We share the Township with many forms of wildlife that have adapted to our environment. They have learned to live in the Township and are commonly less afraid of people. As the Township expands, we will move further into natural habitats of animals. This forces the wildlife to adapt to us, so we need to do our part to live with them.

Many types of wildlife live in the Township. These animals include: skunks, birds, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes.

Common issues

A common misconception is that any nocturnal (active at night) animal that comes out during the day has rabies. This is false - urban wildlife often wander around in the daylight. This is a result of light pollution from streetlights and signs, as well as the amount of food available, not because the animals are sick. We receive many calls about injured or sick animals out during the day that are in fact healthy animals.

There are wildlife rehab facilities you can contact to report injured or orphaned wildlife.

Injured or nuisance wildlife

To report nuisance or injured wildlife on Township property you can call or email the Township Office.

If you have nuisance or injured wildlife on your property you may wish to contact a private, local wildlife control service.

In cases where there is a direct and immediate threat to human life, we suggest that residents contact the Ontario Provincial Police.

You may also contact the Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-667-1940 for more information on how to deal with wildlife on your property or the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies.

Rules for dealing with wildlife

Some general rules you should follow when dealing with wildlife include:

• Leave wildlife alone when you encounter them, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened.
• Keep your dogs on a leash when off your property. It is safer for both your pet and wildlife, and is a regulation of our animal by-laws.
• Do not feed wildlife as it can do more harm than good.
• Always clean up garbage from parks, playgrounds, and public places.
• Do not feed your pet outside as it encourages wildlife and stray cats to visit your property.

Coyote Control

In response to inquiries about the increased presence of coyotes within the County of Oxford, an information package has been developed for all residents. Although the main focus is towards rural properties, there are also some tips for urban homeowners and how to ensure that your property is not attracting this type of wildlife.

This package includes valuable information on behavioural patterns of coyotes and how to protect livestock against them. Also included is local contact information for two organizations, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and the Ontario Fur Managers Federation. Both of these groups can be very helpful for property owners that will allow hunting and/or trapping on their land.