City parks provide important habitat for wildlife. Natural and semi-natural green spaces are important areas that provide food, water and shelter for wildlife, especially for small mammals and birds.

Many species of wildlife live in urban parks and spaces. Some are locally abundant and live in the area year-round. Opportunistic species such as raccoons, black squirrels and Canada Geese have adapted well to urban life and survive on garbage and food provided intentionally or unintentionally by humans. Many are migratory, using the available habitat for short stays or as rest stops along their route. Other species such as the Pileated Woodpecker and Northern Flying Squirrel are increasingly rare or uncommon throughout their range. Still other species, such as Coyotes , have made significant appearances in Vancouver in recent years. There have also been several incidents in which beavers have attempted to colonize local water features.

Although the responsibility for wildlife falls outside the jurisdiction of municipal government, the Vancouver Park Board deals with many wildlife issues within their boundaries. Municipal governments do not have statutory responsibility for wildlife but municipal by-laws may affect the well-being of wildlife. For example, established by-laws related to the indiscriminate feeding of problem wildlife and leash laws for domestic pets can all play a role in the protection of native wildlife.

There are many challenges associated with the protection and enhancement of wildlife in urban areas. A 1995 draft document, Wildlife in the City, identified several areas for a Park Board wildlife program. Although our resources are currently limited the work outlined in this report is carried out by park rangers and wildlife personnel.

Stanley Park Heronry

A magnificent Great Blue Heron colony took up digs in a copse of trees near the Park Board Administration Office in 2002. Ever since then the heronry has been growing, with over 170 active nests recorded last year which are expected to fledge over 200 chicks in a normal season. In May 2006 the Park Board approved in principle the Stanley Park Heronry Management Report  which included a Management Plan  identifying the operational guidelines of stewardship and wildlife management for this important bird species protected by the federal and provincial governments. Learn more about the Herons return to Stanley Park in mid-February and visit the Stanley Park Ecology Society web site for update nesting information!

March 20, 2006 Feature Story - "Herons Wing Back to Stanley Park"

Species and Habitat Inventory

• maintaining wildlife observations and records made by staff and public; and
• compiling background wildlife information from City parks, municipal lands.

Interpretation and Education

• providing advice and planning, organizational and technical support for interpretation and education programs in City parks;
• raising awareness of by-laws related to environment and educating people about how to behave towards wildlife i.e. by-laws related to feeding of wildlife; and
• providing information on urban wildlife enhancement to City staff, developers and the public.

Wildlife Control

• managing and coordinating regular wildlife control programs i.e. Canada Goose management;
• providing advice to homeowners concerning wildlife problems (i.e. raccoons, skunks in backyards, pigeons, crows, etc.);
• responding to wildlife incidents in City parks on a call-out basis;
• monitoring wildlife in City parks; and
• urban wildlife coexistence information: www.stanleyparkecology.ca/programs/conservation/urbanWildlife/

Wildlife and Habitat Enhancement

(in conjunction with community groups)

• participating in enhancement of urban streams; and
• constructing and installing nest boxes for birds and bats in City parks.

Emergency Response

• reponding to wildlife emergencies on City lands i.e. orphaned or injured animals;
• training and participation, as required, in emergency response to events involving wildlife that is potentially dangerous to humans i.e. Co-Existing with Coyotes Program; and
• assisting with programs to train volunteers in emergency response procedures i.e. oil spill response.

Wildlife Studies

• providing assistance and information, as required, to individuals involved in wildlife studies in City parks; and
• providing guidance for groups and working with volunteers concerned with environmental stewardship in City parks.

Currently developing best practices procedures for use by staff working in wildlife sensitive areas.

Wildlife management is a shared responsibility. Park staff work closely with staff of the Canadian Wildlife Service, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection and the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD).

We also work closely with community groups such as the Co-Existing with Coyotes Program, run by the Stanley Park Ecology Society. This is a valuable program that couples public awareness with a humane approach to dealing with coyotes in the urban environment. Multilingual brochures and posters, as well as local sighting reports are available at: www.stanleyparkecology.ca/programs/conservation/urbanWildlife/coyotes/

Working for environmental quality is everyone's responsibility. The Vancouver Park Board is working to develop management plans for wildlife that can be effectively integrated with those of senior governments to ensure environmental protection and to maintain biological diversity.

Websites and Contact Numbers

Canadian Wildlife Service	(604) 940-4700
BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection	(604) 582-5200
Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD)	(604) 432-6350
Stanley Park Ecology Society (Co-Existing With Coyotes)	(604) 681-9453

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