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Coexisting with wildlife on campus

UBC’s Vancouver campus is home to a rich diversity of wildlife—coyotes, raccoons, birds, and more. These animals are part of our shared environment and contribute to campus biodiversity. UBC Facilities does not manage wildlife populations. Instead, we support safe co‑existence through education, stewardship of buildings and grounds, and by directing the community to the right resources. Wildlife are not “pests”; they are a natural and important part of the ecosystems that existed long before the university was built.

Report a wildlife incident with urgent safety concerns

Wildlife conflict or incident Contact
Urgent safety concern (on campus) If someone is injured or in immediate danger, call 9‑1‑1 first, then Community Safety at 604‑822‑2222
Wildlife‑human conflict where public safety may be at risk Call RAPP at 1‑877‑952‑7277
Injured or orphaned wildlife Call BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1‑855‑622‑7722
Facilities issue (e.g., waste bins, building openings) Submit a Service Request or call the Facilities Service Centre at 604‑822‑2173

Wildlife conflict or incident	Contact
Urgent safety concern (on campus)	If someone is injured or in immediate danger, call 9‑1‑1 first, then Community Safety at 604‑822‑2222
Wildlife‑human conflict where public safety may be at risk	Call RAPP at 1‑877‑952‑7277
Injured or orphaned wildlife	Call BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1‑855‑622‑7722
Facilities issue (e.g., waste bins, building openings)	Submit a Service Request or call the Facilities Service Centre at 604‑822‑2173

Why coexistence matters

Wildlife help maintain healthy urban ecosystems, it is not a problem to be eliminated—it is a reality of sharing space with nature. Positive co‑existence starts with our actions: keeping attractants (garbage, food scraps, bird seed, pet food) secured, giving animals space, and never feeding wildlife. These steps reduce conflicts and keep animals wild and wary of people, which is safer for everyone. Coexistence focuses on prevention, education, and respectful behaviour, rather than removal.

How to share campus safely with wildlife

Do not feed wildlife: Feeding leads to habituation and unsafe interactions
Give space: Keep your distance from wildlife when practical. Do not attempt to touch, chase or photograph animals at close range
Leash pets: Reduces risk of conflict
Secure food and waste: Place materials in proper streams and keep bins closed, do not overflow waste bins

Learn more about the wildlife you may see on campus

Below are some of the most common animals encountered on UBC campuses. Sightings may vary by season.

Raccoons

Common locations: Near buildings, dumpsters, and wooded areas
Behaviour: Highly intelligent, curious, and attracted to food waste
Important to know: Raccoons can become bold if fed and may damage property when seeking food

Squirrels

Common locations: Trees, lawns, walkways, and near buildings
Behaviour: Active during the day; curious and highly adaptable
Important to know: Squirrels may appear comfortable around people but should not be fed. Feeding can lead to aggressive behaviour and dependence on human food

Coyotes

Common locations: Forest edges, fields, and quieter pathways
Behaviour: Usually avoid people but may be more visible during breeding season
Important to know: Never feed coyotes; maintain eye contact and back away slowly if one approaches

Birds

Includes: Crows, ravens, gulls, and more
Common locations: Rooftops, trees, open spaces
Behaviour: Highly adaptable; some species may act defensively during nesting season
Important to know: Protective behaviour (such as dive-bombing) is temporary and meant to protect nests

Bats

Common locations: Near forest edges, gardens, and buildings at dusk
Behaviour: Nocturnal and insect-eating; often seen flying at sunset
Important to know: Bats are not aggressive and play an important role in controlling insects. Avoid touching bats or attempting to handle one on the ground. If a bat appears injured or is inside a building, contact Community Safety for guidance

Our role at UBC Facilities

UBC Facilities manages the lifecycle stewardship of academic and administrative buildings, public realm and utility assets; we support a safe, functional, and sustainable campus (including waste management to reduce attractants and custodial integrated pest management for building pests, not wildlife). Wildlife management services are not included in our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) scope.

Learn more:

External resources on wildlife coexistence

WildSafeBC: Species info, coexistence tips, Bear Smart program. [wildsafebc.com]
Province of BC — Staying Safe Around Wildlife: Safety and conflict reduction. [www2.gov.bc.ca]
BC Parks — Wildlife safety: Viewing distances and encounter tips. [bcparks.ca]
BC SPCA: Injured/orphaned wildlife support and practical rescue advice. [spca.bc.ca]
Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPE): Urban coyote coexistence (Vancouver area). [stanleyparkecology.ca]

FAQ

Does UBC Facilities remove or relocate wildlife?

No. Wildlife management is not within UBC Facilities’ scope. For safety risks, contact Campus Security (on campus) or RAPP (province). For injured/orphaned wildlife, contact BC SPCA.

What should I do if I see a coyote on campus?

Stay calm, give space, keep pets leashed, and do not feed or approach. If the animal is assertive or your safety is at risk, call Campus Security; otherwise, leave the area. These steps align with WildSafeBC and city guidance.

Who handles “pest control” at UBC?

UBC Custodial Services maintains an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program focused on building pests (e.g., insects, rodents). Submit service requests to the Facilities Service Centre.

How can I reduce wildlife attractants around my building?

Do not feed wildlife under any circumstances. Manage food waste and garbage, do not overflow bins and always keep them closed and secure. Report any overgrown vegetation or gaps in buildings to the Facilities Service Centre as soon as possible.