Tag: City of Ottawa

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Wildlife Speaker Series this week – Whitetails

Thanks to my pal Gary (Star Whisperer) Boyle for the following information on this week’s City of Ottawa wildlife speaker.

Back in February, the City held another Speaker Series featuring an Urban Coyote expert and I suggested to them  they give me the heads-up next time a speaker comes to town. Evidently the message still never got through!

White-tailed Deer – September 18, 2014

 

Thursday, September 18, 2014
7 to 9 p.m.
Ben Franklin Place
101 Centrepointe Drive

The City of Ottawa will be holding its third Wildlife Speakers Series event on Thursday, September 18 at 7 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive. This session will address white-tailed deer.

White-tailed deer

People and deer have a long history together. White-tailed deer are valued as a game species, and for their grace and beauty, but they can also become a pest to farmers and gardeners. Motor vehicle collisions involving deer are a major safety concern, especially during the fall.

The City has invited experts from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to present information on white-tailed deer ecology and biology to improve our understanding of these wild neighbours.

Michael Gatt is the Ministry’s Senior Wildlife Biologist for our region. He has worked with a variety of public stakeholders to develop key strategies for the prevention and management of conflicts with deer and other wildlife.

Dr. Brent Patterson is a research scientist with the Ministry, and an adjunct professor with Trent University. He has spent many years exploring the ecology of deer and their canine predators (wolves and coyotes).

In addition to the presentation, there will be a nature slideshow and an environmental exposition from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place for residents to learn more about Ottawa’s wildlife, natural environment and local environmental initiatives. The City will also provide information on traffic safety (Speeding Costs You Deerly) and public health (Lyme disease).

The City will hold one more event in the Wildlife Speakers Series this year. The series is intended to increase residents’ knowledge and appreciation of wildlife and promote coexistence through understanding and respect. All of these events are free of charge.

For more information:
Amy MacPherson
Planning and Growth Management
613-580-2424, ext. 14873
E-mail: [email protected]

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Giant Canada goose cull in order

Ottawa and the NCC are scratching their heads for an answer to the burgeoning Canada goose population at local parks.

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Anyone listening to CHEZ 106’s Doc & Woody Show this morning may have overheard my interview on the goose subject, where I used the expression:

“Massive Controlled Goose Cull”

Allow me to explain…for those who think it is widespread death and carnage I am speaking of. 

By ‘Massive’ I meant a somewhat large scale operation as would be required – considering most area parks are inundated with Giant Canada geese and copious amounts of poop. This does not mean that every last goose should be eradicated; the population simply needs to be thinned out.

By ‘Controlled’ hunt, I am implying that CWS biologists and staff work with the City and NCC to establish a pre-determined number of birds which need to be harvested.

And harvested ethically I might add. None of this ‘oiling of the eggs’ stuff. 

And finally, I realize that ‘Cull’ has become a somewhat evil 4-letter word in recent months, but really, is there any other feasible way of controlling birds capable of producing and depositing 1 KG of feces every day?

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There has been some mention that ‘fish compost’ and allowing grass grow long, has had a small localized effect. But then what happens?

These opportunistic foul will simply get ‘bumped’ to another well manicured park in the area. It will be like musical chairs only with geese.

We are not getting to the root of the problem or addressing the real concern here.

 As I mentioned this morning in my interview with Doc & Woody, these birds are not the ‘symbolic’ migratory variety of goose we have traditionally grown up with. Giant Canada’s are full-time residents  and their numbers are only increasing.

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Goose culls have taken place in other parts of Canada with success, but the question remains, is the City of Ottawa ready for such a bold (yet highly effective) tactic?

What do you think?

Outdoorsguy

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Wayward moose dies in Orleans

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It was certainly a Thanksgiving Day out of the ordinary for residents in the Fallingbrook neighbourhood of Orleans, as yet another wayward moose made its way through the backstreets. 

This time, however, the City reacted swiftly and contrary to some news reports, Ottawa’s new wildlife response team was on the scene quickly. 

According to one of the City’s wildlife officers, it was evident from the onset that the 2.5 year old bull moose was already in serious trouble:

“It was apparent that something was seriously wrong with the animal. It was heaving noticeably and its back legs were in constant motion indicating abdominal pain.”

Upon arrival, the wildlife response team noted that the bull appeared wet as if it had been swimming, although they believe it to be perspiration caused from over-exertion and stress. 

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According to the City’s lead wildlife officer – who asked not to be named due to contract restrictions – the Orleans moose situation was handled well and police who were first on the scene did everything correctly, unfortunately, the story did not have a happy ending. 

The wildlife officers had hoped that, since the animal was resting in a sheltered shady spot, it might recover. That, however, was not to be the case. 

“The moose stood up once in the next hour; turned 180 degrees and lay down again facing away. It expired approximately half an hour later.”  

Although wildlife officers extensively trained in the use of tranquilizers were at the ready – none were used in the situation because of the animal’s obvious distress and because it posed no immediate danger to the public. 

There is, however, some evidence to show the young bull may have been pursued by helicopter prior to its arrival in Orleans.  The City’s lead wildlife officer wants residents to know they should never, under any circumstance, chase wildlife and he urges the public not to harass game animals within City limits. 

It is unknown at this time if the moose was, in fact, being pursued by helicopter and whether that played any part in its death. It is clear that such an act would certainly exacerbate the situation; with an already stressed and confused animal. 

If you should spot any wayward wildlife within City limits, please call the City of Ottawa immediately so that the experts may be dispatched. Dial 3-1-1 or (613) 580-2400 

Outdoorsguy