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For release: May 6, 2008
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Guelph Humane Society |
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Urban Wildlife Can be Cute, But They’re Not Pets
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:
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Report animal cruelty and
neglect.
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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.
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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.
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