Invasive and Nuisance Animals
Invasive Animals Watch List:
The following animals are potential invaders. Their spread can be curtailed through vigilance. Please watch for, and report the location of these species.
Eastern grey squirrel
Credit: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
This large grey or black tree squirrel was introduced to Vancouver Island in the1960s.and its range
has been expanded by wildlife rehabilitation centers. It may pose a significant risk to Garry oak tree reproduction.
To distinguish this squirrel from the native red squirrel, see this SQUIRREL PAGE
Virginia opossum
Credit: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
This cat-sized animal has a long naked scaly tail. It was reported on southern Vancouver Island in 1992
and high numbers have been observed on Hornby Island, where it is a predator of native wildlife.
Bullfrog
Credit: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
The bullfrog is a large brownish or greenish frog (up to eight inches) with a skin fold around the ear. Bullfrogs are invading Salt Spring Island, having escaped from frog farms in other communities many years ago.
Bullfrogs can displace our native frogs through competition, predation, and spread of disease.
More information: HERE
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Click HERE to report a sighting.
Established Invasive Animals
The animals shown below are not native, but are well established on Salt Spring. Under the British Columbia Wildlife Act, a wildlife permit or license is not required to kill alien animals (all regulations regarding use of firearms still apply).
Rabbits
Credit:
Joe Kosack/PGC
Eastern cottontails and domestic European rabbits have been released on Salt Spring. They can easily destroy native plants
and gardens. European rabbits excavate extensive burrow systems that have resulted in considerable damage in the
San Juan islands.
Information on rabbit control:
Rabbit-proofing - Cottontail
Rabbit-proof Fences:
HERE and HERE
Coypu
Credit: Mike Kruger
The coypu resembles a rat but body length is up to 60 cm (2 feet). The tail is naked and round, unlike that of a beaver or muskrat (flattened). This aquatic South America native has a reputation for denuding stream banks and causing erosion into water courses from extensive burrowing.
Brown rat
Credit: Martin Hvidberg
Black rat
Credit: Kilessan, Wikimedia Commons
Rats prey upon native birds and can cause considerable damage around buildings and gardens.
Rat problems near dwellings can be minimized by tightly securing garbage and by avoiding the
placement of meat products in compost piles.
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Click HERE to report a sighting.
Nuisance Animals
Black-tailed deer
Credit: Alan Bibby
Reduced predation and hunting pressure have allowed deer populations to increase on Salt Spring Island far above natural levels. A recent study in the Gulf Islands showed that deer have over-browsed native vegetation and reduced the diversity and abundance of birds.
Information on deer-proofing, fencing and living with deer:
Reduce Deer Damage in Your Yard
Dealing with Deer
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