As boating and kayaking season carries on, people out on the water are being reminded that local wildlife are also there to enjoy the great outdoors.
On Aug. 26, Wild Wise Society took to Facebook to remind visitors not to disturb native wildlife such as seals.
"Over the last few weeks, our volunteers have noticed concerning behaviour in the Sooke Basin, kayakers and paddle boarders approaching seals at very close range to take cell phone photos," reads the post from Wild Wise Society, a volunteer run organization in Sooke committed to reducing human-wildlife conflict and fostering coexistence through awareness and education.
On Facebook Wild Wise explained that this year maternal separation had been an issue for many seal pups, whose mothers will often leave them ashore to forage. When these pups are approached, touched or disturbed, it may cause stress and prevent the mother seal from returning.
"We understand that we are in peak tourism season and many visitors don't understand how to conduct themselves respectfully around wildlife," Said Wild Wise President Mollie Cameron, who explained volunteers had observed visitors coming as close as five feet to the seals to get photos, visibly distressing them.
"Our volunteers attempted to provide education to these individuals and were met with hostility, and individuals claiming they were being respectful and continued to do what they were doing. It was disappointing."
In response to these interactions and concerning behaviour, Wild Wise developed a brochure that is being displayed across Vancouver Island with information on how to respect wildlife when visiting these natural areas.
They ask that visitors keep a safe distance, and do not touch, feed, or move seal pups.
If a seal pup appears sick, injured, or has been alone for some time, Wild Wise asks people to call the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society at 604-258-SEAL or Fisheries and Oceans Canada at 1-800-465-4336.
