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Procyon Wildlife urges residents to coexist with wildlife during spring season

April 17, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Procyon Wildlife has joined with seven other Ontario-based wildlife centres to raise awareness about the increasing number of baby animals being orphaned due to human activity.

When the warmer weather arrives, wildlife becomes more active. Many species, especially raccoons, squirrels, and skunks, seek safe, warm places to raise their young.

Unfortunately, attics, sheds, chimneys, and other quiet structures are prime targets.

When homeowners unknowingly evict a mother from these spaces, the babies are often left behind – cold, hungry, and helpless.

“If baby animals are found quickly, they can be brought to Procyon for care and eventual release,” said Debra Spilar, executive director of Procyon Wildlife. “But each year, we reach full capacity within weeks, and we’re forced to make painful decisions about who we can help. The truth is, many of these orphanings are preventable.”

Procyon Wildlife, along with seven other leading wildlife rehabilitation centres, are launching a coordinated initiative to educate homeowners on humane ways to co-exist with wildlife – especially during nesting season.

“All wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems,” Spilar adds. “We’re urging the public to act with compassion and understanding, so baby animals don’t lose their mothers in the process.”

While many homeowners assume that using a live trap is a humane solution, the reality is very different. Live-trapped animals often suffer injuries and extreme stress and are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations while confined.

If relocated, they are frequently separated from their young and placed in unfamiliar environments without food, shelter, or familiarity with the area. This can lead to high mortality rates.

Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act prohibits relocating wildlife more than one kilometre from the capture site.

Homeowners are encouraged to use humane strategies to prevent conflict and avoid orphaning wildlife.

Procyon Wildlife recommends “waiting it out” if babies are present. Allow the mother to care for them until they are old enough to leave on their own. This usually takes eight to 10 weeks.

To ensure all animals have left, place a crumpled paper towel at the den’s entrance. If it’s undisturbed for 48 hours, it is likely the animals have moved on.

You can encourage relocation by making a space undesirable.

Play a talk radio station (not music), and install a non-flammable light in or near the den. You can try using strong scents like vinegar-soaked rags in ventilated plastic bags.

This gentle but persistent disturbance often encourages the mother to relocate her babies on her own – usually to one of several backup dens.

If you are unsure or overwhelmed, seek help from a reputable wildlife control company that uses humane eviction and reunion techniques. Avoid any company that offers to live trap and relocate animals – this is rarely in the animal’s best interest.

The best strategy is prevention. Store garbage securely, install chimneys and vent covers, and regularly inspect your home for vulnerable entry points.

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