Wildlife in Burnaby

Bear activity

With increased reports of bear activity in the Burnaby Mountain area, we’re reminding park visitors to be Bear Aware and to keep all pets leashed and children close by.

Please report all bear sightings to the BC Conservation Officer service at 1-877-952-7277 or [email protected].

Learn about Burnaby's wildlife, what to do when you encounter a wild animal and how to report a sighting.

We're lucky to be surrounded by so much beauty—mountains, trails, lakes and parks. Naturally, we share this abundance with many types of wildlife, including fish, birds, beavers and more.

The City has many environmentally sensitive areas. Learn more about how we protect wildlife and manage their habitats.

Many of Burnaby's waterways are home to fish, amphibians, reptiles and aquatic insects. Some species at risk, like the pacific water shrew, red-legged frog, painted turtle and Nooksack Dace, also inhabit our waterways. We protect water quality and species by implementing rules around operational and development projects near the habitats.

Recreational fishing

Burnaby offers some beautiful spots for fishing. But ensure you remain on the boardwalks and formal trails or fishing areas.

Our city has many green spaces and parks that are home to various local and migratory birds.

Burnaby is also home to many species at risk, including the great blue heron. Any development around existing natural and forested areas that require removing or modifying nest trees needs written approval from the Permit and Authorization Bureau under the Ministry of Environment.

For more information on best practices for development around raptors, songbirds and migratory bird nests, explore the guidelines below.

Also, remember that it's illegal to feed pigeons, geese and other birds in parks.

Beavers are present throughout the city, especially on slower moving sections of streams and rivers, lakeshores and ponds.

Beaver dams create lush wetlands and ponds that form habitats for fish, ducks, frogs and other plants and animals. However, beaver dams can also cause flooding, thereby damaging crops, property and grazing lands.

They also impact vegetation such as trees and shrubs, which they use for food and dam construction. This affects the fish habitats that require shade and access to areas upstream.

The City doesn't interfere with beaver activity on public lands, where they don't pose any threat to the public or property. We only manage and control beaver activity where there's a risk of flooding and other damage to roads and structures.

Rodents like rats and mice are common pests that can pose a health and safety risk. The best way to prevent rodents on your property is to take action as soon as you see these common signs: 

  • Droppings or urine stains
  • Burrows or holes
  • Tracks or rub marks
  • Chewed food packages
  • Strange noises

Pest-proof your property

Here are some steps you can take to keep rodents away from your property. 

  • Use tight-fitting lids to contain trash and recycling
  • Remove outdoor pet food, spilt bird feed, fallen fruits and nuts from your yard
  • Clean BBQs and drip trays regularly
  • Trim plants, trees or shrubs near buildings, keep the grass short and remove vegetation where rodents can hide
  • Don't store junk or lumber near the building 
  • Cover any entry points to your building with metal screening or steel mesh, seal any cracks or holes
  • Repair leaky pipes or taps that may be a water source for the rodents

Learn more about how to manage rats and mice.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy has issued an 18-month ban on the sale and use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. Learn more.

Wildlife

Burnaby is home to many wildlife species, including bears, coyotes and deer. Viewing wildlife within an urban setting can be a wonderful experience. But wildlife can also be a nuisance or a safety concern.

If you cross paths with wildlife:

  • accessing garbage or other human supplied food
  • that's aggressive or threatening and can't be easily scared off
  • is dangerous, like cougars, wolves, bears etc. and is in a public setting like a city park or school during daylight hours

Immediately report the incident to a BC Conservation Officer:

Call 1-877-952-RAPP (RAPP Line) #7277 (24-hour, toll-free service)

Wildlife in a park

If you come across wildlife—coyotes, cougars or bears—in any of Burnaby's parks, use the following tips to keep yourself and others safe.

  • remain calm and keep the animal in view
  • don't approach or chase the animal
  • appear as large as you can by standing tall with your arms over your head
  • stand your ground–don't run or turn your back
  • pick up small children and pets immediately
  • back away slowly while talking in a loud, confident and clear voice
  • throw sticks and rocks if necessary
  • don't make unnecessary eye contact
  • ensure the animal has a clear path for escape

If a bear makes blowing or snorting noises and then charges and veers off at the last second, this is likely a defensive behaviour, so continue to back away. In case of an attack, fighting back has proven effective in some cases.

Don't feed wildlife

When wild animals start relying on human food instead of their natural diet, their health suffers.

  • If you have outdoor garbage containers, ensure they are wildlife-proof. Keep garbage in a shed or garage and use sturdy bins with secure lids.
  • Wait until pickup day before putting out your garbage, rather than the night before (animals often feed at night).
  • If you compost, use a covered composter.
  • Pack any food waste out of parks and wilderness areas and dispose of it properly.
  • Feed pets inside and store pet food inside.
  • Report people who are intentionally feeding wild animals.

  • Do not put out food to attract wildlife to your backyard.
  • Do not intentionally feed wildlife in parks or on vacation.
  • Do not dispose of food waste in uncovered containers.
  • Do not litter, especially on roadways.
  • Never attempt to care for a wild animal at home. It is illegal to keep wildlife without a permit.

The presence of avian influenza has been confirmed in Canada, with confirmed detections in BC. The BC SPCA is asking the public to temporarily remove backyard bird feeders and empty bird baths to prevent the spread of the disease. 

Bird feeders facilitate the spread by encouraging unnatural congregations of birds, and attracting other wildlife including predators and rodents. Fallen seed also accelerates the spread of disease–when birds feed from the ground, they are also exposed to droppings that accumulate below a feeder.

Nectar feeders provide a food source for hummingbirds in winter, but you must clean them regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

  • Clean feeders with a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water about once a week.
  • Change nectar solution every few days. Ensure it never freezes and can be provided through the winter season.
  • To make nectar, boil water for 2 minutes. Mix sugar (never honey) at a ratio of 1 part sugar to 3 parts water.

Other wildlife

You may encounter wildlife in parks that are not dangerous—like beavers, birds, racoons, squirrels and skunks. Regardless, these animals are wildlife and your interaction with them should still be respectful and thoughtful. Don't feed any of these species as over-familiarity and dependence on us may harm them.

If you see any of these animals in the park, leave them alone and be respectful when viewing them from a distance.

I found dead wildlife, what do I do?
To remove from your property, small deceased wild animals can be buried or bagged and put in the garbage. For larger animals on private property, you may need to contact a waste removal company for help.

To remove from streets or public spaces, please fill out our online form.

Dead birds
Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus from birds to people. Although the virus isn’t transmitted from animals to humans, avoid handling dead birds with your bare hands. If you find a dead bird with a leg band, record the letters and numbers and contact the Ministry of Environment at 1-866-431-2473.

For more information on West Nile virus, contact HealthLinkBC or the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Dead bats

White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that afflicts bats populations and is harmless to humans, has been detected in BC. Bats are essential parts of BC’s ecosystems, and they provide billions of dollars of economic benefit to North America by helping control agricultural, forest and urban pests. If you find a dead bat or have sightings of winter bat activity, please report to the BC Community Bat Program at [email protected] or by calling 1-855-922-2287 (1-855-GOT-BATS) EXT. 23.

Helpful resources

Was this page useful?

Thank you! We are glad this page helped.

Thanks for letting us know.

Limit to 1000 characters.
Response needed: