Who We Are
About Wildsafe BC
WildSafeBC is a program of the BC Conservation Foundation, a registered charity that supports fish and wildlife through education, collaboration and habitat conservation.
We work with communities across BC to reduce human–wildlife conflict through hands-on learning, educational resources, outreach and local partnerships.
Each season, WildSafeBC Community Coordinators provide guidance on wildlife and wildlife attractants throughout the province.
What we do
WildSafeBC helps prevent human–wildlife conflict through:
- Our WildSafeBC Community Program
- Online guides to reduce conflict where we live, work, play and grow
- Species specific information and safety tips
- Online courses and training
- Collaboration with local governments, businesses and community members
We educate community members on safely coexisting with wildlife, including bears, cougars, coyotes, deer, raccoons, rattlesnakes and other species.
Where we operate
We work in communities throughout BC, with online resources available to residents across the province. The WildSafeBC Community Program is active in participating communities.
Don’t see your community listed?
Contact your local Member of Parliament to bring a WildSafeBC program to your area using our template.
If you are a local government interested in hosting the program, visit applications for more information.
Why we operate
Each year, people make more than 25,000 calls to the Conservation Officer Service about wildlife conflicts. These conflicts can damage property, harm pets or livestock, put people at risk, and lead to wild animals being displaced, injured or euthanized. Many of these conflicts can be prevented by learning about wildlife and taking proactive steps.
WildSafeBC works to reduce these conflicts through collaboration, education and community-based solutions, keeping both people and wildlife safe.
Our history
In Revelstoke, an electric fence was placed around the local landfill that bears used to frequent. The bears then began coming into town looking for food. At that time, 62 bears were either relocated or destroyed. In response, the community formed the Revelstoke Bear Aware Program. Today, fewer than seven bears are destroyed each year.
The Revelstoke Bear Committee and the BC Provincial Wildlife Conflict Committee asked the BC Conservation Foundation to expand the Bear Aware program.
The Bear Aware program expanded and changed its name to WildSafeBC to address and include other wildlife, not limited to bears.
WildSafeBC developed additional programming to enhance education, collaboration and community outreach.
WildSafeBC operates in several communities across British Columbia, providing support and ongoing education to community members, businesses and organizations.
Get involved
The best ways you can help BC communities become safer for people and wildlife:
- Remove or secure wildlife attractants in your yard
- Learn about local wildlife
- Request a WildSafeBC program in your community
- Take the WildSafeBC Business Pledge
- Donate to support the program
Together, we can prevent conflicts, protect wildlife and create safer communities for everyone.
Photo Credit: WildSafe BC