Another incredible year at the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) has come to an end! While staff are already preparing for the busy season ahead, let’s reflect on some notable cases and hard work that went into treating wild animals last year. Thanks to the dedication of staff, volunteers and our community, …
Continue reading “Wild ARC year-in-review – 2,043 animals treated in 2024”
News Category: Wildlife
January 16, 2025Each winter, our Animal Helpline receives calls about deer with winterkill. But what is “winterkill” and what can be done about it? “Winterkill” is an often fatal condition in deer. It’s caused by any combination of poor nutrition, parasites and a late birth. Deer affected by winterkill may look very weak, thin and lose their …
Continue reading “The winter woes of winterkill in deer”
News Category: Wildlife
December 5, 2024Natural food sources like insects and nectar-bearing flowering plants are in short supply in winter. Nectar feeders can provide a reliable food source for hummingbirds, but they’re a big commitment. If you commit to winter feeding, you must commit fully. Non-migratory hummingbirds may come to rely on this food source and will suffer if it …
Continue reading “Keeping hummingbirds safe in winter”
News Category: Wildlife
November 25, 2024Feeding 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. Even unintentional wildlife feeding can cause problems. Wild animals who get used to a hand-out will often take the easy route despite ample natural foods being available …
Continue reading “Don’t feed wildlife: It can do more harm than good”
News Category: Wildlife
November 25, 2024The BC SPCA’s Wild ARC in Metchosin is collaborating with a Royal Roads University (RRU) Master’s student on a post-release monitoring study of orphaned raccoons that were in care over the summer. Overseen by wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Adam Hering, the study began in September 2024, with nine of Wild ARC’s juvenile raccoons fitted with GPS/radio …
Continue reading “New study aims to understand what happens to orphaned raccoons after Wild ARC releases them back into the wild”
News Category: Wildlife
November 22, 2024It may feel as though we just left the warm days of summer behind us, but the winter holiday season is fast approaching. While you’re busy making things merry and bright in the coming weeks, there are lots of ways to incorporate wildlife – and your local wildlife rehabilitation centre (such as BC SPCA’s Wild ARC) – …
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News Category: Wildlife
November 10, 2024As the temperatures plummet and the wind grows icy, we sometimes wonder how we’ll ever survive until spring! The winter months pose many challenges not only for companion and farm animals, but for wildlife as well. Luckily they – just like us – have developed strategies and adaptations to help them make it through the chilly …
Continue reading “Got the cold weather blues? Wild animals do too!”
News Category: Wildlife
November 3, 2024Winter is already a harsh season for wild animals, and we can unknowingly add to their troubles. Activities like snowmobiling, heliskiing, or even just skiing and snowboarding can disturb wildlife, forcing animals to search out new places to eat and rest at a critical time when they are already under stress. Outdoor activities Before you …
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News Category: Wildlife