BEST FRIEND OR THREAT TO WILDLIFE? Our well-loved pets can be both! One of the main threats to wildlife in protected areas around the world, including in Chile, are feral or free-ranging dogs. Some are abandoned in national parks or escape from nearby towns, and some are allowed to range widely by their owners. Dogs can kill wildlife directly but can also transmit diseases to wildlife and compete with wild predators for food. Along the Route of Parks of Patagonia, several endangered species, including huemul deer, have been negatively impacted by free-ranging dogs. For this reason, our partner @RewildingChile carried out a workshop about responsible pet ownership for the local communities through the Friends of the Alerce Andino National Park program in collaboration with the Chilean National Forestry Service (Conaf). This activity was led by Gisela Toledo of the Department of Protected Wildlife Areas of Conaf Los Lagos, and Pablo Gómez, veterinarian and professor at the Universidad San Sebastián. The problem is not restricted to Chile! Dogs are said to threaten nearly 200 species worldwide, some of which are critically endangered, recent studies suggest. And cats can be even more of a threat to some wildlife, especially birds. Here are some recommendations for ALL pet owners, especially those living close to protected areas: Provide your pet with enough food and water, because if they are not well fed, they will hunt native fauna. Vaccinate and deworm pets regularly to avoid them transferring diseases to wildlife. Have your pets spayed or neutered, so that they don’t increase the number of unwanted and abandoned animals. Do not let pets wander freely beyond your own property, as they may attack other animals or people. Photo: @rewildingchile @RutadelosParquesdelaPatagonia @Kristine_Tompkins #rewildingchile #rewilding #RouteofParksofPatagonia #communities #NationalParks