How to Get Rid of Raccoons From Toronto Fish Farms and Ponds

Why would you want to get rid of raccoons from fish farms and ponds? Don't they just rummage through trash bins? It's a lesser known fact that raccoons are highly skilled, seafood-loving predators that can devastate fish farms, public fishing areas, and private koi ponds. 

Water in general plays a big role in raccoon life - and water containing aquatic life like fish, frogs, crustaceans and other delicacies is even better. Raccoons are intelligent, practical creatures and a well stocked fish farm or koi pond makes for easy hunting. Raccoon damage in this environment ranges from financial losses (loss of fish and productivity) to ecological challenges (water contamination).

Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is in a unique position to offer the only permanent and guaranteed raccoon removal service in the GTA.

Why Raccoons Pose a Serious Threat to Fisheries and Ponds

A healthy raccoon will easily consume half a pound to a pound of food per day. This increases to several pounds a day during autumn as they prepare for winter. A high-protein food source like fish is highly sought after. Visit https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/what-do-raccoons-eat to learn more about raccoon diet.

Commercial Fish Farms (Aquaculture)

• Raccoons raid stocked tanks and ponds, killing or injuring fish.

• They damage pond liners and nets while foraging. Learn more about raccoon damager here: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/raccoon-damage.

• Spread of diseases and parasites into aquaculture systems.

Public Fishing Areas (Rivers, Lakes, Stocked Ponds)

• Overfishing by raccoons disrupts fish populations.

• Contamination of water with droppings creates health risks for humans and aquatic lifeforms.

• Aggressive encounters with people during night fishing or early morning use.

Private Koi Ponds (Homeowners)

• Expensive ornamental fish (koi, goldfish) are easy prey.

• Raccoons often injure multiple fish even if not eating them.

• Homeowners may notice footprints, torn plants, or missing fish overnight.

Raccoon Behaviour Around Water Bodies

Raccoons adore water. To drink, to hunt in, to swim in, and to wash their food in. Your fish farm or backyard pond is a raccoon's dream-come-true.

• Raccoons are nocturnal and patient hunters → easily bypass scare tactics.

• Highly dexterous → can remove simple covers, nets, or lids.

• Adaptable → get used to motion lights, noise deterrents, or sprinklers quickly.

• Strong swimmers and climbers → easy access even to fenced areas.

• Territorial → once they identify a pond/fishery as a food source, they’ll return repeatedly.

Problems of Standard Raccoon Relocation Laws in Canada

Trapping of wildlife is legal in Ontario. But, as a homeowner or business owner you must release the animal within on kilometre of the capture site. There are good reasons for that but it also means that you are likely going to get stuck in this catch and release cycle.

• Current regulation: trapped raccoons must be released within 1 km of the capture site.

• Studies show that the majority of relocated raccoons return or another raccoon takes over the vacated territory.

• This leads to a cycle of ongoing losses for fish farms and pond owners.

• Stress and injury to raccoons during and after relocation often make it an ineffective and inhumane solution.

• Hawkeye is licensed to trap and humanely euthanize, breaking the cycle and guaranteeing permanent removal.

Raccoon Removal Strategies for Commercial Fish Farms

In a high-stakes environment of commercial aquaculture there's an urgent need for a comprehensive strategy when it comes to raccoon removal for a fish farm..

Specific Problems:

• Financial Loss
  Raccoon predation can cause significant financial damage by killing valuable stock and damaging equipment.

• Disease Risk
  Raccoons can introduce parasites and bacterial diseases to the fish population.

• Equipment Damage
  They can rip nets, damage aeration systems, or chew through electrical wires.

• Fish Storage Threats
  

  Raccoons breaking into or nesting near storage and processing facilities risks contamination inside cold storage units or fish packing areas. 

Strategies:

• Install electric fencing around tanks and ponds.

• Install Electric Shock Tracks on perimeter fences.

• Secure feed and waste disposal to prevent secondary attractants.

Solutions & Pro Tips:

• Fish Storage: Secure fish stock in blast-freezers or cold rooms as a crucial step in preventing raccoon access and maintaining product quality.

• Consultation & Assessment: Hawkeye will perform a full site assessment to identify entry points, den locations, and high-traffic areas.

• Proactive Measures: Implement a regular monitoring program to catch problems early. Schedule routine inspections with Hawkeye for early detection.

Raccoon Removal for Public Fishing Spots & Fisheries

There are even greater challenges with managing wildlife in open, public spaces where a permanent removal strategy is the only effective solution.

Specific Problems:

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Raccoons at public ponds can become aggressive or lose their fear of humans, posing a danger to families and pets.

• Ecosystem Disruption: Predation can unbalance the stocked fish population.

• Raccoon Trapping: Particularly in wide open public spaces, the risk of accidentally trapping other wildlife is high. 

• Legal and Public Relations Issues: The public at large and animal activists in particular can impede the managing of wildlife in public spaces. 

Strategies

• Night patrols and/or trail cameras to monitor raccoon activity.

• Secure garbage disposal areas in parks and fishing grounds.

• Public awareness signs: “Do not feed wildlife.”

• Collaboration with municipalities to engage professional wildlife agents such as Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control for raccoon removal.

Target Areas in the GTA:

There are key fishing locations in the Greater Toronto Area that are at risk, such as:

• Heart Lake Conservation Park

• Glen Haffy Conservation Park

• Toronto Islands (specifically the lagoons)

• Ashbridges Bay Park

• Rouge River and Humber River systems

• Burd's Family Fishing

• Silvercreek Aquaculture

• Conservation areas, public lakeshores, and community-run stocked ponds within municipal parks.

Raccoon Removal Strategies for Koi Ponds

As a homeowner and fish lover, you are emotionally and financially invested in your backyard pond so determining how to keep raccoons out of your pond is a pretty important step.

Specific Problems:

• Loss of Valued Pets:
  The emotional distress and financial loss of losing cherished koi fish.;

• Property Damage:
  Damage to pond liners, landscaping, and filters;

• Roundworm Risk:
  Raccoon latrines (urine and feces) always come with health risks to your family members and pets - particularly the risk of raccoon roundworm. 

Strategies

• Install heavy-duty pond covers, rock overhangs, or deeper pond edges (vertical sides prevent wading).

• Use motion-sensor pond deterrents, but pair with permanent removal for persistent raccoons.

• Pay close attention to early signs of raccoon activity (tracks, disturbed plants, dug up lawn).

Solutions &  Pro Tips:

• Securing the Pond: Consider installing strong, temporary covers or low electric fencing until the raccoon is removed.

• Eliminating Food Sources: Remove other food sources including garbage bins, pet food, and birdseed.

• The Hawkeye Solution: Hawkeye offers permanent raccoon removal - the most reliable solution for homeowners who are at their wits' end and want a permanent end to the problem.

Seasonal Raccoon Control Strategies for Fisheries & Ponds

Raccoon control for fisheries and aquaculture facilities is crucial year-round.  With different seasons, raccoons' activities, calorie requirements, and methods of food sourcing change.

Spring

• Early spring is breeding season, so raccoons are highly active and more social. Inspect ponds/farms weekly.

• Seal potential denning areas around farm structures.

Summer

• Increased activity and foraging around water sources.

• Secure feed and waste storage, as well as tidy up the backyard  — raccoons exploit secondary food sources.

Fall

• Raccoons need to fatten up for winter which means fish losses spike.

• Reinforce fencing and covers before winter.

Winter:

• Raccoons are less active but still raid unfrozen ponds or indoor aquaculture tanks.

• Monitor maintenance sheds, barns, and fish storage facilities for raccoons sheltering.

What to Do If You Encounter Raccoons Near Fisheries

As with all wildlife encounters, remain calm and do not engage the animal. 

• For workers/fish farmers: Wear gloves and protective equipment when near raccoon droppings.

• For anglers/public: Do not approach or feed raccoons. Report sightings to staff.

• For homeowners: Call Hawkeye at the first signs of raccoon activity and avoid the DIY trap-and-release cycle and other temporary raccoon deterrents.

Why Permanent Raccoon Removal Is the Only Effective Solution

• Relocation fails because raccoons are highly intelligent and have fantastic homing instincts. They will return to your property.

• Fish farms prevent ongoing losses, public facilities reduce cleanup costs, health hazards, and public trust, and homeowners protect expensive koi investments.

• Hawkeye’s training and licenses allow for legal and humane euthanizing of raccoons.

• Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is your trusted wildlife control partner for fisheries across the GTA.

Benefits of Hawkeye’s Permanent Removal

• Guaranteed Results: The raccoon(s) will not return.

• Ethical and Humane: Euthanizing is done quickly and humanely and in accordance with the Canadian Veterinary College guidelines to prevent unnecessary animal distress or suffering.

• Disease Prevention: No risk of spreading disease to new territories.

Best Raccoon Removal for Fishponds, Fisheries & Aquaculture Facilities

Avoid compounding losses to your fish farm, koi pond, or to public fishing areas due to raccoons raiding your fish stock and take action today. Contact Hawkeye to help you assess the problem and explore your options. We work with aquaculture operators, municipalities, and homeowners to facilitate long-term solutions. Remember, Hawkeye is the ONLY wildlife control company in the GTA that offers permanent raccoon removal. Guaranteed.

Hawkeye's raccoon removal services are available all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto, Scarborough, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Ajax, Pickering, Newmarket, Etobicoke, Oshawa, and Mississauga.