What to Do Around Wild Animals

Respect for Natural Habitats: A Legal Obligation

In our commitment to preserving the natural environment and respecting biodiversity, it is important to remember that moving or relocating wild animals from their natural habitat is not only illegal but also harmful, both to the animals themselves and to their relocation site.

According to the Act on the Conservation and Development of Wildlife, it is illegal to move wild animals from their natural environment. This prohibition extends to the relocation 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 chosen your yard as a habitat? Check the next sections of the article to learn about interventions you can implement.

These actions, however well-intentioned they may be, can cause considerable stress to the animals, increase the risk of disease spread, unbalance native animal populations, and degrade the health and ecological quality of green spaces intended for relaxation and the preservation of local wildlife.

Preventive Measures for Effective Wildlife Management

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

• Keep your garbage bins tightly closed and, if possible, store them in a place inaccessible to animals such as a garage or a closed shelter.
• Do not leave food outside, including fallen fruits or meal leftovers, as they could attract animals.
• Comply with the municipal by-law PC-1495 which prohibits feeding wild animals, so as not to encourage them to return or even cause damage to the land or property.
• Keep gardens and outdoor spaces free of areas that could serve as shelters for wild animals by securing potential entrances such as basements, attics, and porches.

Recommended Interventions in Case of Wild Animal Presence

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

• Solutions like vinegar, essential oils, or certain commercial products can be used to repel animals without harming them.
• For ethical and legally compliant management, it is advisable to call on wildlife management experts to assess and resolve the situation safely and respectfully.

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

Resources and Additional Information

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

• What to Do in the Presence of Wild Animals on Your Property from the Government of Quebec
• Coexisting with Urban Wildlife from the SPCA

Legal References: