The Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society is recommending people use less harmful methods of deterring wildlife after animal services officers responded to reports of animals injured or killed by untimely traps at three different Kitchener properties in the past few weeks. last.
Hatchling traps are made of metal and may have sharp edges or teeth. Calla James, a spokeswoman for the humane society said a conifer trap was also used to catch a squirrel.
“If you take a look at that trap — it’s a metal trap — and to catch an animal in that trap, it was almost certain that the squirrel received very serious injuries and would suffer upon release,” she told CBC News.
The humane society says there are safer and more humane ways to deter wildlife.
“There’s definitely a difference between animals that damage your property and animals that happen to be nearby,” she said.
“There are many humane wildlife companies as well as humane societies that can provide resources or advice on how to humanely trap them, forcing us to use these types of traps or anything that would harm them. “
Tips for deterring wildlife
Living with animals is just part of urban life, said Bill Dowd, CEO of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, which works with the KW Humane Society to remove wild animals from a property.
His biggest tip is to not leave food that animals can get their paws on, like trash cans.
He said it’s best to put out your garbage cans in the morning, rather than the night before.
Bird feeders can also attract unwanted animals.
“That bird feed spills onto the grass and it’s like a magnet,” he said. “Raccoons and skunks will come into your yard eating that food source. So will rats and mice.”
Pet-proofing your home is the best way to keep wild animals from damaging or entering your home, Dowd said.
“Whether you have a chimney that’s not vented, or vents in your roof that aren’t controlled or missing shingles,” he said.
The most effective way to keep skunks from returning to a structure is by opening channels and scanning. Skunks are avid diggers, so a simple fix like blocking a single entrance won’t keep them away! Trust the professionals to keep your property clean 🦨 pic.twitter.com/kpx7ZzKDaD
Dowd advises against trapping and relocating animals. It can attract more animals to your property, and letting them out can do more harm than good.
“That mother squirrel or skunk or mother raccoon will tell [her babies] how to take care of themselves in a city environment,” he said.
“So taking those animals out into the country – they just don’t ‘survive.’
