TIPS TO PREVENT
URBAN WILDLIFE CONFLICTS

• Keep garbage well contained: store in secure containers and put out on the morning of collection

• Animal-proof the composter: ensure it is well sealed

• Trim tree branches that are close to the house (15 feet back is recommended)

• Use a spill tray under your bird feeder to prevent seed from falling on the ground

• Hire a professional wildlife exclusion specialist like Humane Wildlife Control to animal-proof your home

• Keep your house and property well-maintained (clean out eavestroughs, repair roofs/foundations/
  porches/decks)

• Keep cats inside

• Secure pet trap doors at night

URBAN WILDLIFE ARE NOT LIKE OTHER ANIMALS

It is important to keep in mind that urban wildlife are not pets, but are not truly "wild" either. They have adapted quite well to living in urban and suburban areas and may not be as afraid of people as their wild cousins.

These animals need to be treated with respect. They may be cute looking, especially the babies, but can become aggressive if threatened and may also carry diseases that are harmful to humans. It's best to view them from a distance.

These animals are naturally drawn to warm, dry places (i.e. your house, chimney or shed). This is a natural behaviour for them and they should not be treated as vermin.

DO'S AND DONT'S IF YOU FIND WILDLIFE ON YOUR PROPERTY

DON'T: Try and trap, grab, poison or smoke the animal out

DON'T: Separate a mother from her babies

DON'T: Seal animals in your attic, walls or roof - they will die and cause odour, damage and human health problems

DON'T: Feed animals - it will just encourage them to come back and potentially access your house

DO: Treat wildlife with respect

DO: Call for professional help (a humane society or urban wildlife company, like Humane Wildlife Control) if you have questions or concerns about urban wildlife conflicts

WHY HUMANE REMOVAL AND EXCLUSION WORKS

• Animals are able to stay in their familiar home range

• They can quickly relocate the family into a secondary den or nesting site

• Wildlife can continue to find food sources to raise their young

WHY RELOCATION , KILLING &
LIVE TRAPPING DOES NOT WORK

• Animals will injury themselves to get out of a live trap

• Relocation causes a high level of stress for adults and babies

• There is an increased chance of infectious disease transmission when relocating

• These animals are opportunistic: other ones will simply move in to fill the void left by relocation, and the overall population level does not change

• Separating a mothers from her babies usually results in death