Wild About Animals: Navigating the Urban Jungle of Wild Animal Services

Ontario Animal Services

Navigating the urban jungle of animal services or wildlife control in Toronto can be daunting. Whether it’s dealing with finding dead animals on your property, a stray dog roaming about, a feral cat, a pesky raccoon, a lost pet, squirrels, or even the occasional coyote, knowing who to contact and how to handle the situation is paramount.

It’s also essential to be mindful of private property laws when dealing with wildlife control on your property or your neighbour’s. Understanding and respecting these laws is not only crucial for your safety but also for the well-being of the animal in question. So, familiarize yourself with the resources available and approach wildlife control with confidence while upholding a sense of responsibility.

When you think of Toronto, skyscrapers, the bustling city life, and the iconic CN Tower might spring to mind. But hey, let’s not forget about our wild neighbours! From raccoons rummaging through your trash to the occasional deer prancing in your backyard, wildlife in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is as much a part of the cityscape as the streetcars. This article will explore the nitty-gritty of wild animal services in the Greater Toronto Area. Buckle up; it’s a wild ride!

There are three different types of “animal care related” assistance available to you, if need be – pest control (usually listed as an exterminator), wildlife control, and animal services control…let’s examine the main responsibilities of all three.

Pest Control would be the people to call if you have mice, rats, cockroaches or bedbugs. They use chemicals, or sprays, and kill traps, etc.

Animal Services Officers (dial 311) would be the place to call for information on cat or dog licensing, or if you have a lost pet, if you’ve found a stray dog or cat, if you come across an animal outside that’s been hurt, or is in distress, if you come across any dead or sick geese or ducks (as it could be from avian influenza) and these birds would have to be collected and tested. Finally,

Wildlife Control should be called if you have squirrels or raccoons up in your attic, birds in your side vent, or a skunk or an opossum living under your deck, porch, or shed. Basically, if you have had an animal or birds that have broken through (or under) any physical barrier of your property to create a home or a den, wildlife control services can help.

Animal Control
Animal Control

The Wild Side of Toronto: Understanding the Urban Animal

Before we dive into the services, let’s set the scene. The GTA is a hotspot for a variety of wildlife critters, including:

  • Raccoons: The infamous midnight bandits!
  • Squirrels: Small but destructive!
  • Skunks: Cute but stinky! They can’t really climb so they generally live under structures or at ground level
  • Birds of various feathers: From pigeons to hawks to woodpeckers.
  • Mice and rats: Can be heard in attics and walls.
  • Deer: Graceful, but not when they’re in your garden!
  • Coyotes and foxes: More common than you’d think.
  • Stray dogs or cats: There are many pet owners searching for their lost pets, and lots of homeless, stray and/or feral animals outside. Barking dogs disturbing the peace. Dog bites from a dangerous dog in the neighbourhood should be reported immediately.

These critters aren’t just visiting; they’re part of the urban ecosystem. But when they start getting a bit too cozy in our spaces, that’s where wild animal services in the Greater Toronto Area come into play.

Community Alert: Your Role in Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership & Animal Safety

Love and care for an animal extend beyond our homes to the streets of our community. Dogs and cats, or any pet for that matter, deserves a life of wellbeing, which is why we, as responsible citizens, should adhere to important animal safety measures. Here’s what you can do:

Schedule Regular Veterinary Clinics Visits: Ensuring your sick pets receive timely checkups and vaccinations is fundamental. Don’t forget to license your furry friends to keep them up-to-date with local health requirements.

Lost & Found: Has your beloved dog or cat gone missing? It’s possible that they have been temporarily housed as impounded pets. Act quickly to trace their whereabouts in the city. Contact local organizations in your area, in case Fido is waiting to be picked up.

Safety From Strays: Sadly, not all pets have homes, and encounters with stray animals can be risky. If bitten or scratched by any dogs or cats, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to animal services.

Dangerous Encounters: If you come across a stray, say a dangerous dog or injured domestic animals, avoid endangering yourself. Even normally docile animals may get their defences up if they’ve been hurt. Have you come across any dead wild birds? Don’t touch them, they may have had avian influenza. Call the local animal services promptly – they have trained officers ready to help and ensure everyone’s safety.

Microchip Your Pet: This is a game-changer. Microchipping greatly improves your chances of being reunited with your pet should they wander away. You might also have to look into pet licensing depending on the regulations in your area.

Adopt, Don’t Shop: Many lost or abandoned pets are in need of a loving home with caring owners. Respond to the need and consider adoption to give an animal a second chance at life. Adoption services can help, there’s an adoption program co-ordinator located at most humane societies.

Report Animal Abuse: Witnessing animal cruelty in the city can be traumatic, but your confidential report could mean a new lease on life for an abused animal. Sometimes a dangerous dog is a result of how it’s treated by its owners. Rest assured, your anonymity is safeguarded under the privacy act law.

By taking these steps, each of us can contribute to a safer, more caring community for all living beings. Remember, harmonious coexistence with our four-legged companions begins with awareness and action. 🐾

Kindly call city animal services to learn more or if you need assistance regarding the safety and welfare of an abused dog or other pet.

  • Vaughan Animal Services – 905-832-2281
  • Brampton Animal Service -905-458-5800
  • Mississauga Animal Service – 905-896-5858
  • Toronto Animal Services – 416-338-7539

When Wildlife Gets Too Wild: The Role of Wildlife Control

When encounters with wildlife become problematic, such as raccoons inhabiting attics or skunks infiltrating backyards, wildlife control officers in the Greater Toronto Area are tasked with resolving these issues. They employ humane and effective methods to remove unwanted wildlife from both urban and rural properties, ensuring minimal disturbance and safe cohabitation between humans and animals.

The Approach: It’s Not Just About Trapping!

These services aren’t about waging war on wild animals; it’s more like wildlife diplomacy. Here’s what they typically involve:

  1. Inspection and Assessment: Figuring out what animal we’re dealing with and the scope of the issue. After a thorough inspection of your roof, the professionals will know exactly what’s inside your roof, and how best to proceed. Raccoon damage on your roof looks different from squirrels or birds damage.
  2. Humane Removal: Using safe and ethical methods, we mesh over any entry points and install a one way door to remove and relocate raccoons and squirels. At some point they’ll have to exit their shelter for water, and once they climb outside – the door closes tight, refusing them re-entry. They will venture away when they realize it’s futile to try to chew thru the wire or pull it off.
  3. Exclusion Services: This is all about prevention – a crucial, important part of the job. Vulnerable areas on your roof, or any other weak points, will be brought to your attention which can then be preventatively screened to keep any other critters from moving back in.
  4. Cleanup and Repair: Dealing with the aftermath, like damaged wires or insulation, or excrement and urine in the attic. We can perform an extensive attic inspection and advise you of the cost of any repairs or restoration.

The Challenges: It’s a Jungle Out There!

Wild animal control in an urban community like the GTA isn’t a walk in the park. Here are some hurdles these services face:

  • Public Perception: Some folks see these animals as pests, others as pets. If you had raccoons keeping you awake night after night, if you’re tired or frustrated, your first thought might not be to want to get them removed humanely. But that is how it must be done, no question. Balancing these views is tricky.
  • Urban Expansion: More buildings mean less green space for wildlife, leading to more human-animal encounters. Whenever green areas is taken over for building condos or houses in our community, animals get displaced and start encroaching on our personal space.
  • Seasonal Surges: Animals like raccoons and squirrels often seek shelter in homes during colder months, leading to a seasonal spike in calls for help. They are also desperate for warmth and safety for when they have their babies, which is usually in the early spring.

The Heroes of the Story: Wild Animal Control Professionals

These aren’t your average Joe’s; they’re trained professionals who will respond quickly. They know their way around a raccoon den or a squirrel nest. They’re equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle these situations with care for both the animals and the residents of the GTA community.

Training and Tools of the Trade

  • Expertise in Animal Behavior: Understanding what makes these critters tick is crucial.
  • Safe Handling and Relocation Equipment: This isn’t a job for your kitchen gloves and a cardboard box!
  • Repair and Prevention Gear: From sealing entry points to repairing damage, they’ve got it covered.

A Day in the Life: Not Your Typical 9-to-5

Imagine this: One minute you’re safely evicting a family of skunks from under your porch, the next you’re catching a flying bat inside a house or hand removing newborn babies from an attic. It’s all in a day’s work for these pros!

DIY vs. Professional Help: What’s Your Best Bet?

Now, you might be thinking, “Can’t I just handle this myself?” Well, let’s weigh the options:

  • DIY: It might seem cheaper, but without the right know-how, you could end up with a bite, a scratch, or worse, an even bigger problem. There could be newborn babies left behind that you weren’t aware of.
  • Professional Services: Sure, it’s an investment, but you’re paying for peace of mind and a job well done, plus a written warranty.

FAQs: You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

  1. Is it safe to handle wild animals on my own?
    • It’s risky business! Wild animals can carry diseases and are unpredictable. Better to be safe than sorry – call the pros.
  2. How long does it take to remove an animal from my property?
    • It varies, but most jobs can be tackled within a few days to a week, depending on the complexity.
  3. Are these services eco-friendly?
    • Absolutely! The focus is on humane treatment and maintaining the balance of our urban ecosystem.
  4. What should I do if I find an injured wild animal or even dead wildlife?
    • Contact a local wildlife rescue organization. They’re the best bet for providing the needs for animal care. Animal control officers can also be called (#311) if there’s a wild critter on the road, or hit by a car. Finding dead wildlife, such as coming across any dead wild birds, should also be reported. The carcasses will probably be tested for signs of bird flu.

Conclusion: Living in Harmony with Our Wild Neighbors

Navigating the world of wild birds and animal control services in the Greater Toronto Area is about understanding, respect, and coexistence. It’s a wild world out there, but with the right approach and the help of skilled professionals, we can all live together in this urban jungle. Wildlife removal techs and animals Remember, the next time you hear a scurry in your attic or spot a furry visitor in your backyard, there’s a solution that’s safe, humane, and just a phone call away. Let’s keep Toronto wild – responsibly!

Toronto Animal Control Service
Raccoon Removal, Squirrel Removal, Skunk Control and more – Toronto Animal Control Serviceshttps://animalcontrolservice.com

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