Skip to content

Great Blue Heron shot in Langley

Wildlife Rescue centre forced to euthanize protected bird
8637188_web1_170923-LAT-heron
X-ray of injured Great Blue Heron. Supplied

A Great Blue Heron had to be euthanized Friday after it was illegally shot in Langley and suffered a broken right leg.

The injured bird was taken to the Critter Care Wildlife Society, then transferred to the Wildlife Rescue centre in Burnaby, which determined the bird couldn’t stand or defend itself.

X-rays showed three pellets had been fired into the bird.

“As such, it was decided by our veterinary technicians the best thing would be to end its suffering and euthanize the animal,” said a statement issued by Sam Smith, marketing and communications coordinator for the centre.

“Wildlife Rescue condemns the actions of the shooter and has reported the incident,” Smith said.

Great Blue Herons are protected under the British Columbia Wildlife Act and by the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act.

Their nest trees are also protected year round on both public and private land.

Anyone who sees or knows someone who has seen a wild animal in distress is asked contact the Wildlife Helpline at 604-526-7275.


dan.ferguson@langleytimes.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter



Dan Ferguson

About the Author: Dan Ferguson

Best recognized for my resemblance to St. Nick, I’m the guy you’ll often see out at community events and happenings around town.
Read more