The summer weather has finally arrived and many of us are spending more time outdoors. As you enjoy B.C.'s amazing natural beauty, the BC SPCA invites you to celebrate the wild animals who share our communities by capturing them in still photographs or on film. The SPCA is currently promoting two wildlife contests, with entry-fee proceeds going to help the more than 2,000 injured and orphaned wild animals rescued each year by Wild ARC, the BC SPCA's wildlife rehabilitation centre on Vancouver Island.
In the 4th annual BC SPCA Wildlife-in-Focus Urban Wildlife Photography Contest, all amateur photographers at least 14 years of age and permanently residing in British Columbia are invited to submit their best digital photos depicting wildlife—including free-living, birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects — in urban settings, such as greenspaces, roadsides, beaches and even backyards. Entry fee per photo is $5 and the contest is open for submissions until Sept. 30. For more details, visit spca.bc.ca/wildlife-in-focus.
If you're an emerging Steven Spielberg or an up-and coming James Cameron with a passion for wild animals, the BC SPCA's Wild ARC is now accepting film entries for the second annual Wild ARC Paws and Claws Film Festival, showcasing wildlife-inspired films shot in Canada and the United States. The contest is open to all filmmakers – amateur or pro, of any age – who wish to share their take on the beauty and resiliency of North American wildlife. Submission deadline is Sept.28. Public voting on finalist films in the three entry categories will be held both online and at a live screening event in October. The film entry fee is $10 and films made in any style or genre are eligible. For more information on how to enter, how to vote and festival details, visit spca.bc.ca/filmfestival.
------------------------------
Another way that you can help B.C. wildlife is by casting your vote for the BC SPCA's Wild ARC in the Jamieson Call for the Wild competition, starting Aug. 13. Wild ARC is one of five Canadian wildlife organizations selected by Jamieson Laboratories to participate in its people's choice donation program that divides $100,000 between the organizations, based on the number of public votes received on the company's Facebook page between Aug. 13 and Sept. 16. Wild ARC was the only B.C. organization chosen for the competition. Visit spca.bc.ca/vote for details.