The Leader Post in Regina has reported that SaskPower, the largest electricity utility provider in the province, is investing $1 million in “wildlife protections” that will prevent unexpected outages and lead to the deaths of numerous animals.
Rubber hosing will be installed around equipment inside transformer boxes, an official explained, which will reduce the impact of wildlife on the power infrastructure (and its impact on the animals).
“Essentially the animals are acting like an electrical conductor,” said SaskPower spokesperson Heather Johnson. “There’s no guarantee that the animal can’t get in there … but this will definitely help to alleviate a lot of those problems.”
While this program is clearly being undertaken to save money for the utility company and keep their customers happy, it is coincidentally going to prevent the accidental deaths of numerous animals.
Reducing or eliminating wildlife conflict isn’t always just what’s best for our furry neighbours – it’s what’s best for us, too.
Work like our growing Living With Wildlife campaign is only possible with the support of monthly donors. Please consider become a monthly donor – for as little as $5 a month – and help us create a Canada that is truly humane.
