Orcas May Hate The Rich Too
What started out as a unlucky bump seems to be becoming the most unusual version of class warfare
Wildlife & Critters
187 stories
What We Love: Close-Ups Of Curious Bears
Black Bear gots its paws on a game camera resulting in some fantastic footage..right up its nose
Comox Unites for Lazo Marsh Revival: Can They Save It?
Comox Couple has watched Lazo Marsh deteriorate over the past 25 years – they're fighting for change
Explorers Uncover Only Fourth Octopus Nursery in the World
The octopus nursery is deep in caves formed by "cold seeps" 150 km west of Van Isle
Mysterious Salmon and Trout Die-Off In Cowichan River Shocks Locals
A family snorkeling trip leads to tragic discovery
VIDEO: Explorers Capture Deep Sea Super Volcanos And More!
There's a lot of undiscovered terrain just off the Island's coasts, and this expedition is showing it all.
DFO Called Out (Again) For 'Suspect Science'
An investigation uncovers biased research and reporting methods
What We Love: Orca's Cruising
Where were you when you saw your first Orca?
Big Mama, Poptart and The Crew Are Back!
New humpback whale babies are swimming in the Salish!
Poaching of Wildlife Happens All Around Us
Tofino man was convicted after he slaughtered a mama bear and cub then lied about it
Music or Mayhem? The Sounds of Great Blue Herons
Herons abandoned their nests last year, and Campbell River man won't let it happen again.
What We Love: Wolves Trekking
A wolf looks for breakfast along the shoreline
From Cauliflower to Grapefruit: The Silent Threat Beneath the Waves
As the acidity of our oceans rise, the first thing to dissolve? Crabs' sense of smell
What We Don't Love-Backyard Bears
Young male grizzly bears often visit VanIsle, possibly seeking new territory after being displaced by older males in mainland valleys
Bear-y Unusual: Island Mom Discovers Unwanted Guest
Big News : It's Not Only Black Bears Showing Up In Backyards
What We Love: Swimming Bears
Garry Henkel took this shot of a bear on a mission
Deep Water Shark Roams Alberni Inlet
When a new diver saw the shark, no one believed him!
Get To Know The Islanders Who Are "Part Of The Pack"
What happens when people live with wild wolves?
What We Love: Dolphins Playing
There's nothing better than splashing in the water
A Soup That Nothing Can Live In
A UBC researcher says oxygen levels in the ocean are decreasing, and that's bad news for fish
Paws-itively Heroic: Blind Olympian and Scent-Savvy Dog Make Dynamic Rescue Duo
Blind athlete goes from medals to missing persons with the help of her super sniffer sidekick
2,000 Fish Die After Creek Contamination
Suspected pollutants cause mass fish die off
What We Love: Dolphins Frolicking in Blackfish Sound
Blackfish Sound isn't just for orcas
How Much Do You Know About Our Coast?
Camps and forest walks teach about the plants and animals we're surrounded by
Because Of A Promise To His Daughter, Lolita Is Coming Home
The Orca pen was too small so daughter made owner promise to let Lolita go
What We Love: Lone Wolf Out For A Swim
Awesome shot of a wolf off the coast of Kyuquot Sound
The Last Of Us…Bats?
The HBO/Max TV series might not be that far off after all
What We Love: Herons in Flight
Herons are so incredibly graceful
What We Love: Eagles Taking in the Sunset
Eagle took a front row seat to this sunset show
Meet the Scientists Translating The Language of the Sea
Who knew fish talk? We're just learning how to listen
Island Filmed Epic Up For 7 Emmy's
"Island of the Sea Wolves" ties with the Drew Barrymore Show for most Emmy nominations
What We Love: When the Water is Like Glass
Can't you just picture yourself on the water?
The Decade Went Fast
They're small, but all their action has helped keep Clayoquot, sound.
What We Love: Baby Orca Playing
Baby Orca breaching between two larger Orcas in Blackfish Sound
Around the Island in 73 Days
A scrappy border collie set off on an epic adventure across
What We Love: Fishing Buddies Near Campbell River
Sometimes fishing scenes can be majestic
What We Love: Roosevelt Elk
An elk taking a leisurely dip near Port Alberni
What We Love: Barred Owls Hunting
An amazing photo of a Barred Owl on the hunt in the dense forest on VanIsle
Photographer Captures Mind-Blowing Herring Spawn, Makes Us Wonder if Our Own Births Were This Spectacular
Photos capture the natural wonder of male herrings fertilizing female eggs
What We Love: Happy Snacking Otters
Adorable otter takes a peek at the camera between bites of his tasty snack
Why Are We Throwing Out Delicious Seafood?
Crabmeat is a delicacy – but it's been ending up in the garbage.
Using Virtual Reality To Save Reality
Experience Clayoquot Sound without actually going to Clayoquot Sound
New Marine Protected Areas Are A Win-Win
MPAs save fish and jobs.
The Minister Got It Right – Time To Pack Up and Move On Fish Farmers
Sea lice and disease from fish farms pose too much of a risk to wild salmon
Got Some Extra Love To Give?
Some "pandemic pets" are looking for their forever homes.
Checking This App Could Prevent a Collision
New sensors will enhance app and protect whales along Boundary Pass
Are We Witnessing the Dog Days of Chum Salmon?
Researcher remains optimistic despite a "shocking" report.
Sea Urchins in Shallow Waters Present a Prickly Problem
Researchers say climate change is affecting sea urchins' main meal
Disgraced DFO Sea Lice Report Has So Many Holes, It Can't Possibly Float
16 independent scientists were so angry, they penned a letter to Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray
Flawed DFO Sea Lice Report Reveals A Pro-Industry Bias, Yet Again
Internal documents reveal report was suppressed for five months
Animal Rescue Seeing an Influx of Feathered Patients
Orange-breasted bird arrives in record numbers… Help keep them safe.
What We Love: Colourful Sea Creatures
It's a whole feast of colour!
Watch VIDEO: Heroes Rescue Whale Near Port Hardy
Someone's prawn traps caught something a whole lot bigger
Did You Know You're Hurting Orcas Every Time You Flush?
The chemicals we ignore are causing issues for Orcas and other mammals, including us.
Incredible Endangered Critters We're Forgetting About
This alien slug has powerful poop
Humpbacks are on a Comeback
After being hunted nearly to extinction, conservation efforts are showing big results
Tofino Pups Getting a Christmas Miracle
Off-leash dog areas finally coming to town
Bears Out On The Town
Did you get an unexpected guest this year?
A Big Moment For An Endangered Little Creature
US Postal Service to feature beleaguered Vancouver Island Marmot on a stamp
From BC to Hawaii With A Broken Back
A mother's love crosses oceans
Hard Work From Unlikely Crew Helps Salmon To Thrive
Teamwork makes this salmon dream work
A Little Salmon Stream Worth Fighting For
Morrison Creek's steady supply of cold, clear spring water makes for great fish and wildlife habitat
Endangered Credibility on Endangered Species
Enviros have asked nice, and the NDP have ignored them
Birder is the Word
Add it to your tourism dictionary
Who Let the Dogs Out?
Tofino's hotly contested leash laws are getting a second look
Protection for Whales is Evaporating
Fin whales have lost their threatened status, but the threats they're facing may only be growing
The Marine Detective
Her stunning photos are now on display in Sidney
Spike the Humpback Dead for Unknown Reasons
Beloved young female humpback died too young, now it's time to find out why
UK Wildlife Filmmakers Give Vancouver Island the Royal Treatment
But do the animals really need names?
What We Love: A Humpback Living Its Best Life
Can anyone identify this incredible whale?
What We Love: Salmon in Stamp River
Roland Smith captured several shots of these hardy creatures
What We Love: Coastal Sea Wolves
Local photographer caught this wild moment for all of us
What We Love: Tasty Salmon Snacks
This black bear found something delicious to munch on
Follow Your Nose—It Works for Salmon!
How do they find their home stream after years in the open ocean?
Why is Port Alice Killing So Many Bears?
People's lack of care is killing bears.
What's Up Pussy Cat?
600 to 800 cougars prowl the forests and neighbourhoods of Vancouver Island
Salmon Are Complicated. Humans are … Never Mind
Salmon love a cool, wet spring and colder ocean temperatures
Tsolum River, One Giant Salmon Stew
Water has been reaching 28 degrees and fish can't take the heat.
Our Favourite Ocean Celebrities Spotted Together!
Now, why they're together? That's the real question
Hang Out With Raptors in the Comox Valley
Get a real "bird's-eye view"
Strathcona Bug Update? They're Terrible
Dean Beaulac offers a sneak peek into the bug situation
What We Love: Pouting Bears
Photographer Don Osborne titled this one "Time Out"
Port Alberni Residents Band Together to Protect Beloved Beaver Ponds
This community group is persistent, like the beavers they aim to protect
A Dazzling Encounter With a Gentle Giant Can Ruin Your Day—And Theirs
Unless you're ready to get tipped, stay away
BC Hydro Pulses Great for Steelhead, Spicy for People
Watch out for high flows!
WATCH! Horny Whale Gives Family A Whole Lot Of Extra Love
That's one way to rock the boat…
Yee Haw, We Got Crawdaddies!
Nighttime is the right time to hunt these critters
If You Don't Want This In Your Car, Lock The Doors
Nothing will ever prepare you to see THIS in your backseat
What We Love: Northern Resident Orcas Rubbing on the Beach
Who doesn't love a good back rub?
What We Love: Chasing Chrome
Patience is the name of the game
Our Orcas: Thriving or Surviving?
New babies are a sign of hope, but they need salmon fast
Babies Left on Doorstep Leave SPCA Overrun With Cats
There's only so much space for all these kittens
Comox Cougar Breaks Hearts by Chowing Down on Endangered Marmots
Life at the bottom of the food chain is no picnic
Spotlight: Tribal Parks Guardians
Go for a hike and come back transformed
Bambi Brought to Life in Roadside Miracle
"A lot of stars had to align for this one," Sgt Bates said
Eagle Attacks Fangirl After One Too Many Photos
"It was probably tired of me taking its picture"
Man Needs New Briefs After Aggressive Bear Encounter, Two Bears End Up Dead
Seriously, keep your garbage inside
Oh No, A New Fatal Flu Detected On The Island
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns that the bird flu is spreading globally and cases have been confirmed on VanIsle
$3.5 Million Down, Millions to Go
“This is a fantastic opportunity to protect mature forests, wetlands and riparian areas on eastern Vancouver Island.”
Dog Lovers Making Way for Migratory Birds
This stretch of beach is for the birds—literally
Are Bears a Threat to Humans, or Is It the Other Way Around?
Here are some tips and tricks for a peaceful summer season, for both parties!
What Should You Do If You See a Bear?
Here are some tips on how to keep your family safe in bear country
New Baby is a Sign of Hope
It's the first new baby in Southern Resident Pod in eleven years
Is This What Wild Salmon Feel Like?
Sea lice from factory fish farms are infecting wild salmon, and folks are pissed about it
Dasilva's Tech Fortune to Help French Creek Eagles
BC-born tech entrepreneur comes home to make biggest ever donation to the BC Parks Foundation
Look, Easter Orcas!
Lucky onlookers got up close and personal as Transient Killer Whales swam through the Comox marina
What We Love: VanIsle Grizzlies
The grizzlies are here. And they are welcome.
Albatross Have Called VanIsle Home for Thousands of Years
The short-tailed albatross is considered "medium" at 7.5 feet across
Young Humpback Tells Orcas to Back Off
Humpbacks and orcas are enemies in the sea
Whale Watchers Marvel at Record Number of Bigg's Killer Whales
Astounding number of killer whales spotted in Salish Sea
Murder Hornets Need Love Too
Why go to the hornets when you can bring the hornets to you?
What We Love: Surprise Whales
Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings see a lot of wildlife, but they weren't expecting this
Stop The Plunder
We can't catch fish that never get here
Will it be 3-Years, 6-Years, or Now?
Two parts of the federal government body are saying two different things
Not Every Commercial Fishery is Destructive
DFO has shut down the spawn-on-kelp fishery and the Heiltsuk Nation is pissed
What We Love: Island Bison
Huge bison herds used to roam the continent, now they live mostly on farms
Welcome to the World, J59
Southern Residential Orcas are endangered, but babies are a sign of hope
What We Love: Otters
An otter near Port Alberni
What We Love: The Herring Run
Incredible video of one nature's wonders
What We Love: Crazy Elephant Stunts
Can you do the splits on an elephant?
Slugs of Special Concern
Although they're not cute like polar bears or as powerful as Orcas, the Haida Gwaii slug needs to be protected from extinction if we want our forests to…
Man's Best Friend?
Humans have a complex relationship with wolves
What We Love: Eagles Scrapping
That fish must smell really good
What We Love: Playtime
It's fun to hang out with friends
What We Love: Swans Flying
Ken Wiberg captured this image of swans flying near the Comox airfield. They certainly appear to be on a mission
What We Love: Screaming Eagle
Vivid photo of an unhappy eagle
What We Love: Valentines Day Eagles in Love
Love is for the eagles.
Really, Parasites Are Allowed on Fish We Eat?
Your tasty salmon dinner could have bugs in it
Minister Murray Makes Some Mad, Pleases Many More
Some conservation groups believe the science says government must do more to protect this important fish species
What We Love: Kestrels Hanging Out
Kestrels are the smallest member of the falcon family. They are extinct in Quebec, and endangered in the rest of Canada.
What We Love: Humpback Whales that Jump Out of the Ocean
Humpbacks are making a comeback in the region
Soaring Above Mystery Mountain
Adventurer explains how he went from being a social media-hating guy to a photographer with more than 400,000 followers
So Many Whales!
But Resident Orca numbers are down
Alaska Plunders BC Bound Salmon While Our Fleet Sits Idle.
A new study shows that Alaska is catching BC salmon while Canada shuttered our industry
What We Love: EagleIsle
What's the most eagles you've ever seen in one tree?
Bear-Savvy Folks Save Cub in Gold River
The bear is safe at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Planned Fish Farm Causing Rift Between Neighbours
The Tlowitsis say they need the fish farm to support their community
Mr. Chims at the Chims
A black bear tried to make a 2 am visit to the Chims Guest House
This Was No Cat In The Hat
A Comox resident got a shock last week when their home security camera caught a cougar snooping around the backyard
WATCH: Orcas Seen More Than 40 km Inland, Near Port Alice
A lucky Port Alice resident caught the whales on video
It's a Bear, It's a Sasquatch, It's Hugh Jackman – No, It's a 'Hyena of the North.'
Unconfirmed sightings raise the possibility that this nocturnal creature may still exist on VanIsle
Cross-Border Salmon at Risk So MP Bachrach Goes To Washington
MP Bachrach traveled south because the "urgency of this crisis requires immediate action."
Beloved Mother Whale Sets Off for Hawaii
A huge group of local boaters saved Pinky from a trap that would have put her life in danger
Record-breaking Year for Pinks in the Tsolum
Volunteers counted more than 155,000 pinks in the watershed
Death Row Dog Gets Sprung
The case lasted months, but the judge decided Bronx wasn't a risk to the public
Fish Will Fry
UBC researchers project BC Sockeye salmon catches will decrease by 26 percent
They Might Be Cute, But They Eat Their Young
Common wall lizards, native to the Mediterranean, are invading Vancouver Island
Dog on Death Row Lives in Jail with Two Roosters
They tried to assess Bronx in the pound, but it didn't go as planned
What Do 120 Charging Dolphins Look Like?
They really didn't want to become the Orca's lunch
Dog and Cat Killed, But Chickens Saved From Cougar by Hammer-Throwing Owner
Young cougars have to find their own territory, which sometimes might include your backyard
Sometimes Salmon Just Don't Make It
Too many fish and not enough water is a bad combination
Comox Valley Dog Whisperer Has Saved More Than 20 Bad Dogs – Can He Save Bronx?
Bronx's former owner says the dog shouldn't be put down because of the owner's mistakes
Tough Summer for Salmon in the Comox Valley
The whole Island is now in Drought Level 5, also known as "the worst it can get"
Miraculous Marmots Make Marbled Meadows Move
Once down to 27, the endangered Vancouver Island marmot now numbers 200 in the wild
Man Jumps into Pool of Shit to Save a Drowning Deer
Quick action by Comox Valley residents saves a fawn deep in the do-do
How Some Barbed Wire, Fish Guts and Hair Linked Generations of Grizzly Bears and Humans Together
Bear families and human families may have overlapped for thousands of years
WARNING – Do Not Try This at Home!
Russian model goes fishing with black bear she adopted
What Happens When the Government Claims A Giant Predator Doesn't Live Here, But People Keep Seeing Them?
Grizzly bears are showing up on Vancouver Island but government has no plans to study the issue
How Devoted Volunteers and a Weird Jawless Fish Helped Save One of the Most Important Wild Salmon Streams on VanIsle
A tiny Comox Valley stream could hold the key to salmon survival on Vancouver Island's east coast
Hydro Will Triple Water Released to Help Steelhead
Migrating steelhead need a boost to get over the falls on the Ash River
WATCH: Orcas Come Back to the Salish Sea
After 100 days the Southern resident orcas dropped by for a visit
Poll Shows BC Residents Concerned About Open-Net Fish Farms
New poll shows that most British Columbians want floating fish farms to go away
Locals Rally to Feed Baby Eagles
The big babies flew the coop in the heatwave
Some Good Salmon News for a Change – Thousands of Salmon Swim Past Big Bar Landslide
DFOs "nature-like fishway" is helping salmon get upriver to spawn
Will Island Baby Eagles Survive?
Port Hardy photographer caught a few snaps of mama eagle teaching her (big!) babies to fish
Is it a Boy or a Girl? Why the Newest Orca Calf's Gender is So Important
The healthy baby girl orca is good news for the endangered species
Pretty Plant is Killing Native Species
This purple plant is pretty, but it's actually kind of terrible
WATCH: Can You Count the Lice on this Salmon?
Mowi has salmon factory feedlots in Scotland, and they're just as infested as ours
Who Knew You Needed Helicopters to Pick Up Trash?
More than 7 million tonnes of plastic gets dumped in oceans every year
Big Pod of Sei Whales Spotted Swimming off VanIsle's Coast
These long whales are lean and fast, and they aren't seen that often near Canada
JAWS Near the Island?
Rare shark encounter off Nanaimo
You Think It's Hot – What About the Fish?
Salmon need cool, clean water to survive
WATCH: Rare North Pacific Right Whale Sighting
North Pacific Right Whales were nearly extinct from over-hunting, but occasionally they are seen off northern Vancouver Island
Super Rare Whale Spotted Off Northern Vancouver Island
Massive North Pacific Right Whale is only the fourth of its kind seen in the last 70 years
Big Bucks for Pacific Salmon, But Will it Be Enough
Aaron Hill of the Watershed Watch welcomes the announcement saying If spent wisely, the funds “could make a real difference in getting more salmon back into…
Covid Cabin Fever? – Elky Takes a Swim
Many people are waiting for provincial travel restrictions within regions to end, apparently, some wildlife aren't waiting
Lucky Fisherman is Glad He Tastes Bad…to Whales
An east coast lobster fisherman is lucky humpback whales are picky eaters
Got the Goat
Grizzly bear goes after goats at Quadra Island farm
Less Sea Lice in the Okisollo—A Lot Less
Would you want a chicken-sized parasite chewing on your leg?
Logger Saves Dog—and Himself—from a Cougar
William John has a new nickname, and it's Cougar Willy.
Free-Ranging Wolves in Tahsis
After nearly two months of frequent wolf sightings, Tahsis residents are on edge after wolves killed at least two pet dogs
Snakes, Snakes Everywhere – Snake Spotting on the Island
The Island is a ophidiophobic's paradise – while there are snakes everywhere, if you're scared of snakes there is comfort in knowing none of them are…
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre Nurse Rare White Raven Back to Health
The rescued bird could be the oldest white raven
Wild Salmon Deserve Better
DFO's murky mandate is eroding public trust and endangering wild salmon
Avoiding Phoenix Rising in Courtenay?
Thousands of Vaux's swifts nest in Courtenay Museum Chimney on their way to Alaska
Protect Bears – Sooke Wildlife Group Opens a Chapter in Campbell River
It's spring so the bears are out, and they're hungry
Sea Lion Checks Out the Scene on a Holberg Logging Road
Maybe he was looking for the Scarlet Ibis?