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 over 3,500 in 2019/20 – 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 2019/20 our statistics were:
- 3560 calls from 282 communities across Saskatchewan;
- 317 calls related to rock pigeons – largely due to the cruel poisoning of these birds;
- 160 different species – nearly one of every species in Saskatchewan;
- 42.2% of our calls were related to birds, 12.4% were related specifically to waterfowl, 10.8% specifically related to raptors, 32.8% related to mammals, and 1.6% unknown;
- All of these calls had varying outcomes including being left in the wild, taken to rehab, or, unfortunately, the animal may have passed away or been euthanized. The majority of wildlife that did require 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.
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!
