Coexisting with urban wildlife
Image
Tips to live in harmony with skunks, raccoons, coyotes
and more
With
more people staying home and practising physical distancing, it is important not
to forget about our wildlife neighbours. Vaughan is home to many types of wild
animals, such as raccoons, skunks, birds, foxes and coyotes. With understanding
and some simple precautions, residents can learn to safely coexist with the
wild animals who share our backyards.
Here
are some simple tips to keep in mind to help manage urban wildlife.
Be
wildlife aware
Know
your wildlife neighbours. Enjoy your surroundings but keep a safe and
respectful distance from wild animals.
Do
not invite unwanted houseguests
Keep
your home properly sealed to exclude wildlife. Remove things that may attract
them by securing garbage/compost containers, picking up dog feces and cleaning
outdoor grills.
Be
a responsible pet owner
Free-roaming
pets are vulnerable to a multitude of dangers. Almost all conflicts between
wildlife and domestic dogs occur when dogs are off-leash. Always keep dogs on a
leash when outdoors and keep cats indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure.
Do
not feed wildlife
Directly
or unintentionally feeding a wild animal will increase its tolerance to people
and pets. Reconsider bird feeders as they attract small mammals, which
encourage larger wild animals to visit your yard.
What
to do if a coyote or fox approaches you:
- Stop: Pick up children and small pets, if necessary.
- Stand still: Never run from a coyote, fox or domestic dog.
- Make yourself big: Wave your hands above your head.
- Be loud and assertive: Shout, stomp your feet and clap your hands.
- Use a noisemaker: It could be your voice, a party horn, pots and pans banged together, a shaker can (such as a pop can filled with pebbles), a plastic bag (pull it out of your pocket and snap it around) or an umbrella popping open and closed.
- Slowly back away: Be assertive as you leave, so the animal knows it is not welcome.
As
a precautionary measure in response to COVID-19, the Vaughan Animal Shelter is
closed to the public; adoption and pet recovery services are available by
appointment only. Book your appointment by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing animal.services@vaughan.ca. Vaughan Animal Services continues to
operate and serve Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Township of King communities.
To
report a sick or injured wild animal, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
For more information, go to vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.
To receive the City’s latest COVID-19
updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook
and Instagram channels.
- 30 -