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For release: March 12, 2007
Baby Squirrels Found in Attic
Births earliest in 18 years
The first squirrel babies were
found Thursday in an attic in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Raccoon pups were
reported in several other locations on Friday. The babies, which would
have been born in February, are the earliest births ever recorded in
Humane Wildlife Control’s 18 years in business. Although raccoon,
squirrel and skunk babies tend not to leave the den/nest until they’re
at least six weeks old, homeowners will often start to detect the
mothers moving around soon after they are born.
“This is a direct result of the
warm weather we had in December,” notes Humane Wildlife Control
President Bill Dowd. “Mating obviously happened much earlier this year
and we are seeing the results now,” he adds.
Damage to Property Can be
Significant
Mothers and babies can inflict
significant damage on building materials if left in an attic, roof, wall
or foundation. Specific damage can include:
Chewing of electrical wires that
can be a serious fire hazard
Contamination of insulation from
feces and urine that can lead to growth of mould and spread of diseases
as well as higher energy bills
Ripping or chewing of vents,
soffit and flashing that can cause further weather damage as well as rot
and decay
Different animals exhibit unique behaviours as they care
for their young, but homeowners should check for the following signs of
animals in the house: Chewing or scurrying in the roof, attic, walls,
chimney, vents or basement; damaged building materials; feces around
entry holes or gathering in certain areas; and increased activity of
animals around the area.
Note: Raccoon feces are commonly infected with a
roundworm known as Baylisascaris, which if ingested, can cause nausea,
organ malfunction, loss of muscle control and even death
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. Trapping is illegal in Ontario and inhumane, as babies
separated from their mothers will die.
Timing of Wildlife Removal is Critical
“Whether this is global warming or just a one-time
fluke, it could spell more trouble for homeowners” says Dowd. “If we
still have a few weeks of cold weather left, the babies and mothers will
stay inside longer and could cause a lot more damage than usual” he
warns.
Humane Wildlife Control technicians are trained to
assess each situation and determine if it’s wise to move the family or
keep them intact for a few more days. There’s a risk of exposing the
babies to stress when they’re very young, or not finding them if they’ve
become mobile.
We use several proven techniques to keep the families
together and allow them to find alternate den or nest sites in the area.
Raccoon, squirrel and skunk mothers always have backup sites they can
use.
“It’s best to seek help as soon as homeowners detect a
problem,” stresses Dowd. “Many people think if they just wait it out,
the animals will move on. But most urban wildlife, if they find a dry,
sheltered place to have their young, will remain in the den/nest site –
it’s only natural,” he says.
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.
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For more information:
Bill Dowd, President
1-877-222-3459 ext 220
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