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SPCA Ask Drivers To Be Cautious Driving At Night – Watch For Pedestrians …. And Wildlife

Fraser Valley/Victoria- A recent increase of owl patients at the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) on Vancouver Island showcases how dangerous this time of year can be for nocturnal wildlife.

This is a very risky time for owls who like to hunt in low light. Wild ARC has seen an increase in owl patients, and more are sure to come as the daylight hours continue to dwindle.

(Note the Valley has its fair share of owls, let alone geese, and other nocturnal birds and animals.)

“As the days get shorter and people commute to and from work in the dark, nocturnal animals like owls are also active at these times, hunting near roadsides for small rodents like mice and shrews,” says BC SPCA chief scientific officer Dr. Sara Dubois.

“As a result, they are at higher risk from vehicle collisions during this time of year, and we encourage those on the road to exercise extra caution when driving.”

It’s an effect that Wild ARC sees year-over-year. In 2016, this short-eared owl, a rare patient at Wild ARC, was found by the side of Metchosin Road (Victoria) with a severely broken wing, after being hit by a vehicle.

The owls in care may need surgery to pin and stabilize broken bones, and are often in Wild ARC’s care for several weeks as they heal and recover.

Care for a broken wing includes medication for pain, to prevent infection and to promote healing, specialized staff care including hand-feeding and therapies to help rehabilitate the wing, and flight testing before release. If all goes well, the owls will be returned to the wild when they are fully recovered.

Here are some steps drivers can take to avoid collisions with wildlife:

  • Pay attention to wildlife warning signs, as these do indicate wildlife collision hot spots;
  • Stay within the recommended speed limit, and reduce your speed in areas of limited visibility;
  • Be vigilant and scan the road shoulders for animals, particularly at dawn and dusk;
  • Keep an eye out for shining eyes on the side of the road, highlighted by your headlights;
  • Watch for flashing brake lights on the car ahead, possibly indicating wildlife on the road; and
  • Do not honk or flash your lights at wildlife – rather than warning them away, this will only startle them or potentially cause them to panic and bolt into further danger

Owls are often drawn to roads because their prey is there to eat litter thrown out of cars. You can keep also help by disposing of your trash, recyclables and compost at home or in an appropriate receptacle.

Courtesy BC SPCA

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