Conservation

Fur and Poultry Farms

Avoid overflying fur and poultry farms below 2,000 feet AGL.

Experience has shown that fixed wing aircraft flying at low altitudes can cause serious economic losses to the farming industry. The classes of livestock particularly sensitive are poultry (including ostriches and emus), because of the crowding syndrome and stampeding behaviour they exhibit when irritated and frightened, and foxes who, when excited, will eat or abandon their young. Avoid overflying these farms below 2,000 feet AGL. Fur farms may be marked with chrome yellow and black stripes painted on pylons or roofs. In addition, a red flag may be flown during whelping season (February – May).

Protection of Wildlife

In the interest of conserving wildlife, pilots must not fly at an altitude of less than 2,000 feet AGL when in the vicinity of herds of wildlife animals or above wildlife refuges/bird sanctuaries depicted on aeronautical charts.

It is vital that all pilots understand the importance of wildlife conservation. They are urged to become familiar with the game laws in force in the various provinces and territories, and encouraged to co-operate with all game officers to ensure that violations of game laws do not occur. The Migratory Birds Regulations prohibit the intentional killing of migratory birds through the use of an aircraft.

Pilots should be aware that flying low over herds of wild animals such as reindeer, caribou, moose or muskoxen may result in reducing the animal population. Accidents resulting in broken bones may increase. Exhausted and disorganized animals are more susceptible to be attacked by wolves. Feeding is interrupted, and normal herd movement and reproductive functions may be seriously disrupted.

Serious damage can also be done to migratory birds by low flying aircraft. Geese in particular have a great fear of aircraft, and their movements may be seriously disorganized by such interference. As well, many bird species in Canada are in decline, and it is felt that every effort should be made to protect them.