Tips & Tricks for co-existing with Wildlife

Indoor raccoon and squirrel handling

The Toronto Humane Society has received good reports on the humaneness of the following indoor raccoon and squirrel removal methods. The steps to these methods are as follows:

Gather the following equipment and supplies: a spotlight, not a flashlight which is not bright enough, a portable radio, a newspaper, hardware cloth or galvanized steel mesh (either of which can be purchase from a large hardware store), and masking tape.

1. Locate all of the holes or entry points. Block off all but one, with the hardware cloth or steel mesh. You can rebuild over these later.
2. Suspend the lamp carefully away for any flammable or combustible materials. Place the radio as close to the hole as possible with the station turned to a talking voice, not music. The volume should be set as high as possible.
3. You now wish to determine when the family has left. Tape one sheet of newspaper over the hole. Check the paper regularly to see if there is a hold in it. A hole does not indicate that the animal has left permanently, as the mother will return for her babies. When there is a hole, tape a fresh piece of newspaper over the top. Repeat this procedure until the last sheet of paper remains intact for 48 hours.
4. Deodorize the area with your regular household cleaner.
5. Place the hardware cloth or galvanized steel mesh over the hole. You can then cover the hold with siding, wood, plaster or other material of your choice. It is important that you do use the hardware cloth or steel mesh first, as it is the most resistant to being pulled away.
6. Check around your roof to ensure that there are not tree branches, antennae or vine-covered walls available for any animal to attempt re-entry.

The Toronto Humane Society is a provincially accredited rehabilitation center. Injured wild animals or birds can be brought to our 11 River Street shelter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for rehabilitation. The Queen car stops at River St, just steps from our door, and we have free parking at the rear of the shelter.

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Back to Wildlife Rehab

The Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Department cares for injured and immature animals. The Toronto Humane Society has cared for a variety of wild animals such as owls, hawks, deer, foxes, beavers, and raccoons. We have the expertise and knowledge to help rehabilitate these animals. The Shelter has both indoor and outdoor facilities to keep our wild animals safe.

For more information call: 416.392.2273

Hours of Operation: Seasonal.