With hot weather blanketing much of BC and expected to last through at least Sunday, experts are warning that high temperatures could have serious impacts on wildlife.
It will be common to see all the different species trying to stay cool during hot weather and that may include using backyard pools or even a birdbath.
High temperatures can lead to life-threatening dehydration, impact trauma and other serious health complications for animals, according to the British Columbia Wildlife Rescue Association.
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“It is important that the public know what to do in the event of discovering a heat-affected animal to help wildlife have the best chance of surviving extreme weather events,” the organization said.
They recommend that the public help wildlife by setting out a birdbath or shallow dish for the animals to drink and cool off in and be sure to refill it as it evaporates in the heat.
The bath should be no more than two inches deep to prevent drowning of smaller animals, and should be cleaned and changed regularly to help prevent the spread of avian influenza.
The organization also recommends giving the animals some shade by rearranging plants to provide shade or setting up a small umbrella.
“With last year’s heat wave still fresh on many people’s minds, more and more people are concerned about the welfare of wildlife,” Jackie McQuillan, support center leader for Wildlife Rescue, said in a statement.
“We want the public to be aware of signs of overheating in wildlife, such as panting, open-mouth breathing, ruffled feathers and lethargy.”
If members of the public see wildlife in danger, they can contact the wildlife help center at 604-526-7275.
BC wildlife can often be seen cooling off in backyard ponds or pools.
Recently, Prince George’s resident Brian Skakun captured a bear bathing in a pond along a trail.
The bear can be seen swimming and splashing around in the refreshing water.
Skakun told Global News that he has around 15 trail cameras set up in this area and enjoys watching the wildlife that he will pass by and explore.
Also, Richmond resident Heather Galbrait caught a family of raccoons playing and splashing around in her backyard pool for about two hours this week.
She told Global News that they would jump into the pool, then wrestle in the backyard and when they got too hot, they would jump back into the pool.
“They must have come in four or five times, but I couldn’t get mad because they were so cute,” Galbrait said.
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