GROWLS (Gabriola Rescue of Wildlife Society)

GROWLS PAGER: 714-7101

G.R.O.W.L.S. is a registered non-profit society whose mandate is the rescue of ill, injured, or otherwise disabled wildlife and the preservation of natural wildlife habitat on Gabriola Island. The main purpose of G.R.O.W.L.S is to rescue and transport insured animals to a veterinarian or one of the wildlife recovery facilities on Vancouver Island and Saltspring Island. The long term vision is to foster the education of ourselves and our community to be more knowledgeable and respectful of our natural world.

History

In 1992, Michelle McMillan, asked for assistance to create a wildlife rescue organization. I remember thinking it would be a short term commitment , just to get it up and running. Fifteen years later, I believe that wildlife - more than ever - need us to protect them, educate others, and preserve their habitat. The irony is that our own survival is inextricably tied with theirs.

Wildlife Rescue Training Workshops

GROWLS regularly hosts training workshops for rescue volunteers..

Workshop includes:

• 1. History/Background on GROWLS
• 2. Wildlife Rescue: Human and natural causes of wildlife injury
• 3. Wildlife species: local rescue cases and seasonal fluctuations
• 4. Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre DVD (Saltspring Island, BC)
• 5. Rescue Kits
• 6. Capture of wildlife, techniques and equipment
• 7. Protocols and record keeping
• 8.North Island Rehabilitation Centre DVD
• 9. Practical session
• 10. Zoonoses and Capture Myopathy
• 11. GROWLS pager responsibilities
• 12. Discussion of case studies, euthanasia, problems that can occur.
• 13. Questions and answers

For more information please contact GROWLS

Wildlife Hazard Signs

Three signs like the one below are in the process of being placed on Gabriola Island to warn motorists of wildlife hazards while driving. Automobiles have replace wolves, cougars and bears as the large predators. Last year there were thirty-five reported calls of collisions with deer.