What can you do?
People and wild animals live side by side in Ontario. As a landowner, you can prevent or address problem wildlife on your property.
Ontario's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act sets out the legal actions property owners can take to deal with problem wildlife.
As long as you don't cause unnecessary suffering to wildlife and follow all municipal by-laws, you may do what is necessary to prevent wildlife from causing damage to your property.
Preventing Problems with Wildlife
Often the best way to prevent problems with wildlife is to make small changes on your property and in your actions. For example, removing sources of food, water and shelter will encourage animals to go elsewhere.
To help you live with wildlife, refer to these web pages:
- how to prevent conflicts in situations where you may encounter wildlife
- how to deal with common Ontario species of wildlife
If you capture wildlife
If you capture wildlife, but don't kill it, within 24 hours of capture you must:
- release wildlife as close as possible within a kilometre from the capture site and in similar habitat wherever possible
- deliver it to an authorized wildlife rehabilitation facility if injured, sick or orphaned.
Poisons and adhesives
You may not use poisons or adhesives to kill, capture or injure wildlife, including in protection of property. There is an exemption for licensed poisons for the removal of
pests such as mice and rats.
Using an agent
You may use an agent to act on your behalf to carry out or assist with wildlife removal. The agent must have authorization from the Ministry of Natural Resources or belong to a regulated class of agents.
Checklist for hiring a wildlife control agent
What to do first
Determine the service you require
Finding an agent
- Ask friends, family or neighbours for recommendations
- Check your local yellow pages, do an Internet search for pest control, or speak with your local Ministry of Natural Resources district office
- Set up a building inspection with the agent
- Ask a lot of questions to get to know the agent and the type of services they provide
Getting estimates and proposals
- Obtain various estimates; they should include a detailed description of the work to be done
- Ask for references from past customers
What should be in the contract?
- Your name, address and telephone
- Agent's name, address and telephone
- Description of the work being performed
- Costs
- Warranty information
- Start and completion date
- Signatures – after you have carefully reviewed the details
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