Over $21,000 was raised through this year’s Dawson’s Lights fundraiser for the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter.
The annual event collects donations to help cover the cost of releasing the bear cubs in care at the shelter by lighting up the tree outside the Smithers Feed Store.
“We’re super happy with it and we’re grateful for people’s support,” said Co-Founder Angelika Langen.
In terms of bear cubs, this year was a lot quieter at the shelter with 24 black bears and three grizzly bears in care.
Last year, there were no grizzly bear cubs and a record 124 black bear cubs.
“I’m happy so few animals needed our help and I’m sure there will be a few stragglers that we get in the next couple of months,” she said.
“We’re actually going to have Christmas without too much work on our hands.”
Along with their annual fundraiser, the group started raising funds in November to build a new enclosure to release rescued moose into.
“We’re close to $200,000 [raised] and we need $250,000 to make it happen so I’m confident that by spring when we start to break ground, we’ll have the necessary funds to do this,” said Langen.
The number of cubs born took a dip this year due to last year’s drought and wildfires limiting food supplies before hibernation.
Langen believes that number will go up again in the new year.
“Whether or not they’re going to need our help will depend on the food availability and hunting practices,” she said.
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