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News, little truths and wisdom regarding Pest Bird & Animal Wildlife Control, Falconry, and Birds of Prey....
Chipmunk vs. Squirrel: What's Really the Difference?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Have you ever wondered about those furry (and quite charming) little critters scurrying about in your yard? How do you know whether you are looking at a chipmunk or a squirrel?
Chipmunk vs. Squirrel
When we talk about chipmunks vs. squirrels, we'll find that they have an awful lot in common... and a few key differences. Both are members of the Sciuridae family (and so are over 250 other little rodents!) and both are found in nearly all parts of Canada. Their diets are very similar, as are their enemies. With that said, let's look at what distinguishes one from the other.
Physical Characteristics
Size and Body Shape
Squirrels (and here in Ontario, that generally means the Estern Grey Squirrel) are considerably larger than chipmunks and measure about 10-12 inches plus a tail nearly the same lenth. A squirrel's back legs are longer than the front and make them excellent jumpers. Chipmunks, on the other hand rarely measure more than 7.5 inches with a short and somewhat stubby legs and considerable shorter and thinner tails.
Fur Color and Patterns
The Eastern Grey Squirrel comes in 50 shades of grey :) Well, brown-ish to grey-ish. Actually, most are very dark and there seems to be a connection between a colder climate and darker fur. The red squirrel, of course, will have more of a reddish-brown coloured fur. No matter the squirrel, its fur will be uniform and one colour or shade. Chipmunks however, have a rather intricite and pretty stiped head and body: five dark and four light stripes along their sides and three dark and two light stripes on their face. Their fur is orange-brown and their belly is light coloured.
Facial Features
The smaller chipmunk has delicate features with those distinctive stripes, big black eyes and a pointy nose, covered in whiskers. They also sport cheek pouches with an impressive capacity to store and transport food and small upright rounded ears. In contrast, squirrels have even coloured faces, a little more rounded nose, more prominent whiskers, and proportionally larger ears. They also have some storage space in their cheeks, but to a much lesser degree.
Read more: Chipmunk vs. Squirrel: What's Really the Difference?
Are coyotes dangerous?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Are coyotes dangerous to humans? In short - yes. Coyotes are dangerous for humans and domesticated pets alike and encounters should be avoided at all cost.
Understanding Coyote Behavior: Are Coyotes Dangerous?
Natural Coyote Habitat
In Canada, the coyote is found just about everywhere but the arctic. While it's original home was the Prairies, its presence has expanded to the Boreal Forest, the mountains, and Atlantic Canada. The coyote has also moved into more urban evironments, making human encounters near unavoidable. The reasons for such migration or expansion include loss of habitat due to human structures and development as well as the aggressive hunting and near extinction of wolves in some areas. Wolves and coyotes will rarely occupy the same territory.
Natural Coyote Diet
Although primarily a carnivore, the coyote will happily adjust and devour anything available. In the wild, rabbits and hares are dietary staples, along with other small mammals or rodents. In the spring, deer fawn often fall prey to coyotes and in harsh times, even adult deer will attract attention. Coyotes will also consume carrion. To a smaller extent, insects like grasshoppers and various berries and fruit are part of the coyote diet as well. When near human developments, coyotes will prey on livestock, including sheep, beef calves, and poultry
Coyote Social Structure
Much like wolves, coyotes also live in groups, or packs. A pack usually consists of an alpha male and female couple, and a few lower ranking members. In contrast to wolves, coyotes travel and hunt alone but return to the 'family' to rest and sleep. Coyotes are smart, social, and playful animals. In addition to resident packs, there are also solitary coyotes that have left their packs and are looking to join other groups or start one of their own.
Seasonal Changes in Behavior
A common misconception is that when coyotes are out 'n about during the day, they are likely ill. You may see more coyotes out in broad daylight at certain times of the year. Especially during the summer months, they need to forage more frequently to feed young ones in their den.
How and Where Do Raccoons Gain Access to a Home?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
So, you're hearing some commotion in the early morning hours and suspect a raccoon or five may be the culprit? You may well be correct. Let's see where they might have got in and what you need to do to cut that off.
Common Entry Points for Raccoons
Raccoons are highly intelligent, nimble, and crafty little rascals. Where there is a way... a raccoon will find the will. No wait.. that's not how it goes. However, raccoons will find (and exploit!) any weak spots around your home to gain entry. So, here are the most common raccoon entry points:
Roof and Attic Access
Climbing is no problem for raccoons - up drain pipes or trees close to the home and roof, or with just a short leap from a fence. Once on your roof, a single loose shingle can be what's tranformed into an access point. Raccoons will tear off that shingle and pry away underlying materials to gain access through the roof.
Chimneys and Vents
Chimneys and vents also make convenient pathways into your home. Raccoons have no problem pulling open peak vent louvers or tear apart ridge cap or static vents. Similarly, raccoons are quite adept at shimmying up and down chimneys.
Ground-Level Openings
Of course, any tears in siding, holes in the foundation, or open basement windows all offer an all-but-written invitation to raccoons and other wildlife.
How to Deal with Aggressive Seagulls
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Before we begin, let's look at some of the issues:
- Seagulls become aggressive during breeding season, in the hunt for food, or over what they consider their territory
- Seagulls can present a health risk as they can carry disease.
- Physical deterrents such as bird spikes, netting, reflective devices or ultrasonic devices can be quite effective in keeping seagulls at bay
- Scare tactics, such as owl decoys, noise makers, water sprays have limited efficacy and only in the short term
- Legal considerations must be taken into account. Check with your provincial, state or federal government as seagulls are generally a protected species and permits must be sought to deal with the birds, nests and eggs
Why are Seagulls a problem?
Seagulls can be a considerable nuisance at your home, business, or even your local parks. The noise and unsanitary conditions they create can also become a serious health hazard. The birds, their feathers and their droppings carry disease - such as E. coli, Histoplasmosis, Psittacosis, Cryptococcosis, Salmonella, and avian influenza. Personal protective equipment must be worn when cleaning up a mess the seagulls have left. This is best left to the professionals.
Gulls become quite aggressive when nesting and while protecting their eggs and hatchlings. Gulls tend to make their nests in close proximity to food and water. You may find them on beaches, riverbanks, cliffs, even roof tops. Especially flat roofs with gravel, often found on a warehouse or commercial building, provide a near perfect nesting location. They prefer somewhere quiet and with unobstructed view to spot predators and ensure the safety of the nest.
How to Discourage Aggressive Gull Behavior
Making the area in question less attractive and reducing the number of birds hanging around is paramount.
Remove Food Sources
- Secure trash bins
- Clean up after your picnic in the park
- Don't feed the birds!
The most effective way to reduce gull aggression and the numbers of gulls in your area is to clean up the food sources. Don’t leave scraps behind for seagulls and other wildlife. Human foods are not healthy for them and lacking in vital nutrients, leading to malnourishment if the birds' diet is comprised of mostly human foods. Encourage people not to feed gulls or other wildlife. Feeding them can increase their aggressive behaviour. They have been know to dive on people including children, when looking for food when they are used to getting it from humans. Injuries have occurred from this practice.
The Benefits Of Falconry Education for The Public
- Written by: Dan Frankian
- Falconry is the ancient art of using birds of prey to hunt.
- Falconry is a fascinating sport with rich cultural heritage in many cultures around the world. It has been considered “the sport of Kings” .
- Public education about the sport of falconry and teaching about birds of prey introduce many to wild life conservation and expand the public's environmental awareness. The health and number of birds of prey in an ecosystem is a barometer of that ecosystem's viability and health.
- Learning about falconry can lead to personal development and encourages a strong connection to nature.
Why is Falconry Education beneficial?
Many of our species - humans- live in cities, also known as concrete jungles. We live, work, eat and play in the city. Few of us actually get to spend much time in nature, much less understand the intricate ecosystems necessary to sustain life and survival of all species. What better way to experience the great outdoors than in a great, green space surrounded by nature and have a bird of prey on your arm?
Awareness and Knowledge of Wildlife Habitats and Ecosystems
Falconers are deeply knowledgable and passionate about birds of prey - or raptors - and their ecosystems, including their prey. Using that knowledge and their passion for the sport, Falconers aim to teach about raptors and their role in the environment. Falconers foster a greater understanding and appreciation for wildlife and the natural habitats they live in.
Inspiring Change
Falconers and their raptors regularly hunt in nature and have a unique opportunity to observe environmental changes or issues. Falconers are very concerned about the environment and often involved in conservation efforts such as breeding programs for endangered species and habitat restoration projects. By teaching and informing the public about these initiatives, we can inspire support and participation in different conservation efforts. There is an intricate relationship between the raptor and its habitat and ecosystem and learning about this encourages more people to become more environmentally responsible in their attitudes and behaviours. If one of the people learning about the sport of falconry happens to be the head of a large corporation that may be contributing to deforestation, pollution, or in any way hurting the ecosystems of these magnificent birds of prey, that one person may be able to make a significant change that will help struggling ecosystems or wildlife.
Health Benefits of spending Time in Nature
While working with and learning about birds of prey, people find or strengthen their innate connection with nature. This has many health benefits, especially mental health. Being in nature has been scientifically shown to decrease stress, anxiety, depression, and to also lower blood pressure and heart rate. Just unplugging from today’s fast paced world and being in nature, working and learning about wildlife and raptors can give you a sense of wellbeing that no doctor or pharmaceutical can come close to. Just the thrill of having a Harris Hawk fly to you and land on your outstretched hand is amazing. Falconers give details about the history of falconry, they teach about the different species of raptors, what they eat, how they live in the wild, nesting habits. It really opens your mind to the magnificence of raptors, wildlife in general and even all of nature.
Read more: The Benefits Of Falconry Education for The Public
Navigating Wildlife Control Work when Attacked by Animal Rights Activism
- Written by: Dan Frankian
What are the Issues or Points of Contention?
-
Animal rights activists are concerned about the welfare and treatment of animals and protest Wildlife Control efforts.
- Wildlife control professionals have the right to do their work in a humane and respectful manner without interference.
- The prioritization of animal rights over human needs and rights can create ethical tensions, especially when those humans are children.
What are some Misconceptions?
- Wildlife Control operators don't care about animal welfare.
What can we do to mitigate?
- Ethical and professional standards MUST be maintained when doing any Wildlife Control work.
- Public education and community relations would help mitigate many conflicts.
Whenever two parties are passionate about their cause and have opposing views, there is bound to be conflict. It is likely that both points of view have some merit and it is quite probable that there are some areas where those viewpoints intersect or even align. Making the effort to understand the perspectives of the opposing party, their values and morals, can go a long way to lessen tensions between them. This goes for both Wildlife Control Operators and Animal Rights Activists. Let's try and address each of the points above.
Concerns about the Welfare and Treatment of Animals
Wildlife control workers - those who call themselves professionals and do wildlife control for a living, are humane, caring people. They care for the animals’ welfare and want to cause the least harm possible. They will do all they can to lessen stress and harm that may come to wildlife. Wildlife Control Operators are strictly governed by local, provincial, state, and federal laws and regulations. Inhumane treatment of animals is NOT allowed. Even if the animal must be euthanized, there are very strict rules governing the practice.
Animal Rights Activists want to protect wildlife and ensure no harm comes to the animals - so do Wildlife Control Operators.
Ethical and Professional Standards
In Ontario any trapper, either in the city or in the far north, must provide food, water and shelter to the trapped animal so the animal does not suffer needlessly. Only certain types of traps are allowed to ensure it won't harm or kill the animal. Traps must be checked on a regular basis to ensure the animal's safety. If a lactating female is trapped all efforts must be made to find her young and reunite her.
Wildlife Operators are bound by the laws regarding wildlife control, whether it’s through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry or the Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Agriculture. There are strict rules regarding wild animal welfare. Disregarding these laws results in steep fines, potentially criminal charges, and suspension of licenses.
Some animals are on the protected species list and wildlife control professionals need to know which ones are. Wildlife control professionals adhere to ethical, humane practices, using non-lethal methods when possible and minimizing any harm to the animal. Wildlife Control Professionals also document the work they do and keep logs as required by the government. Logs include the species, location, numbers, and time and date, and where the animal was relocated or taken to for veterinary care.
Read more: Navigating Wildlife Control Work when Attacked by Animal Rights Activism
Where Do Squirrels Sleep?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Wow, that’s a loaded question! Did you know that there are over 250 types of squirrels? From ground squirrels and tree squirrels to flying squirrels and chipmunks. So, “Where do squirrels sleep at night” really can’t be answered generically.
Types of Squirrel Nests
Squirrel nests are generally called “dreys.” Dreys are intricate structures set up on tree branches, within tree cavities, or even burrowed into the ground. The type and location of each squirrel nest depends on its occupants and their needs. It is interesting to note that both male and female squirrels build nests or dreys and often have a second “back-up” nest, a little less sophisticated, but able to provide a quick get away if pursued by predators.
Tree Cavities (Den)
Like many other mammals (and some birds!), squirrels build their dens in tree cavities for protection from predators and weather. In fact, an abandoned woodpecker home will do just fine. The hollow space in the tree trunk is layered with moss and twigs, including a leaf lining for the bottom and sides. This allows for comfort and warmth during the winter months for adults and young’uns alike.
Ground Burrows
Some squirrel species, like the Eastern chipmunk, build down instead of up. They burrow into the ground and construct their nests there. This keeps them safe from above-ground predators and harsh weather conditions and helps keep their young hidden away and out of harm’s way., the squirrel burrows are constructed by digging and arranging materials, demonstrating squirrels’ ability to adapt to their environment.
In Chimneys, Attics, and Other Human Structure
Yeah, those we really don’t want to see. Again, being smart and highly adaptive little critters, squirrels will happily seek shelter in your home as well. A squirrel nest in your attic will likely contain materials found inside and outdoors. Look for twigs and leaves intertwined with bits of insulation or cloth materials. Check out suggestions for Animal Wildlife Exclusion »
Seasonal Sleeping Habits
Squirrels are known to be intelligent and adaptable little survivors, and their sleeping habits reflect that as well. Their sleep patterns and habits are influenced by temperature, predators, and food availability. In general, squirrels take naps of 15 minutes up to an hour or more, totalling about 14 hours in a 24 hour period.
Summer Sleeping
Unlike other known backyard pests, squirrels are diurnal - not nocturnal. That means, they are more active during the day, and sleep at night. However, during heat waves during the summer, they may alter their sleep rotation and nap in their dreys during the hottest part of the day and do most of their foraging in the cooler evening hours.
Winter Hibernation vs. Torpor
Ground squirrels may actually truly hibernate. They disappear underground for a couple of months and enter a deep sleep, lowering their body temperature, heart rate, and need for energy. But most of the species we see in Canada do not. Squirrels are exceedingly well equipped to deal with cold temperatures, with several layers of fur that can be “fluffed up” and provide excellent insulation. Several squirrels will also shack up and huddle to keep warm. However, most squirrels will sleep more (and deeper) during the winter months.
Squirrels are industrious critters and will have spent the fall collecting and storing feed for the colder months. Even when there is no food to be had, they will be able to go back to their stashes.
Where Do Possums Live?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Well, POSSUMS live in Australia and New Zealand. What we see in Central and North America are OPOSSUMS, Virginia Opossums, to be exact. However, most people just say possum and we all know what they mean. They mean those kinda awkward critters, the only marsupials in our lands, who often get a bad rep for being dirty and smelly. But, maybe we need to look a bit closer at where and how they live.
Natural Habitats of Opossums
Virginia Opossums are nomadic. They travel up to 2 miles for food and while they may stick around an area with food abundance for a bit, they tend do tend to keep moving. They are active year round and do not hibernate during the winter months. To answer question of "where do possums live?" we need to consider the resources available in a specific area or time of year.
Forests and Woodlands
Possums live in a wide range of habitats, including open woods, deciduous forests, and farmland. But, like all wildlife, they need water and you will also find them in or near wet areas like swamps, marshes, and streams.
Urban and Suburban Areas
Being opportunistic by nature, opossums can flourish quite well in populated areas. Your yard or vegetable garden will do just fine, as will your trash bin or your pet food and water dish on the porch.
Gopher vs Groundhog: What's the Difference?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
So, you’re seeing a little creature pop up in your garden and you’re wondering if this might be a gopher? Or a groundhog? Or a woodchuck!? Well, actually, a groundhog and a woodchuck are one and the same. But, there are noticeable differences between a gopher and a groundhog. Let’s explore “groundhog vs. woodchuck vs. gopher”, shall we?
Physical Characteristics
When we are through this article, you will be able to determine whether the signs or sightings in your yard depict a groundhog (woodchuck) or a gopher. The animals themselves can be told apart, as can the distinct evidence they leave behind.
Gopher Appearance
Though many species exist, when we talk about gophers, we generally mean pocket gophers. Pocket? Yes, their built-in little cheek pouches, perfect for collecting and transporting food. Pocket gophers are considerably smaller than groundhogs; most weigh less than 2lbs. They have protruding incisors, usually yellowish or brown in colour. Their fur can be brown, black or beige, as is their short tail.
Groundhog Appearance
Groundhogs (or woodchucks) are part of the rodent family Sciuridae. They measure between 40cm to almost 70cm (including a relatively long tail) with a weight of 4.5lbs to well over 13lbs. Male groundhogs are generally slightly larger than females. The colour of their fur ranges from dark brown to reddish. No teeth show when their mouths are closed.
Key Differences
While they may look somewhat similar in pictures and are both considered rodents, they come from different families. Gophers are part of the Geomyidae family and close relatives to the kangaroo rat, kangaroo mouse, and the pocket mouse. Groundhogs, on the other hand, are part of the squirrel family and much larger than gophers.
Habitat and Behavior
Where Gophers Live
Gophers can be found all over South and North America. Their favorite landscapes include savannas, grasslands, woodland, forest, meadows, steppe, and more. An important factor is loose soil to make the digging process easier. They spend nearly all of their time underground. Elaborate tunnel systems provide space to sleep, raise their young, and store food.
Understanding Canada Migratory Game Bird Permit: A Guide for Hunters
- Written by: Dan Frankian
What is the Canada Migratory Game Bird Permit?
Federal game officers enforce the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA) and its many associated regulations throughout Canada. This law regulates human activities, such as hunting, to oversee and aid wildlife conservation. Unregulated hunting would adversely impact already at risk species. The Migratory Bird Game Hunting (MGBH) Permit limits hunting seasons as well as game species.
Who Needs a Permit?
Adult Hunters
To hunt migratory game birds in Canada, you must have and present a valid federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting (MGBH) permit upon request by game officers. Your MGBH permit is valid anywhere in Canada to be used by you alone; it is not transferable. The cost of the MGBH permit (including $8.50 for the CWHC stamp) is $17.00 plus applicable taxes.
Carry your permit with you at all times, either in physical or electronic form, when hunting or when in possession of unpreserved migratory game birds or murres, in a place other than your home.
Hunters under the age of 18
The Youth MGBH permit is available to hunters who are minors (under the age of 18) at the time of application. It is valid until the following June, even if the permit holder turns 18 by then. Young hunters may practice their skills under the supervision of an adult hunter (known as a mentor) throughout the full open seasons and the special conservation season in spring. The Youth MGBH permit is free of charge and provides holders with their own daily bag and possession limits. Please note that youth must be accompanied an adult MGBH permit holder at all times.
- The mentor must hold a valid MGBH permit when out hunting with Youth MGBH permit holders, and must have also held one in a previous year
- In Ontario, the mentor may accompany 1 youth hunter
- A mentor may hunt him/herself while out with Youth MGBH permit holders
Hunters with Dogs
Hunting with your dog is exciting and rewarding. In most areas, using dogs to retrieve small game is permitted. Check with local authorities to see if your dog needs a special license or registration.
Hunting with Birds of Prey
Falconry is one of the very oldest hunting traditions. If you are planning to use birds of prey to hunt, you must have a falonry license as well as a valid small game license. There are other requirements both for falconry birds and for non-indigenous falconry birds (such as leg bands and reporting).
Read more: Understanding Canada Migratory Game Bird Permit: A Guide for Hunters
What To Do If You Find a Baby Possum In Your Yard
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Opossums found in Ontario (Virginia Opossums) breed two or three times each year, between February and September. Opossums are the only marsupial in North America; a mother will carry and nurse her young in her pouch for about 2 months. Let’s find out what to do, if one of those little ones shows up without mum.
Identifying a Baby Possum
Possum babies, often called pups, or joeys, are born blind and without any fur or hair. They are teeny tiny and embryonic-looking, only about ½ inch long. That’s because they do much of their growing and development in the pouch, after birth. At birth, no ears are visible and the eyes are merely dark spots. Their tails and hind feet are not yet fully developed.
Pink or Grayish Skin
A newborn baby opossum’s skin will likely be pink or grayish, again, looking more like an embryo with no hair visible.
Fur Coverage
Fur begins to develop when they are 2-3 inches long, about 14 days old. Opossum fur is layered to help with temperature regulation and to protect the animal from harsh weather. It consists of a dense undercoat that is white with grayish or brownish tips and a top layer of longer, often coarser, straight hair that sticks out through the undercoat. This top layer is called ‘guard hair’.
Visible Ears and Eyes
Once developed, the ears are hairless, appearing mostly black with a pink or brownish tip. And, contrary to popular belief, their eyes are not completely black. They do have pupils and an iris but since they are nocturnal creatures, their pupils are so dilated that, at least from a distance, their entire eye appears black.
Rat-like Tail
Opossums have hairless, prehensile tails; essentially an extra appendage that can be used to carry food or to stabilize while climbing. Baby Possums can even use it to hang upside down from a tree branch for short periods.
Read more: What To Do If You Find a Baby Possum In Your Yard
What's So Special About the Canada Goose Bird?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Ah, the familiar and long awaited sound of honking on a cool morning signaling that spring has arrived! :) Many of us Northern folks eagerly await the arrival of Canada Geese in Ontario. But, what exactly is a Canada Goose Bird?
Identifying Canada Geese
Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are large birds, comfortable on both, water and land. While many migrate south before the winter, there is a growing number of Canada geese sticking around, even in colder regions.
Physical Characteristics
The bird, Canada Goose, is large and sports large webbed feet, a black head and bill, a long black neck and a very distinct white chin strap. It belongs to the Branta genus of geese, which contains species with a large amount of black feathers. The body of a Canada Goose is mostly brown It can weigh as much as 15lbs with an impressive wingspan of up to 6 feet.
Distinctive Honk and Behavior
The ‘honk’ is a familiar Canada Goose bird sound. It is a fairly deep, guttural bird call. Geese use it to announce or proclaim their territory and to communicate with each other.
