At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we know a thing or two about animals and their behaviours. We are the go-to option for humane wildlife control in Whitby, Durham and other Greater Toronto Area. Unfortunately, urban real estate developers don’t understand animals in the same way we do. Often, their projects cause wildlife and humanity to collide.
A Problem for People and Animals
In June 2020, a scary situation unfolded with a 125-pound black bear (small but still dangerous) amongst homes in the London, Ontario area. According to our president, Bill Dowd, this interaction was caused by human activity.
“New subdivisions, commercial properties, anytime there’s construction going on that’s going to disrupt the wildlife that live in that area and a lot of times that floods them into adjacent neighbourhoods,” he explained.
The problem is that people are building new properties in areas already inhabited by wildlife. Those animals have no idea that people have “laid claim” to the land. So, they continue to search for food and shelter in the same area. It is unlikely that urban areas will ever fully be rid of wildlife. So, it is important to adapt our behaviour to protect ourselves and the wild animals.
“Homeowners should animal-proof their home for foxes and coyotes, make sure they’re not living under their deck or shed, and put a screen around those items,” Dowd said. “Obviously with bigger predators such as bears, coyotes and fox, you always have to be cautious.”
The Dangers of Habitat Destruction
Humans tend to expect nature to simply get out of the way of our development. We build new residential, commercial and agricultural properties and destroy habitats in doing so. This can be dangerous to humans because then wildlife is living in the same areas as us. It is also dangerous to the animals who have their homes threatened and natural food sources eliminated.
Some species will vacate the area and find a quieter place to live. Other species, such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes and crows, adapt very well to the urban setting. They use food sources that humans create to survive. Scavengers are the most likely to continue to live in urbanized areas. These are intelligent species that learn to adjust to the new normal of their territory.
What We Can Do
It is unlikely that humans will stop building new housing developments. Sadly, this means that we will continue to disturb the natural order. However, that doesn’t mean that there is nothing we can do to reduce harm.
The construction industry can strive to avoid fracturing areas. That way animals aren’t tempted to cross urban areas to reach the other side of their natural territory. Additionally, ethical sourcing of wood and other construction materials can help to minimize habitat destruction around new neighbourhoods.
Residents can help too by being careful with their compost and trash. Making sure all possible food sources are securely contained avoids attracting scavengers to the area.
If you notice wildlife inhabiting the area around your home, don’t try to shoo them off or move them. Instead, call a professional wildlife control service. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we will help to animal-proof your home, encouraging wildlife to find a new area to live that is safer for both them and you. We will also help you to protect your property against future intrusions.
Wildlife Control in the Durham Regions of Ontario
Wildlife and humans collide sometimes. By thinking about animal behaviour and adapting our own to live more harmoniously, we can avoid many dangerous incidents such as the bear sighting in London. Whenever you have a problem with wildlife in the Durham Regions, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. We will help you manage the situation and encourage the animal to permanently relocate.
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