Living with Wildlife

Clarington's Municipal Law Enforcement Officers respond to sick or injured wildlife calls during regular business hours.

If wildlife poses a threat to the public, safety officers will attend to assist in determining behaviour. If there is an immediate threat to public safety, contact Durham Regional Police at 905-579-1520.

Tips to wildlife-proof your home

The fall is a great time to do any building repairs. Any wildlife that may have entered in the spring to have babies will usually be willing to leave in the fall when their young are grown.

  • Keep your barbecue free of grease and keep your barbecue area clean.
  • After cleaning your chimney, place a cap over it. Be sure to check your chimney each year.
  • Check exterior vents, such as dryer, stove, and bathroom vents. After ensuring there are no animals trapped in the vent, place a screen or vent cover over the vent.
  • Store your garbage in a container with a tight fitting lid. If possible, store containers in your garage or shed until the day of pickup. Use a repellent such as oil of mustard or mothballs on the bottom of garbage container. This has been used to prevent animals from getting into the garbage.
  • Fill and repair holes in your roof, attic and deck to prevent unwanted residents. Before doing this please make sure that there are no animals/birds trapped inside. It is also helpful to trim back any overhanging branches and install motion-sensitive outdoor lights or sprinklers.
  • Clean out your window wells and place a cover or screen over them.
  • Treat your lawn for grubs. Grubs make excellent meals for raccoons and skunks.

For more information visit Ontario's Wildlife and Nature website.

Related links

Living with coyotes

Coyotes are a part of nature and can be spotted in both rural and urban areas. It is common to see them in wooded areas, ravines, or near new subdivisions. They primarily hunt from dusk until dawn. Coyotes do not hibernate and can be seen or heard year round.

Coyotes help control rodents, including mice, rats, rabbits and groundhogs. Attacks on people are very rare, more common are attacks from dogs. There is a 50 per cent higher chance of a dog or cat exposing people to rabies.

  • Teach children to never approach wildlife, just enjoy them from a safe distance.
  • Never attempt to feed coyotes. This makes them less fearful of people and will also get them used to relying on human food.
  • Remove any food sources from outside your home.
  • Do not put meat, bones or eggs in your compost.
  • Do not feed your pets outside.
  • Keep ripe fruit and birdseed from building up on the ground.
  • Keep garbage well contained. Put garbage out in the morning, don't leave it curbside all night. This will prevent rodents and skunks from venturing near your home, and in turn will help reduce the attraction of coyotes who feed on these animals.
  • Keep cats indoors and always walk dogs on a leash. Keep your pets inside from dusk to dawn.
  • Ensure you have a good fence to help keep pets safe. A six-foot fence is recommended with at least six inches below ground. 
  • Motion sensitive lights in yards and gardens can help scare away these shy but inquisitive animals.
  • Remove brush and shrubs from around your property. Keep crawl spaces under sheds and barns closed off. They can quickly become a cozy den.

If you're walking in areas where coyotes can be found:

  • Walk in small groups.
  • Keep a whistle, alarm, flashlight or umbrella to frighten them away in case you come close.
  • If a coyote confronts you, do not turn your back and run. Stand your ground.
  • Make lots of noise. Call for help.
  • Slowly back away to safety. 

If you feel that you are in immediate life-threatening danger, call 9-1-1.

If you encounter a potentially aggressive coyote but are not in immediate danger, call Clarington’s Animal Shelter. The Municipality monitors reports we receive about aggressive coyotes to evaluate the risk to the public and the need for a response.

If you have questions or concerns, you can contact the Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-667-1940.

For more information, our Animal Shelter Staff are available for advice and direction. 

Contact Us

Address: 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6

Phone: 905-623-3379
TTY: 1-844-790-1599

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