This is the time of year dog and cat guardians have to be especially careful where their animals go. Cats should be kept indoors during this time of year or outside only under supervision. Predatory attacks by cats on songbirds results in hundreds of birds being brought into wildlife rehabilitation centres across B.C., while it is estimated that thousands more die without intervention.
Likewise, because the majority of bird species nest on the ground, dogs running off-leash in areas not designated as off-leash areas can have a huge impact on water foul and shorebirds. Eggs and young can be destroyed by wild predators such as raccoons, rats or crows as well as by humans but dogs running off-leash near sensitive wildlife areas also disturb nests and chase parents off the nests.
Also, at this time of year flocks of shorebirds are feasting along shorelines trying to store as much energy as possible for their next flight to another staging area on the annual migrations. If the birds are disturbed by dogs on the beaches, the birds invest their energy and time into circling and not enough into feeding. The sad result is that birds that don't build up enough energy perish mid-flight.
Avoiding these sensitive wildlife areas whether you have a dog or not will help protect migratory birds and by keeping a close eye on your cat you will help save the lives of songbirds.
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