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Each 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
Natural 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
The 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 …
News Category: Wildlife
It 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) – …
Continue reading “4 Ways to help wildlife this holiday season”
News Category: Wildlife
As 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
Winter 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 …
Continue reading “How winter activities can affect wildlife”
News Category: Wildlife
Winter is a tough season for wild animals. Deep snow and freezing temperatures make finding food and shelter a daily struggle. While wildlife has adapted to the changes brought on by the season, survival is still a challenge. So before you bundle up and head outside for that last mow and rake of the season, …
Continue reading “How to create a backyard haven for wildlife in winter”
News Category: Wildlife
The BC SPCA generally doesn’t recommend feeding wildlife – but what about bird feeders? Backyard bird feeding is the most widespread and popular form of human-wildlife interaction worldwide – but did you know that bird feeders are a common place for birds to get sick? Wild ARC commonly admits birds suffering from conjunctivitis – an …
Continue reading “Get the facts on backyard bird feeding”
News Category: Wildlife
Have you spotted deer acting a little weird, and wondered what they were up to? The short answer is that the deer are stuck in a rut! Or rather, it’s rutting season. Mid-October to December is the annual mating or ‘rutting’ season for deer. During this time, male deer (bucks) become more interested in female …
Continue reading “Deer acting weird? They’re in a rut!”
News Category: Wildlife
Every year wildfires devastate lives and communities in British Columbia, putting wildlife and humans at risk. Wild animals have developed strategies to fly, run or bury themselves to escape from fires, but the change in habitat and food resources will have a lasting impact for generations. What happens to wildlife during a wildfire? Most animals …
Continue reading “How wildfires affect wildlife”
News Category: Wildlife
