The Wild Predator Loss Prevention and Mitigation Pilot Project was initiated in August 2009 and will end in December 2011.The project is designed to reduce the economic impact of wild predators on the cattle and sheep industries in BC. The priorities are: the development of prevention measures; the investigation and verification of predator harassment, injuries, or killing of livestock; and the implementation of targeted predator control strategies (mitigation). Throughout the Pilot Project, various delivery models for the above items will be tested. The project will also deliver a socio-economic analysis of British Columbia’s past and present Wild Predator Loss Prevention and Mitigation initiatives.
The project is delivered by the B.C. Agricultural Research and Development Corporation (ARDCorp). There is a Project Manager who works closely with, and seeks priorities and direction from, a steering committee. The Steering Committee is made up of the Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O.) of ARDCorp, 2 representatives from the B.C. Sheep Producers, 2 representatives from the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA), representatives from the Ministry of Environment and from the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. ARDCorp and the BCCA have negotiated an agreement for the delivery of contracted field services by Wildlife Specialists (WS). The Wildlife Specialists deliver verification and mitigation services to livestock producers on behalf of the Pilot Project and the Predator Loss Compensation Program, administered by the BCCA for cattle losses.
Drew Carmichael, Project Manager B.C. Agricultural Research & Development Corporation, #230-32160 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, B.C., V2T 1W5 Phone 604-854-4483 / Toll Free 1-866-522-3447
Best Management Practices for Cattle Mitigating Cattle Losses -- A Field Guide for Ranchers Investigation & Evaluation of Predator Kills and Attacks More Links and Research
Targeted Predator Control A guide to Producers on options available for targeted predator control. To access the document go to www.ardcorp.ca Click on the Wild Predator Loss Prevention Tab on the left side of the screen. When that page opens click on "Targeted Predator Control" under documents on the right side of the screen.
24 hour Report Line Toll Free 1-877-952-7277 Note: If you are a cattle producer and need a predator livestock interaction verification completed for compensation, you must contact this Toll Free number.
The Conservation Officer Services of the Ministry of Environment have advised they will be taking a lead in Wild Predator/Livestock interaction files and will provide verification and mitigation services. Conservation Officer Toll Free Number: 1-877-952-7277 (24hr).
The Wild Predator Loss Prevention Pilot Project was funded in part by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. through programs it delivers on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture.