B.C. SPCA photo contest brings wildlife into focus

The B.C. SPCA has launched its 11th annual Wildlife-In-Focus photography contest. 

The goal of the contest is to celebrate the diversity of wildlife species living in our province, according to a B.C. SPCA media release.

The first prize will be awarded to one photo from each category (Backyard Habitats and Wild Settings) and will be published as a feature in a future issue of AnimalSense magazine, plus winners will receive a gift item. Second and third prizes will be awarded and may include gift certificates and gift items.

Judges will evaluate the submissions based on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact and artistic merit. In addition to the top three picked by the judges, anyone who makes a donation can vote for the People's Choice Award. 

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This #WorldPestDay we’re sharing tips on how to prevent skunks, mice, and other wild animals from taking up residence in your home:? ? Store food in rodent-proof containers? ? Don’t leave pet food outside? ? Clean fallen fruit from trees? ? More at: animalkind.ca/urban-wildlife/ (link in bio)? ? Already have a pest problem? Contact an AnimalKind accredited humane pest control company to help: animalkind.ca/pestcontrol ? ? Have you had an encounter with urban wildlife? How did you handle having raccoons under the porch or birds nesting in your chimney?? ? #BCSPCA #AnimalKind #Wildlife #AnimalWelfare #Humane #skunk #racoon #mice

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Jun 6, 2019 at 7:00am PDT

The top 52 photos will be featured on a deck of playing cards.

“Every deck of cards sold and all photo entry donations support the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre, which cares for more than 2,800 orphaned and injured wildlife every year,” B.C. SPCA specialist Erin Ryan in the release.

B.C. is home to more than 1138 species of vertebrates, including 488 bird species, 142 mammal species, 18 reptile species, 22 amphibian species, 83 freshwater fish and 368 saltwater fish species. The provincial government has legally designated three species as endangered: the Burrowing Owl, American White Pelican and Vancouver Island Marmot.

The contest runs until August 31 and anyone 14 years or older can submit their photography capturing any local wildlife.

To enter a photo or donate to vote, click here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Brie Welton or call (250) 801-9235 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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