Pets & Wildlife

The District of Central Saanich participated in the Regional Deer Management Strategy with the Capital Regional District and other stakeholders in 2015 to reduce deer-human conflicts in the region, and focuses on agricultural areas. We continue to work with farmers and landowners.

Related documents: 

• Central Saanich Report a Deer Issue form
• Wildlife Act Permits
• CRD Deer Management

Non-migratory resident Canada geese were introduced from Eastern Canada in the 60s for wildlife viewing and hunting. These geese did not learn to migrate; instead they nest here, which threatens farm crops, damages sensitive ecosystems, leaves feces in parks and water reservoirs, and their aggression can be a problem for people and other wildlife. 

The Capital Regional District, municipalities (including Central Saanich), wildlife provincial authorities, stakeholders and farmers in the Saanich Peninsula and Metchosin are implementing a Regional Canada Goose Management Strategy.

In addition to the management strategy, we are working to find specific solutions for farmers and landowners that have been shouldering the burden of impacts from this growing non-indigenous goose population.

Central Saanich is working to control the mosquito population through public education, mosquito species surveillance, mapping, and through an environmentally sustainable control method for nuisance mosquitoes. 

See News Release - June 1, 2022 and Mosquito Abatement Program

Mosquitoes are a natural part of the environment. The biological control agent used is extremely effective in reducing mosquito numbers but it is not possible to totally eradicate mosquito annoyance in all areas. 

Eliminate standing water sites by:

• removing discarded containers from around your property

• regularly replacing water in bird baths and livestock troughs

• storing boats, canoes and other objects so that they do not collect rainwater

To reduce the annoyance of mosquitos:

• install and maintain tight fitting window and door screens to help keep mosquitos out of your home

• wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing

• don’t eat near your barbeque (since heat and moisture from barbeques attracts mosquitos)

Misconceptions about mosquito repellents and control methods

• Sound and electric devices have no repellence effects and are marketed with no test results

• Citronella (plants and candles) has no data to support mosquito control claims and the unpleasant odors do not guarantee results

• Skin moisturizing oil field tests do not support mosquito control claims and mosquitos are repelled far more by DEET than by skin moisturizer products

• Bug zappers kill mostly beneficial insects (mosquitos comprise less than 5% of their catch) and the zappers actually attract mosquitos

• Insect eating birds are not effective as ornithologists state that swallows do not prefer mosquitos and mosquitos make up less than three per cent of their diet

Insect eating bats are not effective as their diets consist mainly of beetles, wasps, ants, flies, stoneflies, mayflies, moths and grasshoppers; and mosquitos make up less than one per fect of their diet 

Mosquito magnets can actually draw mosquitos into an area to bite humans

If you have mosquito habitat that is on your property which is not already known by control personnel, please contact DUKA Environmental Services Ltd. at 1-800-681-3472.

Cougars are British Columbia’s largest wildcats. They have tawny or brownish fur, and are usually around 2.5 m in length, including the tail. B.C.’s cougar population mostly lives in the southern third of the province.

Cougar encounters are extremely rare but can be deadly, with children particularly at risk. Follow our advice for hikers, to avoid an encounter. Cougars are more active at night, dawn, and dusk.

The BC Ministry of Environment offers these tips for cougar encounters:

In the highly unlikely event that you do encounter a cougar, stay calm. Never turn your back on one and never run away. Your goal must be to show the animal you are a threat, not prey.

• Pick up children immediately. Keep the cougar in view, and back away slowly, making yourself look as large as possible.
• If the cougar shows intense interest or follows you, respond aggressively. Maintain eye contact, show your teeth, and make loud noises.
• If this does not deter the cougar, arm yourself with rocks and sticks. Crouch down as little as possible when picking these up.
• If the cougar attacks, fight back. Keep the animal in front of you and attack their face and eyes. Use anything you can as a weapon.

It is rare to encounter bears in our area, but on occasion, a black bear may wander through. You can help deter bears from entering neighbourhoods by keeping garbage secured, cleaning your barbecue grill, harvesting fruit trees, berry patches and vegetable gardens regularly, and cleaning fallen fruit off the ground. 

The BC Ministry of Environment offers the following tips for bear encounters.

What to do if you encounter a bear:

• If you see a bear, stop where you are and stay calm. Never run away. Observe the bear’s behaviour to decide on your next move.
• Check you have your bear spray and make sure you can get to it quickly, if you need it.
• If the bear has not noticed you, leave the area quietly. Go back the way you came while keeping an eye on them.
• If the bear has noticed you but is not reacting to your presence, speak softly and back away slowly.
• If the bear becomes agitated, makes noises, or seems aggressive, continue backing away slowly and talking softly. Do not run away.
• While backing away, do not make eye contact, but keep the bear in sight. Take your bear spray out and get ready to use it.
• If the bear charges, stand your ground and discharge your bear spray when they are within spraying range.
• If the bear is steadily approaching you, try to get out of their way, preferably onto higher ground.
• If the bear continues to approach you, yell at them. If they get within spraying range of you, discharge your bear spray.
• If the bear knocks you down, roll onto your stomach and lie still. Protect the back of your head. Spread your feet slightly, so they cannot roll you over.
• If the bear continues to attack, or if they appear to be predatory, fight them off with everything at hand. Focus on the bear’s eyes and nose.

Visit the BC Ministry of Environment website for more information about bear safety.