Rescue Restricted in the Omineca - New protocols needs to be revisited! 

For the past 30 years, the BC Conservation Office and Northern Lights Wildlife Society have formed a pivotal partnership dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife, ensuring that creatures like moose, deer and bears and other wildlife receive the timely care they desperately need. This synergy has not just been a working relationship but a vital commitment to the preservation of BC's wildlife.

The Northern Lights Wildlife Society (NLWS) has raised concerns regarding a change in how wildlife rescues are approved by the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship in our region.  This  has recently threatened a well-established rescue protocol.  At this time the  mandate stipulates that each rescue of wildlife injured or abandoned (due to human causes) requires approval from a Section Head in the Omineca region which includes Prince George, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof and Fort St. James. 

Consider a scenario where a moose is hit by a vehicle late at night leaving a calf nearby. The current policy requires waiting until a Fish and Wildlife Section Head can provide approval while working standard office hours before a rescue can be enacted. This delay negates the purpose of the emergency response that some situations demand.

Historically, the protocol demonstrated high efficiency and success, with wildlife emergencies handled onsite, leveraging the expertise and readiness of the Conservation Officer Service and Northern Lights Wildlife Society. These organizations have proven they can respond swiftly, with the knowledge and care these situations require.

The primary goal should be to protect at-risk animals within the shortest possible timeframe, thus maintaining the ethical standards of conservation these organizations stand for. Consulting a Section Head for non-urgent guidance post-rescue could be a reasonable compromise, ensuring wildlife health isn’t compromised.

This petition respectfully asks that the current mandate  to orphaned wildlife rescue  in the Omineca region be reviewed.  A revert to previous protocols, or implementing a 24/7 response system, aligns with the mission of saving wildlife—promptly, efficiently, and compassionately.

Northern Lights Wildlife Society founded 1990 operates a wildlife rehabilitation and rewilding facility near Smithers, British Columbia. The organization provides care for injured and orphaned wildlife with the goal of returning suitable animals to the wild. NLWS specializes in black bear, grizzly bear and moose rehabilitation and rewilding and also participates in public education and wildlife research.

This  petition has been started by community members advocating for a return to timely field approvals for distressed wildlife.
Please sign to show your support!