Wildlife emergencies: reporting
Identifying a wildlife emergency
Wildlife emergencies can be caused by an industrial activity, natural emergency or by a wilful act. They include any uncontrolled or unexpected incidents where there is an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the life or health of wildlife, or their habitat such as:
- a spill of contaminants
- contamination of wildlife
- outbreak of disease
- mass stranding
- other unexplained death of wildlife.
Both a polluting or a non-polluting incident may be deemed a wildlife emergency depending on:
- the number of animals impacted
- the area of habitat
- likelihood of the incident expanding
- potential for an impact on a species at risk as defined in the Species at Risk Act, or
- potential link to human health (e.g., consumption of contaminated animals).
Responding to a wildlife emergency
A responsible party is any person or organization which might be responsible for the source or cause of an environmental and/or wildlife emergency. During an incident, responsible parties must demonstrate their ability to:
- safely, efficiently and effectively respond to avoid or minimize harm to wildlife
- manage the public’s understanding of response decisions and activities
A response organization is a qualified person or organization certified and designated by the Minister of Transport to carry out emergency response activities under the Canada Shipping Act. Response organizations provide expertise and trained personnel to respond to pollution incidents on behalf of a responsible party.
Some aspects of marine pollution response are also conducted by the Canadian Coast Guard: Environmental response.
Wildlife response organizations are specialized persons or organizations that provide expertise, capabilities and trained personnel to undertake one or several aspects of wildlife response. This can include planning, implementation and reporting of activities related to wildlife emergencies. They are authorized under applicable federal, provincial, and/or territorial legislation to capture, transport, clean, rehabilitate, euthanize, and release wildlife.
During a wildlife emergency, the Canadian Wildlife Service is accountable for the management and conservation of wildlife including:
- issuing permits for activities that involve handling or disturbing wildlife (collecting, transporting and treatment of affected wildlife) under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and the Species at Risk Act
- varying or suspending hunting regulations of migratory bird species as required
- providing access to the National Wildlife Emergency Response Framework for guidance during a wildlife emergency
- providing scientific and technical expertise on resources at risk, response strategies to protect and treat wildlife, wildlife monitoring programs and impact assessments
- potentially leading or assisting with aspects of wildlife response and monitoring activities.
Where to report an incident
Pollution incidents include evident or suspected contamination of wildlife. Environmental emergencies, such as oil spills and other contaminants, should be reported to regional phone lines Environmental Emergency Regulations: reporting a spill or release
When pollution is not evident or suspected, to report dead migratory birds, including unknown cause of death and potential disease-related mortality: Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
Other incidents involving migratory birds can be reported to Environment and Climate Change Canada enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca or Toll-free: 1-800-668-6767.
Where to report sick or injured wildlife
Wildlife rehabilitation centres may receive sick or injured animals for treatment and care: Nature Canada and other local wildlife care facilities.
To report sick or injured wildlife, contact your provincial/territorial ministry:
Northwest Territories: Reporting a wildlife emergency
Quebec: Injured, sick or dead animals
Nova Scotia: Reporting fires, poaching, emergency wildlife situations
New Brunswick: Natural Resources and Energy Development | Wildlife
Prince Edward Island: Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action | Injured or dead wild animals
Newfoundland and Labrador: Department of Fisheries Forestry and Agriculture | Injured/Orphaned Animals
Ontario: Rescue a Sick, Injured or Abandoned Wild Animal
British Columbia: Report Sick or Dead Animals
Yukon: Government of Yukon | Injured and Orphaned Wildlife
Alberta: Human-Wildlife Conflict – Orphaned or Injured Wildlife
Manitoba: Animal Protection - Who to Call
Saskatchewan: Fish and Wildlife Diseases | Fish and Wildlife Issues
Wildlife-related permits during an emergency
If it is necessary to take (handle or posses) or harass migratory birds in order to keep birds safe during an emergency, and an exemption or variation to the prohibitions of the Migratory Birds Regulations do not apply, then a permit would be required. For migratory birds that are also listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), a permit under this legislation would always be required.
Under the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, there are specific instances where a migratory bird may be temporarily possessed without having a permit. Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions, Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022. There is a also a temporary variance to the regulations in place, which applies when conditions are met, for the hazing of migratory birds in environmental emergencies.
Wildlife response organizations are often contracted to undertake response activities involving direct interaction with wildlife. Some may retain annual permits that allow certain levels of immediate response. Qualifications to perform certain activities are assessed during the permit application process. Otherwise, they work with the Canadian Wildlife Service to obtain incident-specific permits. Other qualified individuals, may also apply for permits.
Permit requirements
Related links
The Canadian Wildlife Service has developed guidance to support wildlife emergencies and disease outbreaks:
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