top of page

Wild Animals
&
What To Do When You Encounter Them

IMG_3204_edited.jpg

Living on the
West Coast

If you have ever been to the West Coast, specifically Vancouver Island, you know there is an abundant amount of wildlife that live among us. Where people go wrong, is thinking that they have come into our space, instead of the other way around. 

​

We have pushed these animals into our cities, and so many lose their lives due to trying to live peacefully among us.

​

Here at The Timeless Animal Safe Haven Network we are HUGE supporters of anyone who treats wildlife with care. No cornering them for a photo op (zoom photography is a thing for a reason), no hunting them down for trophy hunting (we understand the importance of hunting for food, with proper permits).

​

Below we have compiled a list of contact numbers that may help you know where to call based off of which situation your in.

 

REMEMBER if you are in the wilderness, you are in THEIR territory. RESPECT them and their space. 

​

​

Who You Should Call

General Wildlife in Distress (BC SPCA): Call 1-855-622-7722 for advice and triage on small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

For large wild animals in public areas: Call # 1-877-952-7277 for Conservation (RAPP hotline). Conservation will take calls for carnivores, large wildlife posing a threat to public safety or just to keep tabs on location. If needed conservation will notify Police.

Local Rehabilitation (Wild ARC): Servicing the local region, contact the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) via the main SPCA helpline # 1-855-622-7722 if you believe an animal has a chance at survival. Their hours are limited, if you are in the Victoria and surrounding areas and can transport to WAVES Veterinary Hospital, they have a drop off for Wild Arc, until they open at 8am.

Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles: Call the Fisheries and Oceans Canada incident line at # 1-800-465-4336

Local Rehabilitation (Wild ARC): Servicing the local region, contact the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) via the main SPCA helpline

IMPORTANT FACTS TO NOTE

NEVER TOUCH A WILD ANIMAL UNLESS YOU CAN SEE IT IS INJURED AND

YOUR TRYING TO HELP IT.

​

EVEN THEN USE CAUTION.

​

IF YOU HIT A WILD ANIMAL IN YOUR VEHICLE THE ONLY REASON TO CALL THE POLICE IS IF THAT ANIMAL NEEDS TO BE EUTHANIZED DUE TO SUFFERING.

​

REMEMBER TO HANDLE ALL WILDLIFE WITH CARE.

​

WEAR GLOVES.

​

USE A BOX OR CRATE WITH A TOWEL.

​

THEY MUST BE ABLE TO BREATHE. 

​

​

​​​

* BIRDS = PROTECT THEIR WINGS, KEEP IN DARK PLACE

​

* RABBITS = HEART RATE CAN SPIKE EASILY, KEEP CALM, FIRM BUT GENTLE HOLD, THEN PLACE IN A BOX.​

​

* FAWNS = IT IS VERY NORMAL FOR THE MOTHER TO LEAVE THE FAWN ALONE, IN THE BRUSH OR TALL GRASS FOR HOURS, COMING BACK ONLY TO NURSE. ADULT DEER HAVE A DISTINCT SCENT THAT ATTRACTS PREDATORS, THEY KEEP AWAY TO KEEP THEM SAFE. 

​

* BEARS = IF YOU SEE A BEAR IN THE WILD, DO NOT RUN, STAND YOUR GROUND, MAKE YOURSELF BIG, AND SPEAK TO THE BEAR IN A CALM, LOW VOICE, BACK AWAY SLOWLY WHILE STILL FACING THE ANIMAL, ALWAYS HAVE BEAR SPRAY.

 

IF YOU ARE ATTACKED

​

BLACK BEAR : FIGHT BACK

GRIZZLY/BROWN BEAR : PLAY DEAD - GO ON YOUR STOMACH AND PROTECT YOUR NECK

​

* COUGARS = IF YOU SEE A COUGAR IN THE WILD, STAY CALM, DO NOT RUN. STAND YOUR GROUND, PICK UP CHILDREN OR PETS, MAKE YOURSELF LOOK BIG, SPEAK IN A CALM AND FIRM VOICE, BACK AWAY SLOWLY ALWAYS FACING THE ANIMAL. ARM YOURSELF WITH BEAR SPRAY OR A KNIFE, ROCKS THAT ARE NEARBY IF YOU CAN.

 

IF YOU ARE ATTACKED

 

DO NOT PLAY DEAD - FIGHT WITH EVERYTHING YOU HAVE.

bottom of page