After 3 snap traps used in Kitchener, humane society suggests less violent ways to deter wildlife
Avoid leaving out garbage bins or bird feeders
The Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society recommends that people use less harmful methods to deter wildlife, after animal service officers responded to reports of animals injured or killed by snap traps on three different properties in Kitchener, Ont., in recent weeks.
Snap traps are made of metal and can have sharp edges or teeth. Calla James, a spokesperson for the humane society, said a conibear trap was also used to capture a squirrel.
"If you take a look at that trap — it's a metal trap — and to capture an animal in that trap, it was almost certain that squirrel received very serious injuries and would be suffering after release," she told CBC News.
The humane society notes there are safer, more humane ways to deter wildlife.
"There's definitely a difference between animals damaging your property and animals that are just around," she said.
"There are a lot of humane wildlife companies as well as the humane society that can give resources or tips as to how to humanely deter them with our having to use these types of traps or anything that would harm them."
Tips to deter wildlife
Living with animals is just a part of urban life, said Bill Dowd, chief executive officer of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, which works with the KW Humane Society to remove wildlife from a property.
He especially advises not to leave food out, like in garbage bins, that animals can get their paws on.
He said it's best to put your bins out for garbage collection in the morning, rather than the evening before.
Bird feeders can also attract unwanted animals.
"That bird feed spills onto the grass and that's like a magnet," he said. "Raccoons and skunks are going to be coming to your yard eating that food source. So are mice and rats."
Animal proofing your house is the best way to keep wildlife from damaging or entering your home, Dowd said.
"Whether you have a chimney that's unscreened, or vents on your roof that are unscreened or shingles missing," he said.
The most effective way to keep skunks from moving back into a structure is by trenching and screening. Skunks are avid diggers, so a simple fix like blocking a single entrance won't keep them away! Trust the professionals to keep your property skunk free 🦨 <a href="https://t.co/kpx7ZzKDaD">pic.twitter.com/kpx7ZzKDaD</a>
—@SkedaddleWildDowd advises against trapping and relocating animals. It can attract more animals to your property and releasing them out in the country can do more harm than good.
"That mother squirrel or mother skunk or raccoon is going to show [her babies] how to fend for themselves in a city environment," he said.
"So taking those animals out to the country — they just don't' survive."