Wildlife on Private Property

Have a wild animal on your property?

If you find a wild animal on your property, do not approach, touch or feed it.

The City does not remove, relocate or provide care for wildlife on private property.This is the responsibility of the private property owner. Wildlife management is the responsibility of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).

What should I do? 

Found a sick, injured or orphaned animal

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or learn what to do through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Have unwanted wildlife living on your property

Try the prevention tips below or contact a professional wildlife or pest control company.

Found a deceased wild animal

You can take it to a City landfill. Do not place it at the curb for garbage collection.

Noticed a fish die-off (sudden death of many fish)

Report it through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Saw a bear or have a bear-related concern

Report it through the Ontario government's Bear Wise program.

Keeping Wildlife Away from Your Home

Wild animals are usually looking for food, water or shelter. You can make your property less attractive to wildlife by:

• Keeping garbage in secure containers with locking lids
• Storing garbage indoors until collection day
• Keeping pet food indoors
• Securing compost and recycling
• Capping chimneys and roof vents
• Repairing holes or cracks around your home
• Blocking access under decks, porches, patios and sheds

Protect Wildlife

You can help keep both people and wildlife safe:

• Do not approach or handle wild animals
• Do not feed wild animals
• Keep cats indoors
• Keep dogs leashed when they are off your property
• Do not leave pet food outside
• Rinse food containers before placing them in recycling
• Secure garbage and compost containers
• Pick up fishing line, broken glass and other litter that could injure animals
• Avoid using pesticides where possible

Feeding wildlife can cause animals to become dependent on people or encourage them to stay near homes. In some situations, feeding wildlife may also be prohibited under the municipality’s By-Law 2021-072 (download).

Trapping or Relocating Wildlife

The City does not trap, relocate or release wildlife found on private property.

If you believe an animal needs to be trapped or removed, contact a professional wildlife control company or licensed trapper.

Whenever possible, use deterrents and remove sources of food or shelter instead of trapping an animal.

Relocating wildlife may:

• Cause stress or injury to the animal
• Separate parents from their young
• Leave young animals without care
• Spread disease to other wildlife
• Leave the property open for another animal to move in