Environment

As of recent, the Park has noticed wild animals such as deer, cougars, birds and other species moving through the Park.

When wild animals rely on human food instead of their natural diet, their health suffers. If the animal is attracted by food, they may become habituated, losing their healthy fear of people, and posing risks to humans, pets, and the wild animals themselves. Feeding wildlife is also responsible for human-wildlife conflicts in many BC communities.

Feeding wildlife can disrupt population and migration pattern. Animals adapt to an artificial abundance of food, but when food becomes scarce, as in winter or when people stop feeding them, animals face starvation.

When you attract “harmless” wildlife, you can also encourage their larger predators, and animals such as rodents.

What you should do:

– If you have outdoor garbage containers, make sure they are wildlife-proof. Keep garbage in a shed or garage and use sturdy bins with secure lids.
– Wait until pickup day before putting out your garbage, rather than the night before.
– Feed and store pet food inside.
– Report people who are intentionally feeding wild animals to Conservation 1-877-952-7277.

What you shouldn’t do:

– Do not put out food indiscriminately to attract wildlife to your backyard.
– Do not intentionally feed wildlife in the park.
– Do not dispose of food waste in uncovered containers.
– Do not litter, especially on roadways.
– Never attempt to care for a wild animal at home. It is illegal to keep wildlife without a permit.

Cultus Lake Park appreciates your cooperation and support of our natural ecological habitats.