Pacific Northwest Raptors

Pacific Northwest Raptors Ltd., known as The Raptors, runs a bird of prey centre in Duncan, British Columbia. It also has a wildlife management business. The company says it has solved human and wildlife conflicts in British Columbia and across Canada for over 35 years.

Airport wildlife programs

The Raptors has run airport wildlife programs across Canada since 2011. It works at civil and military airports. Its method mixes falconry with standard ways of moving birds off an airfield. The company says its team has carried out tens of thousands of falconry controls on airfields, including thousands next to active runways.

It describes the idea as a landscape of fear. Birds learn to avoid the site and move to other places to feed or rest. Raptors are quiet, so neighbours rarely complain, and the method needs fewer loud bangs and fireworks.

What the airport team offers

• Management programs. Day to day wildlife control on the airfield.
• Risk assessments. A look at the hazards and how serious each one is.
• Wildlife management plans. Transport Canada requires these at some airports, and the plans follow the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
• Training. Staff who handle wildlife on Canadian airfields must be trained at least every five years. The company teaches this in class and on site.

Other sites

The wildlife team also works at solid waste facilities, industrial sites and in towns and cities. Services include active management, environmental services, consulting, and help with permits and wildlife law.

Visitor centre

The Duncan centre shows eagles, hawks, owls and vultures in daily flying shows. It also runs hands-on sessions, summer camps for children, school visits and a week long falconry course.

The centre is at 1877 Herd Rd in Duncan. The phone number is (250) 746-0372.