Hamilton continues to face a growing challenge with rabies. Health officials recently confirmed a rabid bat in the area, marking the first case in months. This adds to the existing outbreak in raccoons and skunks, with 330 animals testing positive over the past nine years. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we understand the concerns this raises for homeowners and their families, and we’re here to help you stay informed and safe.

For over three decades, our team at Skedaddle has been providing updates on the cases of rabies and how our team can help protect you and your family. For example, in 2016, we warned Hamilton residents of a rabies outbreak in skunks. Sixteen skunks had tested positive for the same strain of the virus found in 42 raccoons earlier that year. 

This blog will provide updates on new rabies cases in Hamilton, explore why the virus may be spreading, explain how to identify warning signs of rabies, and highlight how our expert team can assist with wildlife concerns.

The Latest Rabies Case in Hamilton

Hamilton’s public health recently reported its first rabid bat case since August 2024. A local resident exposed to the bat’s saliva has received medical treatment, which serves as an alarming reminder of the risks posed by rabies. The city is currently grappling with a broader rabies outbreak, primarily affecting raccoons and skunks, with confirmed cases steadily climbing.

Key Statistics on Rabies in Hamilton:

• 330 animals tested positive for rabies in 9 years: Most cases involve raccoons, skunks, and bats, but a few foxes and stray cats have also been affected.
• Recent urban cases raise heightened concerns. Wildlife entering residential areas increases the risk of contact with humans and pets.

For comparison, other regions in Ontario are also seeing sporadic rabies cases in wildlife. These trends underscore the importance of staying vigilant and informed.

Why Is Rabies Spreading?

Rabies spreads primarily through saliva, often transmitted via bites or scratches from infected animals. This zoonotic disease has become a persistent concern in Hamilton, with several factors contributing to its spread across the region. One key factor is the evolving behaviour of urban wildlife. Animals such as skunks and raccoons are increasingly venturing into urban areas, drawn by the easy availability of food and shelter. This proximity to human habitats naturally amplifies the likelihood of encounters between wildlife, humans, and pets, boosting the risk of rabies transmission.

Additionally, the recent trend of warmer-than-usual winters has created favourable conditions for wildlife activity. These milder temperatures allow animals to remain more active throughout the year rather than entering extended periods of decreased activity during the colder months. More wildlife activity means more opportunities for interactions, further heightening the risk of spreading rabies within the community.

Another crucial issue is the lack of awareness among some residents. Many individuals may not fully recognize the dangers posed by approaching wildlife, particularly when animals appear calm or non-aggressive. Misjudging these situations can lead to direct contact with infected animals, increasing the potential for rabies exposure.

These combined factors underscore the importance of taking preventative measures when dealing with local wildlife. Being cautious, staying informed, and understanding the risks can go a long way in protecting the public and pets from this serious disease.

Warning Signs of Rabies in Animals

Recognizing rabies symptoms can help you take quick and appropriate action. While rabies affects each animal differently, there are some common signs to keep an eye out for.

Behavioural Changes:

• Unusual aggression or fearlessness
• Lethargy, sluggishness, or appearing unusually friendly
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth

Physical Signs:

• Difficulty walking or uncoordinated movement
• Seizures or muscle spasms
• Visible wounds or bite marks that appear infected

Additionally, nocturnal animals like raccoons and skunks seen active during the day may indicate illness, including rabies. If you spot a wild animal showing these signs, avoid contact and immediately report it to local animal control or public health authorities.

Protecting Your Family and Pets

Prevention is your best defence against rabies. By taking a few proactive steps, you can keep your loved ones and pets safe.

• Secure Your Home and Yard:
  • Seal gaps in your home’s foundation, roof, and soffits.
  • Clear food sources from your property, such as pet food or unsecured garbage bins.
• Vaccinate Your Pets:
  • Ensure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date. This is not just for their health, but also a legal requirement in Ontario.
• Avoid Direct Contact:
  • Teach children to avoid wild or stray animals, even if they seem friendly or in need of help.
• Know What to Do After an Encounter:
  • If you, a family member, or a pet is bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. Contact Hamilton Public Health for further assistance.

How Skedaddle Wildlife Control In Hamilton Can Help

At Skedaddle Wildlife Control, we’re committed to ensuring your home remains safe and wildlife-free. We offer a range of humane and effective services to address rabies-related concerns and protect your property.

1. Wildlife Removal and Prevention

• • Our trained professionals can safely and humanely remove wildlife from your property, minimizing the risk of rabies exposure.
  • We also install durable barriers and exclusion systems to prevent animals from reentering your home.

2. Home Assessments

• • We identify vulnerable areas where wildlife can gain access to your home, such as soffits, chimneys, or crawl spaces.
  • After removing animals, we provide cleanup services to remove contaminated droppings or nesting materials.

3. Community Education

• • We’re dedicated to raising awareness about safe wildlife behaviour. Our team shares tips on preventing wildlife conflicts and recognizing health risks like rabies.

With over three decades of experience, we’re prepared to tackle any wildlife challenge while prioritizing the safety and well-being of Hamilton’s residents and wildlife population.

When to Call Skedaddle Wildlife Control

If you suspect a wildlife issue on your property, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Wildlife problems often go unnoticed until they start causing significant disruptions, but there are common warning signs you can look for. Strange noises, such as scratching or thumping, especially during the quiet hours of the night, can signal the presence of animals in your home. Additionally, the sight of animal droppings in or around your property is a strong indicator that wildlife may have moved in. Damage to insulation, roofing, or outdoor structures is another red flag, as animals often create entry points to access shelter.

Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and reduce the risk of health hazards, including exposure to diseases like rabies. If you suspect that skunks, raccoons, or other wildlife might be living on your property, the team at Skedaddle Wildlife Control is here to help. We are ready to guide you through the next steps, ensuring the safety of your home and family while using humane solutions to resolve wildlife problems. Don’t wait for the problem to escalate—contact us as soon as these warning signs appear.

Minimizing The Risk

Rabies in Hamilton remains a pressing concern, but by taking intentional precautions and seeking expert assistance, we can significantly reduce its impact. Protecting your family, your home, and even the local wildlife starts with awareness and action. Educating yourself and others about the risks of rabies and how the virus spreads is an essential first step. By understanding common warning signs and knowing how to respond to wildlife encounters, you can lessen the chances of exposure and safeguard the health of your loved ones.

At Skedaddle Wildlife Control in Hamilton, we are more than just a service provider—we are your partners in creating a safer environment for people and animals alike. Our team specializes in humane wildlife removal, ensuring that animals like raccoons, skunks, and bats are relocated safely while preventing them from returning to your home. We take a comprehensive approach to managing wildlife issues, addressing not only the immediate problem but also mitigating future risks by securing entry points and providing expert advice on maintaining a wildlife-free property.

Taking action early is key. Delaying wildlife removal can lead to greater damage to your home, increased health risks, and more challenging infestations down the line. By contacting Skedaddle Wildlife Control at the first sign of an issue, you can prevent these problems from escalating and gain peace of mind knowing that professionals are handling the situation. From strange noises in your attic to visible signs of animal activity, we’re prepared to help you tackle wildlife concerns swiftly and effectively.

The benefits of proactive wildlife control are far-reaching. Not only does it protect your home and family from potential harm, but it also helps maintain the delicate balance of Hamilton’s ecosystem. Safeguarding wildlife through humane practices ensures their well-being while reducing the spread of diseases like rabies in our community. Together, we can contribute to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment for everyone.

Don’t wait until wildlife issues grow out of control. Skedaddle Wildlife Control is here to provide reliable solutions tailored to your needs. With your vigilance and our expertise, we can minimize the risks posed by rabies and make Hamilton a safer place for its residents and its wildlife. Reach out to us today to discuss your concerns or to set up a consultation.

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