As Burlington continues to grow and expand the need for effective solutions to wildlife conflicts has become more important than ever before. Burlington is home to large populations of raccoons, squirrels, skunks, birds, bats and mice that have adapted their natural behaviour to urban and suburban environments and thrive while living side by side with humans.
With numerous wildlife species woven into the fabric of most communities and neighbourhoods in Burlington the potential for problems is almost inevitable. Despite this, experience has taught us that once size fits all solutions to complex conflicts between humans and wildlife are often ineffective and inhumane.
Roof vents damaged by raccoons to gain access to the attic
When raccoons take up residence in your attic or skunks occupy your deck your first reaction might be to set up a trap, catch the offender and drive them out the country. Though it’s tempting, trapping and relocating wildlife can have untended consequences and could make the problem worse.
Here are some reasons you may want to reconsider this approach when dealing with wild neighbours:
It’s Inhumane
It’s a commonly held belief among the public that wildlife will fare better if removed from an urban environment and released in the countryside. In reality, studies by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and other organizations have shown that mortality rates for wildlife increase significantly when they are removed from familiar surroundings.
Urban wildlife species have developed very different patterns and skill sets for finding food and water and cannot immediately adapt to rural surroundings. A dramatic change in environment, especially for babies or juvenile animals often leads to starvation. In the case of squirrels, being separated from their hoarded food sources will result in certain death.
Locating shelter is another issue; wild animals generally occupy multiple den sites within their home range but when released far from home they have to start all over. That usually means conflicts with animals already in that territory or travelling many kilometers in search of new den sites. Locating suitable shelter becomes especially problematic during harsh winter months.
Spring and summer is the time of year that most species of urban wildlife give birth. When trapping an adult an animal during this time of year you have no way of knowing if you’ve just permanently separated a mother from her babies and left them to starve.
Finally, like most of Canada, Burlington is home to some pretty extreme temperatures. An animal left for hours on end in a trap could suffer needlessly through exposure to extreme heat or sub-zero temperatures.
A litter of baby raccoons removed by hand from an attic
It’s Ineffective
Urban wildlife behaviour is typically driven by their need for food and shelter. If your property is fulfilling one or both of these needs all the trapping in the world won’t solve the problem long term.
For instance, if you have raccoons living under your porch you might be successful in catching one and taking it away but you likely won’t have prevented the problem from reoccurring. Raccoons are attracted to that space because it provides shelter and with as many as 25-50 other raccoons living in your neighbourhood you can bet that den site won’t be left unoccupied for long.
- Baited traps attract more wildlife
- They don’t target specific animals
- Smart animals who have been trapped before will often avoid traps or become trap shy
Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control?
It’s impossible to trap and relocate all the raccoons, squirrels, skunks and groundhogs in Burlington. Even if you if you got rid of all animals already here, other wildlife would quickly move in to fill the void. The best thing you can do is take steps to secure your home and property.
Skedaddle has been humanely removing and excluding urban wildlife from homes and businesses in Burlington since 1989. We begin by performing a complete inspection of your property to identify the species involved and their entry points. Next, we perform a hands-on removal that ensures mother and babies are kept together. We then repair the damage and secure your home against future re-entry. Best of all, our work is backed by a lifetime guarantee. Click here to learn more about our proven process.
If you suspect that wildlife has taken up residence inside your attic, chimney, deck or shed then connect with Skedaddle today! 905-574-7777
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