Wildlife Numbers in Ontario Jumped Due to Social Distancing?

The mention of COVID-19 likely brings to mind all of the negative implications for us humans: loss of life, economic hardship and isolation, just to name a few. For wildlife, however, the pandemic may be having an entirely different impact. For the natural world, the coronavirus could be allowing wildlife populations to rise. We have seen what happens to the environment when humans are largely taken out of the picture. Pollution clears, waterways become cleaner and CO2 emissions plummet. We have also seen the images of animals hanging out on golf courses and in parks without a care in the world because people are absent from those spaces. This behaviour isn’t just cute; it’s also insightful.

What Happens When Humans Are Taken Out of the Picture?

When people were forced to stay home over the past few months, and virtually all of life as we know it was put on pause, wildlife was given a reprieve. Human presence creates a great deal of stress for animals. This is especially true during the spring and summer when young are being birthed, juveniles are striking out on their own and hibernating animals are waking up hungry. The fact that our retreat from the wildlife scene coincided with spring increases the benefits for animals. Wildlife have been more free to range in wider territories, some more akin to their original natural habits, and have access to abundant food sources without worry over interactions with people. For instance, nesting birds aren’t frightened off of their roosts, sometimes never to return, because people are getting too close. When mama animals are stressed, it often means that they have fewer offspring and are less able to provide for the ones who are born. The amount of stress and trauma that wildlife is now experiencing is significantly reduced, giving them a higher probability of survival. This may result in increasing numbers within animal populations, or simply allows the existing populations to explore the world more freely. There is no way to truly tell.

What Does This Mean for People?

More wildlife is generally a good thing. Having greater numbers of a variety of species can create complete, better-functioning ecosystems, with healthy competition and natural predator-prey relationships. It also means that people get to enjoy seeing and hearing more birds in the trees and squirrels scampering about playfully in yards or out on the hiking trails. Maybe you've even spotted a fox or two running across the grass. While it’s great to take the time to appreciate the abundance of wildlife, people, especially homeowners, need to take precautions as well. More animals make it more likely that some of them will find your home an appealing location for a nest or residence. Watching them in the natural world is a pleasure; having them as houseguests is a nuisance. Take the time to make sure your house doesn’t send out an open invitation for birds, squirrels, raccoons, mice and bats. To make sure it’s done well and in a manner that protects wildlife, you need the help of experts in humane wildlife removal in Kitchener Waterloo.

Why Is It a Good Idea To Hire Professionals?

There are certain steps homeowners can take themselves when it comes to protecting their homes from unwanted guests, and we encourage you to do so. Ensure your trash bins close securely and clean containers before you throw them away. Don’t feed the wildlife, as they can lose their fear of people. It can also be detrimental to their health. When it comes to securing your home, however, it’s best to hire professionals. Skedaddle technicians are trained in wildlife behaviour, and we understand animal breeding and life cycles. We can spot the obvious and not-so-obvious points of entry for wild animals, and we know how to safely secure them. Importantly, we can determine whether any animals have already set up residence, built nests or birthed babies on your property, and ensure their safe removal if so. Skedaddle provides humane wildlife removal services in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.