The BC Wildlife Response Team is dedicated to the rescue, assessment and release of birds and small mammals. Our team of trained wildlife responders provides response to wildlife in distress primarily in the Lower Mainland and Sea to Sky regions.
We work with community members and organizations to develop solutions to share our environment peacefully with our wildlife neighbours.
Services
We provide emergency response and rescue of injured, sick, entangled and orphaned wildlife, specifically waterfowl, raptors and small mammals. Our goal is rescue and release. If animals require additional assessment or care, they will be transferred to the appropriate permitted wildlife rehabilitator.
Examples of common responses:
- Canada geese or mallard families that hatch on urban rooftops
- Waterfowl entanglement in fishing gear, garden netting, sports netting
- Solo goslings without a parent
** For spring 2026, our primary focus is urban waterfowl –
Canada goose or mallard families in inappropriate locations for safe raising of their young. **
I think an animal is in distress
Members of the public are the eyes and ears on wildlife in our neighbourhoods. We count on your observations, photos, videos and reports to respond appropriately.
How to help:
- Stay back
- Observe from a distance
- Take photos or videos if possible, without getting close enough to cause the animal to change behaviour
- Call us at 236-485-8000
Learn about common human / waterfowl challenges here from the experts at the Toronto Wildlife Centre:
Active Nesting
We DO NOT intervene in circumstances where animals such as skunks, raccoons or squirrels are actively nesting. We encourage individuals to let the family mature and move on from the location, and then address access issue to ensure the situation does not repeat next season.
If you require a wildlife control service, we recommend searching for a BC SPCA AnimalKind service provider.
Reporting Other Wildlife in Distress
- Report all large animal wildlife conflicts to the BC Conservation Officer Service RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277
- Report all Marine Mammal disturbance or distress to the Marine Mammal Incident Reporting Line at 1-800-465-4336 or VHF Channel 16 and/or the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society at 604-258-7275
- Songbirds – call BC Wildlife Rescue Association – 604-526-7275
Support Our Work
Every wildlife response requires equipment and supplies. You can help in a number of ways:
- add us to your contacts using our QR Code
- cash donation by e-transfer to info@bcwrt.ca
- purchasing needed response equipment from our Amazon wishlist
- donate needed gear in good condition – ideas on the Amazon wishlist
- designate your refundable recycling using our link on the ReturnIt app
Community Partnerships
Wildlife response work happens in the community, with the support of the community.
The 2026 season is launched with the support of over 50 donors from throughout the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. From kennels to personal protective equipment, shelving to linens we appreciate every contribution. Every piece of donated gear is tagged with the name of its donor.
Our Return It recycling program supports wildlife by reducing entanglements and provides funding for operational needs such as insurance, telephone and cleaning supplies.
We appreciate the expertise of community veterinarians, conservation team members and other animal welfare organizations who work alongside us.
Volunteer
We are looking for team members with the following expertise:
- non-profit management or legal background
- photography / video
- occasional driver to pick up donated goods
About Us
Founded in 2025, the BC Wildlife Response Team is a volunteer-driven organization committed solely to urgent wildlife response. The team brings together skilled wildlife responders with many years of experience serving local rehabilitators. Team members include a wildlife biologist and former wildland firefighter.
Our goal is rescue and release – supporting animals that have found themselves in difficult circumstances, often due to interactions with humans or the built environment.
If animals require additional assessment or care, they will be transferred to the appropriate permitted wildlife rehabilitator. From responding to Canada goose families on rooftops to ducks entangled in fishing gear, we are here to lend a hand to BC’s diverse species.
Contact Us
Have a question, want to donate, volunteer, or need to report wildlife in distress? Reach out to us today.
📞Phone: 236-485-8000
📬Email: info@bcwrt.ca
