Crows in Canadian City Suffer Suspected Drug Overdoses — Rescuers Are Turning to Naloxone to Save Them

An unsettling wildlife problem has emerged in Prince George, British Columbia, where animal rescuers say crows are suffering suspected drug overdoses after coming into contact with discarded substances on city streets.

Volunteers with the Good Caws Crow Rescue Society have reported treating more than a dozen suspected cases this year. The birds have been found lying on the ground with their wings spread, eyes closed and heart rates slowed. Some have appeared almost completely unresponsive.

Rescue volunteer Dayna Slater told CBC that the group had previously encountered only one or two suspected cases annually. The sharp increase has prompted volunteers to carry naloxone, a medication commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses in people.

Slater believes the birds may be picking up traces of drugs from discarded packaging and waste. Crows regularly search through garbage for food, making them vulnerable to accidentally ingesting dangerous residue.

Even very small quantities can have serious consequences for birds. Slater said some affected crows have died, although many recover sufficiently to be released within about 24 hours after receiving treatment.

Veterinarian Dr. Kaitlyn Liukaitis of Birchwood Veterinary Clinic has also helped treat the birds. She said the symptoms observed are consistent with exposure to toxic substances and that naloxone can be useful in veterinary treatment.

The situation has drawn attention to the wider challenges surrounding drug use and discarded materials in public spaces. Local rescue volunteers believe better access to covered garbage containers could help prevent birds from reaching contaminated waste.

The issue has also reignited discussion about British Columbia’s drug policies. The province introduced a three-year pilot in January 2023 that removed criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of certain drugs for personal use. However, the exemption expired on January 31, 2026, and was not renewed.

The province’s public health agency says possession of controlled substances outside specifically permitted locations is now illegal, although supervised consumption and overdose prevention services remain available.

Rescuers say the affected crows are an unexpected sign of how discarded drug-related waste can affect wildlife as well as people. They are urging residents to dispose of garbage safely and prevent potentially toxic materials from being left where animals can reach them.