Coexisting with Wildlife

Living in Sooke means sharing our surroundings with wildlife. From bears and deer to eagles and otters, our community’s proximity to forests, rivers, and the ocean creates daily opportunities to connect with nature.

With that connection comes responsibility — to coexist safely, respectfully, and in ways that protect both people and animals.

Living Safely with Wildlife

Wildlife is naturally cautious of humans but can lose that instinct when food or garbage is accessible. Once animals associate people or pets with food, it increases the risk of conflict. Help keep wildlife wild by:

• Storing garbage and compost securely until collection day
• Picking fruit as it ripens and cleaning fallen fruit promptly
• Feeding pets indoors and keeping pet food stored inside
• Using bird feeders responsibly and keeping them clean
• Keeping barbecues clean and grease-free
• Managing odours from recycling or outdoor bins

If you see unsecured waste or other attractants creating a wildlife hazard, please contact District of Sooke Bylaw Services at bylaw@sooke.ca or call 250-642-1634. Officers can help provide education and enforcement where needed to keep our community safe and clean.

If you encounter a bear or cougar:

• Stay calm — do not run or approach the animal
• Back away slowly while making noise to alert it to your presence
• Give the animal space to leave the area

To report wildlife that is threatening, injured, or causing a public safety concern, contact the BC Conservation Officer Service (RAPP):

• Call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or #7277 on your cell phone
• Online: Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP)

Dogs and Wildlife

Dogs are naturally curious — and encounters with wildlife can happen quickly. Protect your pet and local wildlife by following these tips:

• Considering keeping dogs leashed on trails and in parks unless in a designated off-leash area, such as Carter Navarrate (Off-Leash) Dog Park
• Stay alert and make noise when walking in wooded or brushy areas to avoid surprising wildlife
• Never allow dogs to chase deer, bears, or other wildlife — it’s unsafe and illegal under provincial law
• Supervise dogs outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when wildlife is more active
• Store pet food, treats, and waste securely to avoid attracting animals to your yard
• Carry a leash, bear spray, and a whistle when hiking or walking in remote areas

If you encounter wildlife while walking your dog:

• Stay calm and keep your dog close; do not run
• Leave the area slowly while maintaining awareness of your surroundings
• Report aggressive or threatening wildlife behaviour through RAPP or local bylaw services

Learn more about bear-aware practices and pet safety on the WildSafeBC website.

Supporting a Healthy Ecosystem

Simple everyday choices can make a big difference in supporting local biodiversity:

• Plant native species that provide food and shelter for birds and pollinators
• Avoid using rodenticides or chemical pesticides, which can harm owls and other predators
• Pick up after your dog to protect local waterways and habitat
• Participate in local stewardship initiatives such as invasive species removal or tree planting events

Learn More

• WildWise Sooke – Local wildlife education and community reporting
• WildSafeBC – Provincial wildlife safety resources
• BC Conservation Officer Service – Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) – Report wildlife conflicts, environmental violations, or poaching incidents