Our community is full of wildlife, especially in rural and urban areas. Respect and admire wildlife from a safe distance - do not approach or touch them.
If you are concerned about what you think might be sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, please call Animal Control or the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Additional information is provided below on wildlife in our community and rabies.
Beavers |
Living With Beavers in the City of BurlingtonBeavers can be found all over Ontario, most commonly in forests, and are protected and regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Beavers may also expand into non-forested areas, where waterways are bordered by trees or shrubs. This can bring beavers into parks or green spaces created by people. The City of Burlington acknowledges the wildlife in our parks and natural areas and takes a balanced and humane approach in managing these properties. The City of Burlington accepts that beavers are part of the natural environment and we do not engage in lethal trapping. While live trapping and relocating beavers is permitted under the Provincial Regulations, the release must be within one kilometre. Given that beavers are very territorial and will endeavour to return to their place of capture, permanent relocation is generally not possible or practical. Subject to the location of beaver activity, an alternative strategy may be to wrap selected trees in a wire fabric for protection. Only in very extreme circumstances, where there exists a substantiated threat to public safety, would the city consider other measures to alleviate the issue. More information on beavers can be found on the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources website at www.mnr.gov.on.ca. |
Black Bears |
A small number of bear sightings have been reported in semi-urban areas within Halton Region, specifically in Milton and Burlington. To learn about bears, how to prevent conflicts and what to do if you see a bear, visit Ontario's Bear Wise Program website. You can also call the Bear Reporting Line at 1-866-514-2327. In a life-threatening emergency, call your local police or dial 9-1-1. |
Canada Geese |
Canada geese generally look for locations that are close to water, with plenty of food and shelter open enough for them to see approaching predators. Although Canada geese are not usually hostile, geese that have become used to humans can be aggressive. To help keep geese away from your home or workplace, follow these simple tips:
For additional information, you can visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry or Environment Canada. |
Coyotes |
Learn more about living with coyotes and what you can do to deter coyotes from your property. |
Foxes |
Foxes have adapted well to city life and will continue to inhabit urban areas as long as food and shelter are plentiful and natural predators are limited. A healthy fox will not generally approach humans unless it has learned that humans supply food. Clap your hands or bang cans to discourage a fox from approaching If you see a fox growling and attempting to attack people, larger animals or inanimate objects, call the Burlington Animal Shelter. Ensure other people and animals are safely away from the fox and if possible, observe the animal until the Animal Control officer arrives. To deter foxes from your property:
|
Pigeons |
Large numbers of pigeons in one area can create unsanitary play conditions for children, accelerate the deterioration of buildings and vehicles, and spread fleas, ticks and mites. The best way to control pigeons is to remove food and shelter. To discourage pigeons from coming to your property:
|
Rabies is a contagious and fatal disease. People can get rabies from infected pets, livestock and wildlife. The rabies virus is spread from one animal to another or from an animal to a human, by biting or by entering the body through the mouth, nose, eyes or a break in the skin. Symptoms can begin to show in an infected animal within two weeks or take as long as six months.
If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal with rabies, see a physician immediately and contact the Halton Region health department by dialing 311 to report the incident.
If you believe your pet has been bitten or scratched by an animal with rabies:
For more information about rabies, please visit www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Immunizations-Preventable-Disease/Rabies.