BREAKING: @animal-justice.bsky.social & The Fur-Bearers are suing Quebec to end fur farming.

Officials admit that tiny wire cages used for minks & foxes fail to meet animals’ basic needs, but the government still refuses to act. Learn more: thefurbearers.com/blog/breakin...

We want to look into the future for Defender Radio and The Switch – and that means hearing from you! We’ve put together a short survey that will take fewer than 5 minutes and can help us know in which direction to go. Click here to get started: buff.ly/t6JHr1H

Animal law is gaining traction in Canada, and now there's a university program to match. Angela Fernandez, director of the new University of Toronto Animal Law Program, joined Defender Radio to discuss how it could reshape Canadian law: buff.ly/LxWx5K8

September is fashion month, with massive events in cities worldwide. Will we be seeing fur, or will more designers choose to go fur-free? PJ Smith, Director of Fashion Policy at @humaneworldorg.bsky.social, joined Defender Radio to talk trends, textile innovation, and more: buff.ly/en2TbYu

A cougar was tragically killed near Canmore, Alberta, leaving behind two orphaned kits - now at Parc Safari. Outcry for policy change continues. @johnemarriott.bsky.social and Executive Director of @exposedwildlife.bsky.social, Maggie Spizziri, join Defender Radio to share updates: buff.ly/4xecR05

From streetlights to skyscrapers, lighting up the night can improve safety - but it also contributes to light pollution, affecting both wildlife and humans. Tijana Selak joins The Switch to talk about the impacts of light pollution and simple changes we can make to help: buff.ly/JjECzp5

Whether it’s wildfires, floods, or even noticing the subtle quiet in greenspaces, climate grief can impact anyone. To share insights into how climate grief can impact us, and strategies to manage it, climate grief expert and author Dr. Shawna Weaver joins Defender Radio. Listen now: buff.ly/Mcbc4qR

How prescribed burns can help ecosystems thrive | CBC News Low, controlled fires, also known as prescribed burns, are being used not just for wildfire protection but ecosystem health. Many ecosystems rely on fire, and it can help germinate seeds, keep brush a...

Great overview of how prescribed burns make ecosystems work - and that TEK has known this for generations.

www.cbc.ca/news/science...

Mink fur farms are breeding grounds for zoonotic diseases. Devan Schowe of @bornfreeusa.bsky.social joined this week’s episode of Defender Radio to explain why the recent reintroduction of the Mink Virus Act to the US Congress matters, and how we can support it. Listen now: buff.ly/bo2bR0t

A cougar @johnemarriott.bsky.social tracked for years was killed earlier this year near Canmore, leaving two orphaned kits. This tragic event deeply affected John, and he advocating for change to protect wildlife in Alberta. Tune in to Defender Radio for the story: buff.ly/LGKOjR0

This week marks 50 years since Canada made the beaver a national symbol! To celebrate, I chatted with @bengoldfarb.bsky.social, author of Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. Ben joined Defender Radio to talk about the book and the impact of beavers: buff.ly/smkr5pF

A new paper from Simon Fraser University explores Canada’s most evolutionarily distinct species. Coauthor Emma Kominek joined Defender Radio to share more about the paper, how the species lists were developed, and why it's important for conservation efforts. Listen now: buff.ly/Tdf8i6w

March Break is almost here! Whether you're planning a spring getaway or a quick trip, there are plenty of ways to reduce your environmental impact. Click here to learn all about it in the latest episode of The Switch: buff.ly/rmWoWV3

In the latest Defender Radio episode, Cheryl Alexander talks about the journey of Takaya the lone wolf & the controversy over her iconic photo being used without permission. She highlights the challenges wolves face in BC & the need for policy change. Tune in now: buff.ly/DQ8xF2x

While salt keeps sidewalks safe, it’s damaging Ottawa's waterways. A five-year study shows toxic chloride levels in local streams year-round. In the latest episode of The Switch, learn how to reduce salt use, protect aquatic life, and keep winter walkways safe: https://buff.ly/435YK5J

North Atlantic Right Whales are at extreme risk of extinction. Thankfully, individuals like Sheryl Fink of @ifawglobal.bsky.social are working to protect them. She joined Defender Radio to share how populations reached low levels and the role of collaboration in solutions: https://buff.ly/4hCBoZK

Canadians throw away a significant amount of food, and the impact of this is far-reaching. Tune in to the latest episode of The Switch to discover how meal planning can help cut down on food waste, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint: https://buff.ly/3WTKfOz

Saanich council passed a resolution urging the province to tackle the root causes of feral rabbits. In addition to addressing the welfare of these rabbits, non-lethal solutions are needed. We support this resolution as it calls on the province to address the issue at its core: buff.ly/4aLiwoG

Enhancing biodiversity in urban areas is crucial - but how do we do it on pavement? Drs. Thami Croeser and Holly Kirk tackled this in their study and shared brilliant solutions. Tune into Defender Radio for insights on their study and its benefits for people and ecosystems: https://buff.ly/3EnQTWL

Report: Wildlife in Ottawa at risk from road salt use Acute and chronic toxic levels of chloride found throughout waterways of the national capital

Using too much roadsalt can lead to serious ecological consequences, like toxic water for wildlife. Check out this writeup on Ottawa Riverkeeper's recently released 5 year study: thefurbearers.com/blog/report-...

#Ottawa #wildlife #winter

My office has a jungle cat.

I don't know anything about boats, but if you have any kind of eavestrough system you could set up a rain barrel! I have one attached to a shed!

In our latest blog post, Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin dives into a fascinating new study that shows how killing coyotes might actually be contributing to a rise in populations. Learn more about the key findings and how we can achieve better outcomes for both humans and coyotes: https://buff.ly/3PSqIKh

Grow bags can be great! But they can also lose moisture reeeeeally fast. Keep an eye on that soil!

Shout out to whomever posted this up on a trailhead at Westwood Lake in Nanaimo! #podcast #blackbears #BC

For many Canadians, winter birdwatching is a great way to get outside and connect with nature. We’ve rounded up a few tips to enjoy this experience responsibly without disturbing birds or other wildlife: https://buff.ly/3POo1cJ

Cold drafts in winter aren’t only unpleasant - they can also lead to higher bills and wasted energy. In this week's episode of The Switch, learn how to identify and deal with drafts, saving you money and keeping you warm: https://buff.ly/3EdMhT2

B.C. conservation officers killed fewer black bears in 2024 but say they aren't sure why | CBC News B.C.'s Conservation Officer Service says it recorded a roughly 50 per cent drop in the number of black bears it killed in 2024 compared to the year prior.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

Good news!