Wildlife refuge recommends discouraging nesting, not relocation

Nancy Melcher

             Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge is asking homeowners to discourage wild animals from nesting inside, rather than relocating the unwanted house guests unwittingly killing their offspring.

            Attics, chimneys, decks, porches, sheds, and other quiet undisturbed places are prime spots for squirrels, raccoons, skunks and bats to nest and raise their young. Homeowners may evict these unwanted guests. However, often it’s just the mothers who are caught, leaving their babies behind. “If the orphaned animals are found quickly enough, they can be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation centre for care and eventual release … but many are found too late” sayas Gail Lenters, founder of Shades of Hope, which is located in Pefferlaw.

Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act prohibits the relocation of animals more than one kilometre from their capture site. They have strong homing instincts and will likely return to care for their young. The most humane solution is to let the babies grow and leave their den on their own, after 8 – 10 weeks.

Lenters suggests discouraging occupancy three ways:

1. Leave a radio playing a talk radio station – no music.

2. Place a non-flammable light source in or near the den.

3. Introduce strong smells like apple cider vinegar on rags placed in a plastic bag with holes. These methods will likely encourage the mother to move the babies to a new den.

Once the animals have left, wildlife-proof your home: seal up the entry points, install chimney and vent covers, remove appealing food sources, secure trash bags, and store garbage in secure bins. Put out garbage on the morning of collection, not the night before.

For more information contact Shades of Hope at www.shadesofhope.ca or 705-437-4654.