Associated with the page Animals
Wild Animals and Pests
The presence of wild animals in urban areas on private property (marmots, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, foxes, etc.) is not within the municipality’s jurisdiction. The Québec government is responsible for policies and regulations related to these animals.
Before considering any intervention, it is recommended to implement preventive measures and deterrents to keep the animal away without harming it.
Control and prevention measures
What should you do if you come across a wild animal?
Most of the species on our territory pose no danger to humans. However, certain safety measures can be taken:
- Never approach a wild animal;
- Never feed a wild animal;
- Never touch a wild animal.
How do you keep wild animals away?
If wild animals don’t cause any damage to your property, it’s best to be tolerant. On the other hand, if their presence becomes a problem, certain measures can be taken to dissuade them from settling in.
Make sure your household waste is not accessible to animals. To do this, use airtight garbage cans with tightly-fitting lids. To reduce the odors that may attract them, clean your bins regularly and add mothballs to the bottom.
Shelters such as sheds, garages and stoops are often prized by certain species. It is essential to seal off accesses by blocking openings with wire mesh. Choose 5 cm mesh to keep out raccoons, groundhogs and skunks, and 1 cm for squirrels.
Avoid leaving pet food outside, as it may attract urban wildlife. Place bird feeders at least 1.5 meters from the ground and three meters from any surface from which a squirrel could jump.
Reduce the presence of grubs on your property, as they are a source of food for groundhogs, skunks and raccoons.
u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnAttics and chimneys can be havens for certain animals, which can gnaw through electrical wires. To prevent intruders, close all openings with strong wire mesh.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnIf you notice an infestation in your home, read u003cstrongu003ethis articleu003c/strongu003e to find out what steps to take in such a situation.
Useful information
According to wildlife specialists, relocating or capturing wild animals is not recommended. This entails risks, such as the introduction of diseases or parasites into a new environment, which can have negative repercussions on public health, agriculture and species preservation.
If, despite your best efforts, you are unable to dissuade wild animals from settling on your property, we recommend that you contact the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs for advice tailored to your situation.