Tips & Tricks for co-existing with Wildlife

Outdoor raccoon/squirrel/skunk handling

If you are calling for information on humanely handling raccoons, squirrels or skunks on or around your property because you are experiencing evening garbage damage, lawn damage, deck damage or garden damage, we recommend that you attempt to solve the problem on your own.

Do not put your garbage out overnight. Try raccoon proofing your garbage container by placing a heavy object on the cover or try attaching bungee cords on the handles on either side of the container to prevent the lid from being removed. You may also purchase from your local department or hardware store a raccoon-proof garbage container with locking handles over the lid. You may also put a bungee cord between the locking handles to discourage really smart determined raccoons. Do not put plastic garbage bags out alone.

Make sure your composer sits on a solid base such as patio stones or concrete. This will prevent animals from digging under the rim and accessing your compost. Also ensure that the lid of your composer is on tight and locked and that the access ducts are tightly closed.

To humanely deal with other wildlife issues, you could purchase a sensor light from a large hardware store. When the animal crosses the sensor, the light will startle them and encourage the to leave the property.

The Society discourages the trapping of wildlife. You should supervise any professional trappers you may retain to ensure trapped animals are released safely.

We also caution that it is possible when setting humane traps that an animal you did not intend to trap may be confined. It is the responsibility of the trapper to release all confined animals regardless of species from the traps in a timely manner so as not to subject the animal to discomfort or distress. The Toronto Humane Society does not provide a pickup and release service. The Toronto Humane Society does not sell or rent animal traps.

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.