Wildlife

The Town of Grimsby receives many calls requesting information and advice on how to handle wildlife encounters.

Public safety

We do have wildlife within our community and sometimes that can result in direct contact or injury. If you are in immediate danger, or if the animal is aggressive and may injure someone, call the police at 911.

Animal bites

If human contact has been made with wildlife/animals suspected of having rabies, contact Niagara Region Public Health at 1-800-263-7248 or 905-688-3762

Animal in distress

If you see an animal in distress or you suspect it has rabies, please call the Lincoln County Humane Society at 1-800-263-2469 or 905-682-0767

Dead animal

The Region of Niagara is responsible for issues occurring on certain roads in Grimsby.

The following streets are maintained by the Region of Niagara:

• Livingston Avenue
• Main Street (East and West)
• Christie Street
• Mountain Road
• South Service Road (Includes Clarke Street)
• Mud Street (East and West)
• Casablanca Boulevard
• Bartlett Avenue

If a dead animal is being reported on one of these streets please contact the Niagara Region directly at 1-877-552-5579.

If a dead animal is NOT being reported on one of these streets please contact the Lincoln County Humane Society directly at 905-682-0767 or 1-800-263-2469.

Nuisance wildlife

We do not handle urban wildlife calls such as skunks, raccoons, bats and other local wild animals. Please call a pest control company to properly manage these animals.

Coyotes

Coyote sightings are common in Southern Ontario. We can minimize human and wildlife encounters and conflicts by applying common sense.

For facts about what you can do to keep your family/pets safe, and what steps can be taken to minimize attracting coyotes to your area please refer to the following:

• Co-existing with coyotes
• Preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes

Tips for dealing with pests

• Do not provide food for wildlife. Bring pet food inside at the end of the day. Use a proper container for compost and organic waste and only put out vegetable wastes
• Ensure garbage stored outside is in a tightly sealed container
• Do not provide shelter for wildlife. In the early spring and late fall, homeowners should be sure to locate and close up any holes or openings in attics, under steps, sheds and garages. These areas make great dens for raising young in the spring, and great sleeping quarters for the winter. Make sure all wildlife has left or been removed from denning areas before sealing the entrances.
• Do not provide access for wildlife. Trim all overhanging tree branches and collar TV antenna towers so that animals don't use these to get on to roofs.
• Consider the consequences of all landscaping decisions. Rock and water gardens as well as birdbaths can help provide that habitat niche that wildlife is looking for.