Urban Wildlife Can be Cute, But They’re Not Pets

For release: May 6, 2008

Tips on keeping wildlife how they’re meant to be – wild

Many people think it’s nice to feed the cute, cuddly raccoon who likes to visit the backyard. But these urban dwellers, along with skunks, deer and squirrels are best left alone.

“Many homeowners think that feeding the local wildlife is a nice way to help squirrels, skunks, deer or raccoons,” states Elizabeth Bonkink, Executive Director of the Guelph Humane Society. “But these animals should be viewed from a distance and not encouraged to backyard feed. They are well-adapted to living in urban areas and feeding them, or allowing easy access to food sources such as garbage, only encourages them to cause damage and possibly a conflict with people,” she stresses.

Bill Dowd, President of Humane Wildlife Control, notes that the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources estimates there are 1.1 million raccoons in the province. Skunk populations would be similar, with likely twice as many squirrels, and up to 400,000 deer.

Remove or Seal Potential Food Sources

It is advised to put garbage out on the morning of collection, rather than the night before, in sealed containers. Food cans and other recyclables in blue bags should be put in containers as well. Garbage and recycling should be stored in the shed or garage, or you can purchase raccoon-proof containers. Animals are quite adept at ripping, chewing or opening flimsy containers if they smell an attractive food source inside.

Animal-Proof Your House

Wildlife caused an estimated $2.2 billion in damage to property last year in the US alone.

It is important to ensure that shingles, soffit, chimneys and other potential entry points are in good repair and sealed well. Urban wildlife seek out warm, dry shelter and will cause significant damage to building materials if they find the slightest opening. A bat or mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime. Raccoons have been known to rip up metal sheathing and squirrels will chew through shingles.

Other Natural Food Sources Also Encourage Animals

Raccoons and skunks are fond of grubs. If you have a grub infestation, you should start a control program or the raccoons and skunks will dig up your lawn to find them.

Standing water, building materials, toys and other household materials can encourage insects if stored outside. These will, in turn, attract skunks and raccoons to your yard.

If you find unwanted deer grazing on your garden or shrubs, consider netting or fencing to deter them.

Contact with Animals Not Recommended

The public are not advised to attempt to remove, trap or kill animals. Mothers can be very aggressive and these animals carry several diseases, such as rabies, as well as dangerous parasites. Unlicensed trapping is illegal in Ontario and inhumane, as babies separated from their mothers will die. If you find babies that look abandoned, chances are the mother is close by, so it is best to leave them alone. “Well-meaning people bring to the Humane Society what they think are orphaned young animals. What they don’t realize is that likely the mother is near but hiding. They tell us they rescued the animal, but really they are kidnapping. Please leave these babies where you find them” urges Elizabeth Bonkink.

If wildlife is causing a problem, the Guelph Humane Society advises homeowners to contact a professional operator like Humane Wildlife Control to remove wildlife and thoroughly seal their house. Their humane techniques minimize stress on the animals, keep families together and help ensure they find other shelter in the area.

About the Guelph Humane Society

The Guelph Humane Society is a registered charitable organization that is funded solely through private donations, special events and fundraising efforts. The public can help the society meet its goals:

• Report animal cruelty and neglect.
• Spread the word about the importance of responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering. Volunteer your time to assist at the shelter or at one of the shelter’s special events.
• Choose your next pet from among the many homeless animals being cared for at the shelter. There are many wonderful animals available for adoption that are just waiting for a second chance.

Protecting animals since 1893, the Guelph Humane Society is dedicated to ensuring the welfare of all animals through cruelty investigations, animal care and rehabilitation, government and industry advocacy, and public education.

Donations to assist the Guelph Humane Society in this effort can be sent to:

Guelph Humane Society Inc.,
500 Wellington Street West, P.O. Box 684,
Guelph ON, N1H 6L3,
or made by phone at 519-824-3091
or through our website at www.guelph-humane.on.ca

About Humane Wildlife Control

Humane Wildlife Control has been an industry leader since 1989, and has pioneered several humane removal and exclusion techniques for a wide variety of urban animals. Humane Wildlife Control Inc. has developed partnerships with SPCA’s/Humane Societies, Wildlife Rehabilitators, and Animal Control departments in communities across Canada. We believe that our humane approach combined with the education/awareness efforts of local SPCA’s will help minimize urban wildlife conflicts and result in a better relationship between humans and the animals that live in our backyard.