As the hankering to get in the garden starts to grow, it’s a good time to watch for wildlife in the yard, reminds an animal specialist with the BC SPCA.
“Our priority is always keeping the wild babies with their mom as they have a much higher survival rate if they stay with their mother,” said Ashley Currie, manager at Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) in Metchosin.
Feathered friends, for example, are setting up house – particularly the smallest of the coastal species, the Anna's hummingbirds, which are already nesting. Checking trees and bushes before landscaping or pruning can protect the tiny birds.
“They’re very good at camouflage, as they often coat their nest in spider webs and moss,” Currie said, encouraging everyone to take a moment to scan for signs of wildlife.
A similar scope of decks, sheds and other structures could warn of mammals looking to make a den, particularly raccoons and river otters. Both are capable of shimmying into a space smaller than a basketball.
“Start looking at those garden sheds and consider those access points,” Currie said. “Often you’ll find soil pulled away from a foundation or something like that; material moved or disturbed.”
Later in the spring baby deer will make their appearance on the landscape. While it may appear abandoned, a curled up and quiet fawn is likely safe and happy awaiting its mother’s return. Anyone who finds one should keep kids and pets clear.
“Late April, you may see deer fawns left alone for long periods, which is totally normal,” Currie said. “The best way to help is to leave it undisturbed.”
Wild ARC sees about 3,000 animals annually, with roughly 70 per cent bird species and just shy of 30 per cent mammals – the rare amphibians and reptiles make up a tiny piece of the pie.
There tends to be an influx of hundreds of babies in spring – with May kicking off the rehab’s busy season – hosting a baby shower each year to keep the orphaned and injured young ’uns fed.
“We do depend on donations for our operations. This fundraiser is going specifically to the formula and various supplies for orphaned or injured animals that come in – wild babies specifically,” Currie said.
Check out the registry online at shop.spca.bc.ca/products/care-for-wild-babies.
As the busy season stretches into September, now is also the time to recruit volunteers – the centre relies on about 200 each year.
“We really need all the volunteers we can get, and we have so many roles we can find the best fit for them,” Currie said.
Volunteers can find more online at spca.bc.ca/programs-services/wildlife-rehabilitation/volunteer-wild-arc. Folks who find a den a hair too late, or with other wildlife questions can call the helpline at 1-855-622-7722 for guidance.
“Calling first can really make sure we’re not intervening when we shouldn’t.”
