Urban Wildlife

In Vancouver, the opportunity to see 'wild' animals venturing into one's back garden or down the roads, from coyotes and rascally raccoons that raid garbage bins to black-tailed deer and skunks, is an all too-common occurrence. With frequent contact with humans, this urban wildlife gets bolder and bolder. Raccoons and squirrels begging for food is a sight that is very often seen in Stanley Park and, while 'cute' to many people, these animals should be left alone. Their wildness should be respected, as should their teeth. They can, and sometimes will, bite humans that get too close.

A raccoon ventures into a drain pipe.
Photo by James Humphrey

Stewardship Programs

Through stewardship projects SPES seeks to enhance local habitat and to increase public education and awareness of some of the creatures that coexist with us on a daily basis.

SPES currently has active projects concerning the enhancement of the local habitat for herons and eagles. As well, SPES is limiting the habitat of the local coyote population by educating people on how best to coexist with coyotes. Through research, education and advocacy SPES is actively limiting conflict between humans, their pets and coyotes.