Frank Ritcey
People not getting the message: Don’t trash Kamloops grasslands
KAMLOOPS – A local wildlife expert is sounding off over trash and vandalism in a…
Public outcry could save the best wildlife videos in the Interior from extinction
KAMLOOPS – An upcoming social media hiatus planned by Wildsafe B.C. coordinator Frank Ritcey will…
Hungry bears up and about looking for food in Kamloops
KAMLOOPS – Hibrenating black bears are waking up and they have one thing on their…
Rattlesnakes out early this spring in Southern Interior
KAMLOOPS – Rattlesnakes are out a early in the Thompson-Okanagan this year thanks to the…
Couches, windows and Volkswagen bug pulled from Dewdrop during cleanup day
KAMLOOPS – While the area is still in need of much cleanup, several community groups…
Thousands of birds make for spectacular sight above Kamloops
KAMLOOPS – If you’ve turned your eyes to the sky in recent weeks you may…
It’s bear season: how to keep yourself (and your dogs) safe
THOMPSON–OKANAGAN – If you haven't seen a bear in town, you just might soon. Provincial WildSafe B.C. Coordinator Frank Ritcey says the number of bear sightings was down considerably at the start of the season but have steadily climbed. Bears are becoming more visible because of the change in weather and their pre-hibernation activities. “When...
You can now watch nesting ospreys online
KAMLOOPS - The ospreys are moving in at a farm near Kamloops and a newly-installed webcam is allowing us to watch the beautiful birds make a home and raise a family without disturbing them. After the camera was first installed, a bald eagle took a look around the nest. Not what the people at WildSafe...
Watch out for rattlesnakes; they’re out early in the Thompson-Okanagan
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Sunny weather has gotten many of us out from beneath our rocks looking for some rays, and we’re not the only ones in the animal world. Warm temperatures have brought rattlesnakes out earlier than normal in the Thompson-Okanagan, according to WildSafe B.C. spokesperson Frank Ritcey. “With the warm weather, the snakes will be...
Time to put your garbage and bird feeders away
KAMLOOPS - To some April 1 signifies a day of pranks but to others, the ones concerned about the welfare of our local wildlife it's no joke. It is the day to get serious about bears. Wednesday, April 1, is the day the City of Kamloop's community bear bylaw comes into effect. The bylaw runs...
What you can do to prevent bear conflicts this fall
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Hide your picnic baskets and tuck away your garbage cans, it’s high season for bears as they look to take in about 20,000 calories per day before settling in to hibernate for the winter. WildSafeBC Provincial Coordinator Frank Ritcey says bear sightings in the month of August were more than the four previous...
Keep your dog safe when you take a stroll through rattlesnake country
KAMLOOPS - When it comes to hiking trails with your pup, Wildsafe B.C. says to keep your dog on a leash; it’s the best way to ensure its safety in rattlesnake country. “I’ve been noticing a lot more rattlesnakes and a lot more people mentioning that they’re seeing them,“ says Wildsafe BC’s provincial coordinator Frank...
Pick your fruit before the bears do it for you
KAMLOOPS – The pungent smell of garbage isn't the only thing that might convince bears to wander into neighbourhoods during the hot summer months. Fruit left too long on trees is a delicious smelling attractant and something Wildsafe B.C. recommends we deal with sooner, rather than later. Provincial Coordinator for Wildlife B.C. Frank Ritcey says fruit...