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Managing and coexisting with wild animals in Pointe-Claire

The presence of wild animals in our community enriches our experience of nature while reminding us of our collective responsibility to protect these living beings and their habitat. In Pointe-Claire, it is essential to follow responsible practices to ensure harmonious cohabitation with local wildlife, in compliance with current legislation.

Respecting natural habitats: a legal obligation

As part of our commitment to preserving the natural environment and respecting biodiversity, it’s important to remember that the removal or relocation of wild animals from their natural habitat is not only illegal but also harmful, both to the animals themselves and to the place where they are relocated.

According to the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife, it is illegal to remove wild animals from their natural environment. This ban extends to the movement of species such as squirrels, skunks, raccoons, wild turkeys and coyotes, whether to public parks, including Terra-Cotta Natural Park, or other municipal green spaces. Have some animals made a home in your yard? See the next sections of this article to find out what you can do.

These actions, however well intentioned they may be, can induce considerable stress in animals, increase the risk of spreading disease, destabilize native animal populations, and degrade the health and ecological quality of green spaces intended for the relaxation and preservation of local wildlife.

Preventive measures for effective wildlife management

To avoid problems caused by wild animals, it is advisable to take simple but effective preventive measures:

  • Keep your garbage cans tightly closed and, if possible, store them in a place inaccessible to animals, such as a garage or enclosed shed.
  • Don’t leave food outside, including fallen fruit or food scraps, as they may attract animals.
  • Respect By-Law PC-1495, which prohibits feeding wild animals, so as not to encourage them to return or causing damage to land or property.
  • Keep gardens and outdoor spaces free of shelters for wild animals by securing potential entrances, such as basements, attics and porches.

Recommended action when wild animals are present

If a wild animal takes up residence on your property, here are some recommended actions to take:

  • Solutions such as vinegar, essential oils or certain commercial products can be used to keep animals away without harming them.
  • For ethical management that complies with legislation, it is advisable to call on wildlife management experts to assess and resolve the situation safely and respectfully.

By respecting these guidelines, every Pointe-Claire resident plays an important role in protecting our local wildlife and preserving the natural balance of our community.

Additional resources and information

For further assistance or information on cohabiting with urban wildlife, we invite you to consult the following resources:

Legal references:

Section 67 of the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife

Section 1 paragraph e of By-Law PC-1495 concerning nuisances