You might think you know what happens to animals when the snow starts falling, but many things people believe about winter behaviour aren’t true. Every year, we hear myths that cause confusion, worry, or even lead to unwanted visitors in attics, garages, and sheds.

So, what are the winter wildlife myths in Canada that you should stop believing? You may be surprised to learn that many animals stay active through the winter and often find ways to survive right beside you. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Toronto, we’ve seen firsthand how misunderstanding these behaviours can lead to property damage or safety issues.

When you know the real winter wildlife facts in Canada, you can protect your home and keep animals safe at the same time. Let’s clear up some of the 10 most common wildlife myths for Canadian homeowners so you can stay informed this season.

Myth # 1. All Animals Hibernate in the Winter

You might picture every wild animal curled up in a deep sleep until spring. But not all animals hibernate. Some hibernate fully, while others rest lightly or stay awake all season.

• True hibernators like groundhogs and little brown bats. Go into deep sleep for months, with slower heartbeats and lower body temperatures.
• Light sleepers such as black bears, skunks, and chipmunks enter a state called torpor. They rest deeply but can wake up when the weather warms or if disturbed.
• Active animals like squirrels, rabbits, mice, foxes, and coyotes don’t sleep at all. They grow thicker coats and use burrows or dens to stay warm.

When you understand these differences, you realize that many animals are still nearby, even when the snow is deep.

Myth # 2. Cold Weather Kills All Pests

It’s easy to believe that freezing temperatures wipe out unwanted pests. But that’s one of the most common winter wildlife myths in Canada. Cold weather pushes many pests inside your home or business.

• Rodents like mice and rats stay active year-round, nesting in walls or basements.
• Insects such as spiders, cockroaches, and wasps hide in cracks and attics.
• Squirrels and raccoons often enter roof spaces to escape the wind and cold.

You might not see them during the day, but signs like scratching, droppings, or chewing often appear in the winter months. That’s why prevention and professional help matter most during cold weather.

Myth #3. Raccoons in Winter Must Be Sick

You might worry if you see a raccoon walking across your yard in January, but don’t panic, it’s normal. Raccoons don’t truly hibernate; they sleep longer during freezing weather and come out on warmer days to look for food.

This flexible behaviour keeps them strong all season long. It’s only when raccoons act oddly like walking in circles or approaching humans that you should be concerned. Most of the time, a raccoon moving around in winter is perfectly healthy.

Myth #4. It’s Safe to Feed Animals Because Food Is Scarce

You may think you’re helping when you feed animals in winter, but it often causes more harm than good. Feeding wild animals changes their behaviour and can make them depend on people instead of finding food naturally.

When animals lose their natural fear of humans, they become bolder — sometimes entering garages, attics, or yards more often. This can lead to property damage or injuries if they feel threatened.

Even something small, like a bird feeder, can attract squirrels, raccoons, and mice. These smaller animals can draw in predators like coyotes or owls. The safest way to help is to keep your property clean and let animals find food on their own.

Myth #5. Skunks Disappear Until Spring

Many homeowners believe skunks vanish completely during the winter. But skunks don’t hibernate; they slow down and rest inside dens. On warmer days, they often leave to search for food.

If you notice digging under porches or sheds, a skunk may be using that space for shelter. Because they can spray when startled, you should never try to remove them yourself. Our humane system at Skedaddle uses one-way doors that allow animals to leave safely and prevent them from returning, protecting both you and the animals.

Myth #6. Squirrels Only Live in Trees

Squirrels are great climbers, but trees aren’t their only homes. When branches get covered in snow, they often move indoors. Attics, vents, and roof spaces are perfect places to stay warm and store food.

You might notice scratching in ceilings or see insulation pushed aside near vents. These are early signs that squirrels have found their way inside. Even one small entry hole can lead to big problems. Professional prevention helps ensure they leave safely without getting trapped.

Myth #7. Bats Leave Canada During Winter

You might think all bats migrate south when it gets cold, but some species actually stay in Canada all winter. These bats find warm attics, barns, and walls where temperatures stay stable enough to survive.

If you’ve ever seen one flying on a mild winter evening, it’s not lost; it’s likely leaving a roost to stretch or look for food. Knowing this helps you avoid one of the most misunderstood winter wildlife myths in Canada. Bats are vital to the ecosystem and should always be handled by trained professionals when found indoors.

Myth #8. You Don’t Need Wildlife Prevention in Winter

Many people believe animal issues only happen in spring or summer. But winter can be just as active, sometimes more. Animals seek shelter from cold, wind, and snow, and your home is often their first choice.

During winter, professionals like us at Skedaddle look for signs that animals have already found entry points. We seal them, install humane systems to allow safe exits, and make sure your home stays secure through the season.

Here are a few reasons prevention matters even in cold months:

• Damage from chewing or nesting can worsen without notice.
• Insulation and wiring are at risk year-round.
• Once animals find warmth, they often return the next winter.

Staying proactive now saves you stress and costly repairs later.

Keep the Facts Straight This Winter

When you understand what really happens to animals during winter, you can protect your home more effectively. Believing common wildlife myths for Canadian homeowners can make problems worse, but learning the winter wildlife facts in Canada helps you act smart and safely.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Toronto, we specialize in humane and lasting prevention. We help homeowners clear out unwanted guests using one-way doors that let animals leave but stop them from coming back.

Request an estimate to learn more about winter wildlife myths in Canada and how our professional team can help you stay protected all season long.