Our most valuable service is the wildlife emergency hotline, which operates 12 hours per day, 365 days per year. Our volunteers and summer student employees have been trained to advise callers on how to handle a range of situations and to help prevent or solve human-wildlife conflict issues. Through the hotline, we not only improve wildlife protection but also will raise wildlife conservation awareness in Saskatchewan.
Demand for WRSOS’ services are growing rapidly as a result of an increase in urbanization and encroachment onto wildlife habitat, greater awareness of our organization, referrals to our services by local, provincial and federal governments, and an increase in societal compassion for animals. In the 11 years since WRSOS was founded, we have experienced a dramatic increase in calls – from 177 in 2006 to nearly 3,000 in 2017/18 – highlighting the need for an organization like the WRSOS in Saskatchewan.
Wildlife 911
The WRSOS operates a wildlife emergency hotline, which is monitored from 9 AM to 9 PM, 365 days per year. The hotline is managed by volunteers using a triage system, so calls are prioritized by urgency. During the spring and summer we receive very high call volumes, which may result in delays. Please review our Wildlife 911 section for information to see if there is anything that you can do to help.
Our Statistics
In 2017/18 we observed the following outcomes through the hotline:
- 33% of the callers were educated to leave wild animal alone in its natural habitat
- 19% required assistance by a local rehabilitator
- 18% required attention from a target veterinarian
- 15% were dealt with by other organizations (animal control, conservation officers, etc.)
- 5% were requests for information
- 5% had the unfortunate event of animal death before WRSOS volunteers could help
- 3% were non-responsive due to failed contact with caller
The majority of wildlife that required specialized care were injured as a result of anthropogenic conflict such as vehicle collisions, electrocution, human interference, and environmental hazards. It is our responsibility as wildlife stewards to ensure that the public understand how our actions affect wildlife and their habitat.
Note: we are working on updating our statistics. As our fiscal year runs from April 1st to March 31st, we will be updating with the 2019 stats in May 2020.
Wildlife Rehabilition
Wildlife rehabilitation involves all aspects of assessing, treating, and preparing for the release of both injured and orphaned wildlife. The intent is not to simply keep animals alive, but to return them to a state whereby they are capable of surviving unassisted in the wild. It is also important that they maintain their fear of humans.
Our goal is to minimize the unnecessary removal of wildlife from their natural habitat unless the animal is truly orphaned, injured or in need of assistance.
Education
The WRSOS aims to educate the public on wildlife issues, improve awareness about wildlife and their natural history, and to promote appreciation of wildlife in and around our communities. Our Wildlife Hotline Educators often help the public with their wildlife questions, while also encouraging the sustainability of wildlife in their natural habitat.
The WRSOS also hosts an annual educational and fundraising event, Gone Wild for Wildlife. This event features lectures, live presentations and many interesting booths. Every year you will learn something new at this family orientated event!
