Exotic pets to require permit

New regulation for exotic animal ownership.

Ministry of Environment.

Environment Minister Barry Penner is reminding B.C. residents who own an exotic animal, or are thinking of purchasing one, that they should be applying for a permit in order to keep that animal.

New regulations and permit application requirements come into effect on April 1, 2010 to regulate the ownership of the most dangerous exotic animals such as:

• Tigers.
• Lions.
• Venomous and poisonous snakes.
• Other large reptiles.

• [Read more]

Kootenay Pass signs to reduce caribou deaths

Wildsight and Y2Y grateful for new signs at Kootenay Pass — where wildlife and highway corridors collide, extra road caution is advised.

Wildsight and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative are applauding the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) for its recent efforts on behalf of road safety and mountain caribou protection. [Read more]

Wolf pup killed on Kootenay Park highway

Wolf killed on Highway 93 South in Kootenay National Park.

A wolf was struck and killed yesterday (September 3) morning on Highway 93 South in Kootenay National Park between the Numa Falls pull out and the Floe Lake pull out.

Resource Conservation Specialists reported the incident at 9:10 am yesterday morning. It is believed that the 34 lb female young-of-year pup was struck in the early morning hours. This is the second wolf that has been killed on the Highway 93 South this year and the fourth wolf struck and killed in the mountain parks. This wolf is not believed to be the food conditioned wolf that has been frequenting the same stretch of highway. [Read more]

Wolf killed in Yoho

Wolf Killed on Trans Canada Highway In Yoho National Park.

A wolf was struck and killed on the Trans Canada Highway 17-km west of the community of Field, 2-km east of the Finn Creek Day Use Area in Yoho National Park.

Resource Conservation Specialists reported the incident at 7:45 am this morning. It is believed that the sub-adult was hit on the highway in the night or early morning hours. The gender of the animal is unknown.

Parks Canada would like to remind motorists to obey all posted speed limits and to use extra caution when driving at dusk and dawn when wildlife is the most active. Please report all wildlife sightings to Banff Park Dispatch at 403-762-1470. [Read more]

Don't feed this wolf

Press release –

Food-conditioned wolf along highway 93 south in Kootenay National Park.

Radium Hot Springs — A food-conditioned grey wolf has been begging for handouts from motorists on Highway 93 South in Kootenay National Park.

The wolf first began showing signs of habituation in the fall of 2008 and Parks Canada staff has been monitoring the wolf since this time. This is a sad and potentially dangerous situation for people and this wolf. Thus far, the animal has not shown any aggressive behaviour, but it is not afraid of either people or traffic and has the potential to become aggressive. [Read more]

The Mystery of ‘Animal Communication Trees’ (and other cool stuff)!!

Why does a wolf pee where a bear rubs? Find the answer to this and many of your wildlife questions at the second in this year’s “Explore our World” Wild Voices Speakers Series.

Cam McTavish, Wildlife Researcher will explore his fascinating predator research in The Mystery of ‘Animal Communication Trees’ (and other cool stuff)!!

Over 15 years in Banff, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, Cam has monitored grizzly bears, wolves and other wildlife for research purposes with remote photographic equipment. His presentation highlights the surprising results of his research findings. Fascinating images of wildlife and their behaviours will try to answer the age-old question that has plagued us all… “Does a wolf pee on a tree because a bear has rubbed it, or does the bear rub the tree because a wolf has peed on it”? As an added bonus (and back by “popular demand”) Cam will discuss some scat phenomenon and will provide some stinky dead things sure to tickle your interest. Bring the kids!! Hope to see you there!! [Read more]