Update on Rabbits From UVIC Shot at Coombs Sanctuary

COOMBS — A newly fortified rabbit compound passed its initial inspection by Environment Ministry staff Thursday, saving, for the moment, more than 200 former University of Victoria rabbits.

"This is much better than it was," said Mike Stalberg, the ministry's fish and wildlife section head, as he looked at the heavy-duty wire runs and double gates at the Coombs refuge.
A report will be made to senior ministry officials before any further steps are taken, he said.
"It is an in-between situation. There's still some more work being conducted, but there are some noticeable improvements."

After dozens of rabbits escaped from the sanctuary this month, 30 were shot by a trapper hired by neighbour Barbara Smith, who fears the rabbits pose a threat to her horses, which she keeps in a field next door.

Smith is also angry that the ministry approved a rabbit sanctuary in an agricultural area.
Susan Vickery, who set up the sanctuary, was told to fix the problem of escaping rabbits or the animals would be seized by the ministry.

That would likely mean the rabbits would have to be put down because of a shortage of sanctuary space.

The temporary go-ahead was a relief, Vickery said.
"I know we have to work fast to get it done," she said.
One key to keeping feral rabbits captive is inner and outer fences with extra wire at the bottom sloping inwards.

The escape problem arose because "there was a deviation" from the original plans for two levels of barriers, Stalberg said.

That would not happen again, said Vickery, who has two people working on replacing all the fences.

"We are racing to get this up to spec and we won't bring in any more rabbits until it is done," she said.

So far, about 400 rabbits have been trapped at UVic, but the aim is to capture, sterilize and relocate hundreds more because of damage they cause to the grounds and sports fields.
Vickery is slowly recapturing escaped bunnies and pledged Thursday to step up the pace.
Around the grounds of the Parrot Refuge and in the area bordering the neighbour's field, rabbits can be seen grazing or lying in the sun.

Smith has forbidden volunteers from going onto her land to recapture rabbits. Even those on home turf are not easily convinced to hop into the live traps.

However, there were far fewer loose rabbits than seen previously, Stalberg said.
In the compound, rabbits eat hay and cut-up vegetables, or graze on thistles and grass.
Those that have not yet been sterilized are caged and the moms-and-babies are also kept separately.

"We have had five litters," Vickery said.
All females have an ultrasound before being spayed. If they are pregnant, they are allowed to give birth before being sterilized.

jlavoie@timescolonist.comRead more: http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Upgraded+rabbit+security+Coombs+sanctuary+gets+first+approval/3674672/story.html#ixzz13P8iItgW

Bed Bug Symposium Victoria 2010!

The first of its kind in Victoria and Vancouver!

We have important news about an upcoming event in Victoria. The National, Canadian, and BC Pest Associations have arranged a Bed Bug Symposium Thursday Nov 4th, 2010.

It is specifically designed for property managers, owners, care home mangers and other related management staff that may potentially need to battle these bugs.

Bed Bugs, unfortunately, are becoming more and more of an issue and are not the easiest bugs to get rid of. Precautionary measures and the knowledge of what to do if you encounter them in your establishment, is valuable information that can help make the problem easier and less costly to deal with if you need to.

Early Bird Registration discount ends Oct 12.

Here is a link to the conference brochure and Registration.

http://www.npmapestworld.org/events/documents/NPMA_Canada2010Novembermeeting_bedbugs_Version005b_Letter.pdf

Please pass this information on to any property managers or building owners you think may benefit.