Fire Affected Wildlife Needs (FAWN)

TRACS has banded together with local individuals to create and operate an interim emergency program to feed and support ungulates, such as deer, in the Central Okanagan affected by the Okanagan Mountain Park fire of 2003.

During the fire some animals were destroyed because they had been burned, and some swam the width of Okanagan Lake to escape the flames. Many animals have been orphaned, and there are those that are presently starving. The wildlife, whose habitat was destroyed by the fire, is now facing a difficult winter with little food and shelter. Their residence of the Okanagan Mountain Park and surrounding area now resembles a war zone.

A bad winter, combined with a lack of habitat for the deer, elk, and sheep, could lead to a large number of animal deaths in the South Slopes near Kelowna. As well, it is hoped that providing food will lessen conflict in the urban interface areas that occurs when wildlife travels into human-populated areas in search of food. The feeding stations have been successful.

You can help us promote this message by joining FAWN, donating to the cause or volunteering your time. Contact us at tracs@shaw.ca.

Photo credit: Helen Schiele