It’s Long-billed Curlew nesting season, and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is reminding residents to keep their dogs on a leash when visiting Waldo Cove Park.
Ground-nesting birds such as curlews are especially vulnerable to disturbance, particularly during nesting season, when repeated disruptions can cause stress, nest abandonment, or harm to eggs and chicks.
“Waldo Cove Park provides an important habitat for wildlife, and the nesting curlews we are seeing there are especially significant,” says Brian De Paoli, Environmental Services Foreman, RDEK.
RDEK says they have noticed an increase in dogs being off leash in the park, in which they may unintentionally disturb nesting birds and sensitive habitat.
To help protect nesting curlews, all visitors are asked to keep dogs on a leash while in Waldo Cove Park.
“We are asking all park users to do their part by keeping dogs on leash during nesting season, which typically wraps up in mid-July,” adds De Paoli.
“This small action can make a big difference in protecting these birds and giving them the best chance to successfully nest.”
These efforts will help protect one of the area’s most sensitive wildlife nesting events.
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