WILDLIFE CENTRES ACROSS ONTARIO WORK TO PROTECT BABY ANIMALS

Napanee, Ontario – April 11, 2025 – Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Inc. is one of
eight Ontario-based wildlife centres sounding the alarm over the growing number of
orphaned wildlife in the region.

As temperatures rise, wildlife activity increases and many species, including
raccoons and squirrels, seek warm, secluded spaces to nest and raise their young.
Attics, chimneys, and other quiet, undisturbed areas become prime spots for these
animals.

Not only is this an issue for homeowners, but it is also of deep concern for wildlife
rehabilitation centres, which are on the receiving end of the hundreds of baby
animals that are orphaned every year when homeowners evict their moms from their
premises.

Sue Meech, Director at Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, stated that if orphaned animals
are discovered promptly, they can be transported to a wildlife rehabilitation centre for
necessary care and subsequent release. However, she noted that wildlife
rehabilitation centres across Ontario often reach their full capacity as early as May,
with requests for assistance continuing for several months beyond that point.
Consequently, rehabilitation specialists are faced with the difficult choice of having to
decline help to hundreds of young animals annually. This unfortunate event is not
only heartbreaking but also completely avoidable.

Considering this, eight prominent wildlife centres in Ontario, including Sandy Pines
Wildlife Centre, have come together in a significant initiative aimed at increasing
awareness and educating homeowners about more responsible and effective
methods for managing wildlife on their premises.

Wildlife contributes significantly to the balance of the ecosystem. We are collectively
promoting a message to the public to approach wild animals with empathy and
awareness, thereby preventing the orphaning of young animals in the process.

The Problem with Trapping and Relocation

While most individuals can grasp the barbaric nature of a kill trap, many people
remain under the wrongful impression that live traps are a humane option. This is
simply not the case. Live-trapped animals experience significant stress, often injuring
themselves in attempts to escape the trap. They are also vulnerable to extreme
temperatures and dehydration while waiting to be transported to another location.
Some never make it.

If released, these animals face even more challenges. Often ripped away from their
young, they are left in an unfamiliar environment struggling to find food and shelter.
They may also encounter territorial disputes with other wildlife, adding more stress to
an already traumatic experience.

To minimize the risks to survival and limit the potential for disease transmission,
Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act prohibits the relocation of animals more
than one kilometre from their capture site. While this is intended to protect animals,
ecosystems and humans, it is not fool proof. In fact, many species have incredibly
strong homing instincts and will likely return to their original territory, including to their
young. As a result, legal relocation is frequently ineffective.

A More Humane Approach

With these challenges in mind, it’s important for homeowners to take a more humane
and thoughtful approach to managing wild animals on their property.
Many homeowners are grateful when they realize there is a way to resolve the issue
humanely, It feels good knowing the animals are not being harmed
Following are best practices supported by wildlife centres across the province.

1. The Gift of Time
If you are aware that the wildlife in your home has babies, the most humane
approach is to allow her time to care for them until they are old enough to follow her
out of the den on their own (typically around 8-10 weeks old). This prevents
orphaning the babies and gives them the best chance at survival.
Important Note: Before sealing any entry points ensure all babies have left. One
way to determine this is to place a crumpled paper towel at the entrance to track
movement. If the paper towel is disturbed, it likely means that an animal is still inside.
2. Discourage Occupancy
To encourage wild animals to leave on their own, experts recommend making the
den area less than ideal for a nursing mom by incorporating various elements in or
near the den, such as:
• Leaving a talk radio station playing (no music).
• Use a non-flammable light source in or near the den area.
• Introducing strong smells, like apple cider vinegar on rags placed in a plastic
bag with holes.
Using all three methods together, with patience, will likely encourage the mother to
move her babies to a new den. Since most species have multiple den sites nearby,
the transition can occur smoothly for both human and animal families.

If you’d like guidance on this process, contact Sandy Pines animal care line at 613-
354-0264. You can also visit www.sandypineswildlife.org for additional information
on living in harmony with wildlife.
3. Seek Professional Help if Necessary
If the situation becomes overwhelming, seek a reputable wildlife control company
with expertise in wildlife biology and behaviour, especially during mating and
breeding seasons.
Their service should include:
• A thorough inspection and free estimate.
• Identifying entry points and locating the mother and her babies.
• Using humane techniques, like one-way doors to allow the mother to leave on
her own.
• Gently removing the babies and placing them in a heated reunion box, where
they can stay warm until the mother returns and takes her babies one by one
to another safe den site.
• After the removal, and reuniting the animal family, the company should secure
all entry points to prevent future stays and repair any damage caused by the
animal.
We do not recommend companies that offer to “live trap” and “relocate” the animal.
4. Wildlife Proof Your Home
To reduce the risk of future wild guests, homeowners should take proactive steps to
wildlife-proof their homes. Basic steps would include:
• Removing food sources, such as securing trash bags and storing them in
secure bins.
• Sealing entry points, including the installation of chimney and vent covers.
The Wildlife Centres Involved in this Initiative
The eight organizations involved in this effort include:
• Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (Rosseau, Ontario)
• Holly's Haven Wildlife Rescue (Dunrobin, Ontario)
• Procyon Wildlife (Beeton, Ontario)
• Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre (Napanee, Ontario)
• Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge (Pefferlaw,
Ontario)
• Speaking for Wildlife (Orillia and Area, Ontario)
• Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre (Val Caron, Ontario)
• Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary (Minden, Ontario)

More on Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Inc.

Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre has been in operation for more than 28 years. It is
located on Highway 2, west of Napanee. It's mandate is to help all injured and orphaned wildlife and release them back to the
wild. We also advise people who call in from all over Eastern Ontario with concerns
about wildlife conflicts they are experiencing. We offer humane solutions that result
in the animal relocating itself, allowing the animal to remain in its home territory.
We have an excellent education outreach program and give presentations all over
Eastern Ontario to encourage compassion and care for our wild neighbours.
Founder/Director Sue Meech is licensed by both the OMNRF and Canadian Wildlife
Services to provide care and shelter for all native and migrating wildlife.
As a not-for-profit, Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue its critical work. Donations, volunteer time, and community- driven fundraisers help sustain our programs. To learn more or contribute, please visit www.sandypineswildlife.org. Your support helps ensure a future where wildlife thrives.