Wildlife

Humans are quite attractive to animals – it’s true! Our waste, gardens, pet foods, bird feeders, barbeques, gardens and composters all produce irresistible odours to wild and domesticated animals.

Attracting the wrong species can have serious outcomes. Preventing and avoiding attractants is the only way to avoid potentially costly damages or worse and can spare an animal’s life. Take a moment to identify and neutralize any attractants on your property.

Report all Dangerous Wildlife sightings and encounters to the BC Conservation Officer Service, toll-free at 1-877-952-7277, at #7277 on your cell phone, or via their website.

The BC Wildlife Federation has developed a new App for you to be able to have conservation at your fingertips.

You will now have the latest fishing and hunting regulations at your fingertips. The app makes it easy for users to take geo-referenced, time-stamped photos or videos and to report issues related to illegal use or abuse of our natural resources. The app works both in and out of service using your phone’s GPS. Reports are sent to a secure server and forwarded automatically to the appropriate enforcement agency. To learn more go to their website at https://bcwf.bc.ca/initiatives/conservation-app.

Garbage is one of the main reasons animals come to our neighbourhoods. There are several simple steps you can take to ensure you're properly handling your garbage and discouraging unwanted visits from wildlife:
- Place your garbage, recycling, and green waste curbside on collection day between 5:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. (never leave it out overnight)
- Freeze food waste and add it to your green can on the morning of your collection (this helps reduce odours that attract animals)
- Keep your garbage cans, green cans, and recycling containers clean (rinsing your cans and containers helps reduce odours)
- Store your garbage, recycling, and green water inside your house, garage or secure enclosure until the morning of collection
- Rinse your recycling before placing it in your curbside container

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The following resources provide in-depth information and tips on living with wildlife in BC

WildSafeBC is a program that was developed by the BC Conservation Foundation and is an offshoot of the popular and successful Bear Aware program. WildSafeBC has found that if wildlife is kept from becoming food-conditioned or habituated to the presence of humans, then they retain their natural wariness of humans and the potential for conflict can be greatly reduced.
WildSafeBC provides conflict reduction advice for all types of wildlife – everything from bears, coyotes, cougars, deer, raccoons and even rattlesnakes for those communities that have them.
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in British Columbia.
The BC SPCA promotes non-lethal methods for resolving these occasional conflicts and provides information to cultivate a respectful attitude towards our urban wild neighbours. Taking measures to prevent animals from entering your house or damaging your property can be the most effective solution to deterring unwanted animal guests. Prevention includes removing attractants to wildlife including securing household garbage and blocking entrances to houses, sheds, and barns.
The Stanley Park Ecology Society's Conservation Programs also provide urban wildlife resources to improve community knowledge of wild neighbours such as Vancouver’s nesting eagles and herons and practical information for people dealing with wildlife conflict. Our internationally recognized Co-Existing with Coyotes program aims to reduce conflict between people, pets, and coyotes by providing accessible information to the public in coordination with project partners including the BC Ministry of Environment and the City of Vancouver.

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