As autumn arrives and days grow shorter, the BC SPCA is urging drivers to be more cautious on the roads to protect nighttime wildlife.
The organization notes that this season often results in an increase in owl injuries and admissions at the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) on southern Vancouver Island.
“Owls are especially vulnerable right now because they hunt in low light,” explained Dr. Andrea Wallace, the BC SPCA’s manager of wild animal welfare.
“As the days get shorter and people commute in the dark, owls are often out hunting near roadsides for small rodents like mice and shrews. That puts them at greater risk of vehicle collisions.”
Last year, 18 owls from four different species and three red-tailed hawks received treatment at Wild ARC after being hit by cars. Many of these birds came in with serious injuries, such as broken wings, fractures, and head trauma.
Roadside litter makes the problem even worse. Food scraps thrown from vehicles can attract rodents, which then draw predators like owls closer to traffic. When animals learn to connect roadsides with easy food, their chances of a collision increase significantly.
The BC SPCA is asking the public to dispose of trash, compost, and recyclables properly. They also suggest taking steps to help reduce wildlife collisions which includes:
- Pay attention to wildlife warning signs, which mark known hotspots
- Avoid throwing food scraps, such as apple cores or banana peels, out the window
- Reduce speed in low-light conditions, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active
- Watch for the reflection of animal eyes along road shoulders
- Stay alert for flashing brake lights ahead, which may indicate wildlife on the road
Wild ARC staff stress that honking or flashing lights at wildlife does not deter them and may instead cause panic, increasing danger for both the animal and the driver.
“With a little extra care behind the wheel, drivers can help prevent needless injuries and deaths for some of BC’s most iconic wildlife,” said Dr. Wallace.
