Backlash over rescued squirrels worries SPCA

Louise Dickson
Times Colonist
Friday, August 19, 2005

The manager of Wild ARC is worried people will withdraw their financial support after learning the B.C. SPCA's animal rehabilitation centre cares for and releases invasive grey squirrels.

"A lot of people are phoning in concerned that we're releasing grey squirrels," Sara Dubois said Thursday.

"People thought we didn't recognize the biological impact. But we want to let everyone know we are very aware of it. We know how detrimental they are to the native red squirrel and bird populations and we have been working with the Environment Ministry to find a solution."

The centre relies on public support to care for about 1,600 animals a year. It is bound by its ministry permit not to release non-native species to the wild. On Wednesday, however, Dubois said the centre releases about 60 grey squirrels each year.

"We haven't been given another option at this time," said Dubois,

Bob Hooton, head of fish and wildlife for the Environment Ministry, said it is an offence under the Wildlife Act to fail to comply with the conditions of the permit.

"But let's be realistic, we're not going to lay the heavy hand of the law on Wild ARC," said Hooton. "We're going to try and find an amicable solution that we can afford."

Dubois and ministry staff have discussed the possibility of sterilizing the rodents. Euthanasia is not an option for the humane organization, said Dubois, who took calls Thursday from people saying, "Just kill them."

Sterilization is an option, said Hooton. But he doubts the ministry has the resources for it. It would be unfortunate if people withdraw their support from Wild ARC, said Hooton.

"I'd hate for that to happen. They provide a very useful service to the public and to wildlife."

Brad Anholt, UVic biology professor, said he's not sure any researcher has studied the impact of the grey squirrel, but it looks as if it is replacing the Douglas (native red) squirrel. He said Wild ARC's work in releasing the invasive grey squirrels might be irresponsible.

"Should we just go into the Victoria Art Gallery and throw out a bunch of Emily Carr's paintings and replace them with something else? We're talking about a piece of heritage that's been lost.

"To me these things are basically rats with a PR team."

Anholt said he would have no problem humanely euthanizing an injured baby grey squirrel.