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News, little truths and wisdom regarding Pest Bird & Animal Wildlife Control, Falconry, and Birds of Prey....
Coyote Attacks in Burlington, Ontario
- Written by: Dan Frankian
UPDATE Sep 1, 2022
Unfortunately, additional attacks are being reported in the City of Burlington. These attacks are uncharacteristic of coyotes and this cluster of attacks on humans are the first reported in Burlington.
Hawkeye will return and continue to assist, dealing with the animal(s) directly. Meanwhile, city staff are in contact with owners of a property which seems to contain a coyote den. Efforts are made to clear out vegetation and fallen trees to dissuade the animals from continuing to use this site as a denning area. Residents are offered 'Coyote Whistles' until the crisis is resolved. More information here »
On August 24th, 2022, Hawkeye was called to the City of Burlington after a third report of an unprovoked attack on human life in recent days.
Thanks to Animal Services staff, who played a key role in tracking the coyote identified as being responsible for all three attacks. The attacks resulted in injuries to a toddler in a fenced yard, and adult female, and an 18 year old female in open spaces. Two of the incidents occurred during the day; the last incident was reported to have happened during the evening of August 23rd. All victims received medical treatment and have been released from hospital.
While there have been some coyote sightings in the past, this is the first time that the city of Burlington had to deal with reported attacks. And, although attacks are rare, the city approved and implemented a Coyote Response Strategy in 2015. The document outlines guidelines on preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes, including escalation in relation to the severity of the incident(s).
Bird strikes still a danger to Aviation
- Written by: Dan Frankian
It may seem quite inconceivable that a small bird could bring down an airplane. Sadly, it continues to happen to both commercial and military aircraft.
The danger is real and the danger is ever present, especially for smaller aircraft. A bird (sometimes even more than one) flying or being sucked into an aircraft engine often causes catastrophic engine failure and subsequent loss of human life. Such was the cause leading up to last year last year's fatal crash of a Canadian military Snowbird demonstration jet in Kamloops, B.C.
The Royal Canadian Air Force's Directorate of Flight Safety released its final report today on the accident, which took place on May 17 of last year and killed Capt. Jenn Casey, the public affairs officer for the aerobatics team. The investigation found that a single, small bird was sucked into the engine of the aircraft — Snowbird 11 — following take-off. That resulted in a compressor stall and a loss of thrust as the aircraft was trying to climb.
"Evidence suggests that the damage caused by the bird ingestion was insufficient for it to cause a catastrophic failure but rather the engine most likely continued running, albeit in a stalled condition," the flight safety report concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about Owls
- Written by: Dan Frankian
- How many species of owls are there?
In Canada, we see around 15 different species of owls. Those include Great Horned Owls, Great Gray Owls, Short Eared and Long Eared Owls, Barn Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Eastern and Western Screech Owls, Burrowing Owls, Snowy Owls, Northern Pygmy Owls, Flammulated Owls, Barred owls, and Boreal Owls.
This may seem a lot… but there are over 200 owl species worldwide. Owls can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
- Where do owls live?
Owls can be found in many habitats; from mountainous regions to forests and deserts. The snowy owl is at home in colder climates. Owls are hard to spot; not only are they mostly nocturnal but, they also blend in fabulously with their surroundings. Owls will stalk and hunt their prey from high up in trees, but that’s not necessarily where they live. They often make their home in lower shelter, such as bushes, shrubs and tree trunks. The burrowing owl even takes shelter in underground dwellings dug by other animals.
- Do owls migrate?
Some owls do migrate but many of the species found in Canada stay here year round. The ones that do migrate, will generally only go as far as the northern United States. Great Horned Owls have been observed to migrate east, rather than south. When food becomes scarce in the prairies, they head up to 1500km east or south-east.
- How long do owls live?
In the wild, most owls get to be around 10 years old. In captivity, they can live almost twice as long. Mind you, life expectancy very much varies according to owl size and species. A small barn owl may only live to be 4 years old while a larger bird like the snowy owl can easily live to 10 and over.
- How do you tell a female owl from a male?
Size is often a first indicator: Like many bird species, a female owl will generally grow larger than a male. Certain species have distinct markings as well… for example, female barn owls will have a brown throat where males have a white throat. But, without seeing a male and a female of the same species sitting side by side, it would be next to impossible to tell for the average owl watcher.
- What do owls eat?
Generally speaking, owls mostly eat small mammals, but also frogs, snakes, insects, and even fish. It very much depends on the size of the owl and the prey available in the area.
Raccoon Control and Removal - Why it is important in the fall season
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Did you know that Toronto has been dubbed the ‘Raccoon Capitol of the World’? Estimates put Toronto’s raccoon population well over 100,000. Originally from the tropics, raccoons have slowly migrated north and can now be found all over North America - as far north as Alaska, as well as in Europe and even Japan. In fact, Japan is bemoaning many ancient temples being destroyed by raccoons. Raccoons are highly adaptive, both in terms of habitat and food. Scientists have studied raccoons for decades and still aren’t close to fully understanding raccoon behavior. Raccoons are intelligent and highly skilled when it comes to raiding your garbage or gaining entry into your home. Learn how to prevent raccoons from accessing your home or failing that, remove them.
Greater Toronto Area residents may come nose to nose with a raccoon or five more so now, during the fall months, than most other times of year. And while you may be sympathetic to the animals seeking shelter for the upcoming winter months, you definitely do not want that shelter be in your home, shed, or under your deck or roof.
Read more: Raccoon Control and Removal - Why it is important in the fall season
Pigeons in Toronto
- Written by: Dan Frankian
"Feeding pigeons" may invoke visions of Julie Andrews and 'Tuppence a bag' but in the City of Toronto that may well become a thing of the past. In July 2021 a motion was passed to consider a ban of feeding pigeons in the City of Toronto. The reasons given included piegons gathering in large flocks interfering with the enjoyment of public as well as private spaces, significant property damage, attraction of rats and health risks to humans.
Toronto Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam brought forth the motion which is set to explore the feasibility of implementing such a ban with a report back expected next March.
To put things into perspective, the City of Toronto spends a small fortune each year on pigeon control and associated clean-up. Property Management Compnaies spend millions more. Pigeon droppings are more than just unsightly; they do pose health risks and due to their acidic nature they do cause a fair bit of damage to structures such as buildings (especially, historic ones), monuments, and perhaps most importantly bridges and overpasses. Steel structures in particular fall vicitm to corosion from bird droppings.
Pigeon Health Risk to Humans
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Can you get sick from pigeons?
Pigeons in general do carry a lot of disease but most are not transferrable to humans. The one way humans can contract diseases from pigeons is by exposure to their droppings. You do not need to be in direct contact with pigeon droppings to contract the diseases it carries; these diseases can become airborne and enter your system unknowingly. With enough exposure you may begin to experience flu like symptoms or lung disease.
For those who have had minimal exposure and are in good health, it is unlikely to experience any symptoms at all from these diseases. The majority of people who have contracted diseases from pigeon droppings have recovered with no medical intervention, and if needed there are medications that can combat these diseases. If you have concerns that you have contracted one of these diseases and are experiencing severe symptoms you should go to your nearest emergency room. If your symptoms seem quite mild, you will likely recover on your own.
Pigeon control and removal
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) are descendants from domestic pigeons that have returned to the wild. The domestic pigeon was originally bred from the wild rock dove, which naturally inhabits sea-cliffs and mountains. Rock, domestic, and feral pigeons are all the same species and will readily (and successfully) interbreed.
Having adapted to urban terrain, pigeons claim roof tops,ledges, and solar panels as nesting grounds and are seen in towns and cities everywhere. In addition to leaving highly unsightly and massively corrosive excrement, pigeons are also carriers of diseases transmittable to humans.
Hawkeye specializes in the removal (abatement) of nuisance birds, or pest birds, such as pigeons. We use a variety of methods to help control the number of pigeons in urban settings.
How do I permanently get rid of pigeons?
Contrary to what you may hear or read, tin foil, plastic owls, or noise makers are temporary, at best. These type of ‘repellents’ may work for a few days but, the birds learn quickly that there is no real threat and ignore them in short succession. A multiple method approach is your best bet for a long term solution. The key to getting rid of pigeons is to make the area unappealing to them. The least invasive and most effective way to do this is with the use of falconry. Birds of prey are highly effective, scaring a large number of pigeons away from any area. Falconry, combined with other methods such as trapping, shooting, and physical changes to their roosting and nesting areas are effective long term solutions. We alter their nesting areas or restrict access to them through the use of ledge protection systems and netting. Coil, spring wire, spikes, bird points and netting are all additional solutions for pigeon control, but it takes an expert to know when, where and how to use them to have an impact and it depends solely on the type of pressure the birds are causing. We are equipped to provide solutions for any type of bird pressure.
Hawkeye is the #1 Pigeon Control & Removal Specialist in the Toronto and Greater Toronto/Golden Horseshoe areas.
Feeding wildlife – not only a bad idea, but expensive, too
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Most of us enjoy watching wildlife on and around our property. It gives us a sense of connection to nature. And that’s great.
But trouble arises when we decide to ‘lure’ wildlife to our backyard with food. The reasons for not doing so are plenty; here’s what the Ministry of Natural Resources website says:
Threats to wildlife
- animals can become dependent on artificial food sources
- animals can lose their natural fear of humans and pets, becoming more prone to conflict
- artificial feed is not healthy for wildlife
- wild animals may gather in large numbers when they are being fed — this concentration of animals in one area can spread parasites and disease and cause destruction of natural habitat
- feeding animals near roads increases their risk of being hit by vehicles
Read more: Feeding wildlife – not only a bad idea, but expensive, too
How do I scare Seagulls away from my property?
Seagulls are an undeniable fixture of the spring and summer landscape and are often seen in large flocks around open fields and bodies of water. The word "seagull" is a catch-all term for many species of gulls. The most common breeding gulls in southern Ontario are the Herring Gull and Ring-Billed Gull. Gulls are referred to as "colonial nesting waterbirds" because they gather in large groups to nest and breed. They often nest in wide open, clear spaces, like large flat rooftops, and will build minimal nests from grasses, sticks, moss, or basically anything they can find. Not only do they gather in the nesting season, but gulls congregate year-round in roosting flocks or around food sources.
Why are gulls roosting or nesting on my property a problem?
In large groups, gulls can be incredibly loud and intrusive. Further, in some public places like beaches, parks, and marinas, gull populations have become quite bold. They have little problem coming right up to humans and attempting to (and sometimes succeeding in) stealing food. Not only are they annoying, but gulls can cause a lot of damage to property. When in large groups, it doesn't take long for all available spaces to become coated in feces. Gull feces are highly concentrated in uric acid and act as a corrosive agent. This can damage boats, buildings, and rooftop industrial machinery. Gull droppings are also known to carry dangerous bacteria that contaminate water sources or become airborne. This can also be a considerable health concern; seagull feces and feathers can enter and clog your HVAC system, causing poor and sometimes unworkable air quality within the building that can easily halt production. When gulls gather to nest in a particular area, there can be as many as ten thousand nests in a single site. Further, individual birds will return to the same place to nest each year unless convinced to do so otherwise. Gulls also become very aggressive towards perceived predators to protect their nests and chicks. They will dive bomb people who venture too close, and while they usually do not make contact, it can be very frightening.
How and when can I get authorization to remove geese from my property?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
Canada geese are one of the most recognizably large birds in southern Ontario. These waterfowl gather in large groups throughout the spring and early summer, and many populations stay in southern Ontario year-round. They are herbivores and eat mostly young plant shoots and grains, meaning they often congregate on grass lawns, agricultural fields, and construction sites. Because the Canada goose can live up to 20 years, they often return to the same properties each year to nest and moult. Resident populations have grown as much as 250 times over the last few decades due to changes humans have made to the environment. These changes include well-maintained grass lawns and grain fields that provide nutritious food year-round, and suburban developments of open fields and ponds with accessible shorelines that provide an ideal, safe habitat. As a result, the number of conflicts between geese and humans has increased.
What damage can geese cause? Why do they have to be removed?
Though Canada geese are not considered a pest species by the Government of Canada, they certainly are a nuisance. As their population has increased over the last several decades, conflicts between geese and humans have risen. Geese are often noisy and intrusive in large groups, and they can rip apart a grass lawn or garden by feeding. Another major way geese can destroy your property is through their feces. Their feces can act as a corrosive agent and can easily damage tar-based roofing material and industrial machinery. Also, their droppings can be an unsightly aspect of any lawn or property. Another major area of concern is geese in airports. Large flocks of geese in the airspace and immediate areas around an airport create a risk of hitting and damaging incoming or outgoing aircrafts. This can be dangerous for both geese and humans. Finally, Canada geese can become very aggressive while nesting; they will attack humans and other animals they deem to be threats. Though their antics can be quite humorous, Canada geese can be vicious and can easily seriously harm a small child or animal.
How and when can I get authorization to remove geese from my property?
Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act 1994, and therefore many techniques used to deter them from properties require a Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) Migratory Bird Permit. The best time to obtain a permit is in January and February, because they can often take a while for CWS to process. Hawkeye can obtain the permits on the customer’s behalf to ensure that bird control can proceed in the most efficient way.
Where and when do they become a problem?
Canada geese first become a problem for many people at the beginning of nesting season, when they pair up with their mate and choose a territory. This usually occurs in early to mid-March in Southern Ontario. From late March to late April, the geese will lay up to 10 eggs (typically 4 or 5), which will hatch around mid-May, although some geese will nest later and may not hatch their young until as late as early June. These geese are opportunistic nest builders and will make nests from almost anything, but usually build mats of grasses and reeds near wetlands or ponds. Ideal habitats like these can support many pairs of geese. However, they will also make their nests on cliffs, trees, barges, apartment balconies, and rooftop gardens as long as there is a nearby water source. Though geese generally hang out near the nesting sites while laying, incubating, and raising their brood, they often forage during the day away from the site and return at night. These nesting sites can cause unwanted interactions and conflicts in places like urban parks, golf courses, and cemeteries when there are many birds. Even a single pair may become a significant problem in residential areas, such as rooftop gardens, balconies, or flower boxes.
What can be done in the early springtime to stop them from nesting?
Once geese have picked out a nesting territory and laid eggs, it can be challenging to convince them to leave. It is easiest to discourage them from nesting as soon as they arrive at your property. Scaring or "hazing" geese is an effective method to stop them from settling in an unwanted area. It involves chasing geese away every time they show up until they leave. Hawkeye uses many techniques to scare geese, including using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), dogs, and birds of prey to chase the birds, as well as using pyrotechnics and lasers to scare them further. Dogs and ROVs will chase geese on the ground and in the water, and birds of prey like hawks, falcons, and especially eagles will chase geese from the air. Hawkeye uses firearms that discharge cracker shells, called screamers and bangers, that creates a loud sound to frighten the geese away. The use of ROVs and pyrotechnics to scare geese require a federal permit. The use of birds of prey requires a kill permit issued by Environment Canada. Hawkeye is able to obtain these. The advantage of these methods is that they effectively keep geese away and create an unsafe environment for the geese, therefore discouraging nesting. However, scaring birds away like this must be repeated often, and Hawkeye can return anywhere from 2 days a week to 7 days a week to ensure the geese leave until they nest elsewhere. If birds have become accustomed to nesting on a particular property, it can take some time before the issue is resolved. Once Hawkeye has started working, it can take a couple of years to see a drastic reduction of geese as they learn to stay away, but often we see results quite quickly.
What can we do after they have nested?
Between the time when they nest, and when the young geese learn to fly, it is difficult to get rid of them. The parents, especially the males, become extremely protective and will go after humans viciously. This period lasts from mid-March, when they establish territories, to mid to late July, when the young learn to fly and move on from the nesting site. Between early April to mid-May, most geese are incubating their eggs, and there are multiple methods Hawkeye can employ to get rid of the nests and eggs. These methods are called lethal management because they destroy or stop the eggs from hatching and require a federal permit from Canadian Wildlife Services.
Egg sterilization by chemical oiling is one such method. This involves coating the eggs in vegetable or mineral oil, which prevents the birds from hatching. Because the eggs will not hatch, fewer geese will be born in the season, and therefore fewer geese will be present on the property. Unfortunately, this is not the most effective method of dispersing geese. The geese will continue to incubate the eggs and therefore stay in the nest area, for as long as they think the eggs are viable: up to 6 weeks after being oiled. This means that they will continue to aggressively defend their nest to unknowing passers-by. Oiling the eggs does not significantly deter the birds from coming back to the same location to nest next year. When not oiled properly, the eggs may hatch, and deformed geese may be born. Therefore, this technique should be done by a professional and is illegal to do on your own without a permit. Further, the geese may track the oil into a nearby water source, contaminating the water and the ground with chemicals. Finally, complete oiling of the eggs requires as many as 20 visits per month over the two nesting months.
A more effective and much less complicated method is egg destruction and nest removal. When their eggs are destroyed, the geese have no reason to stay through the nesting period and will move on. Because the geese are no longer protecting nests, they become much less aggressive and can be more easily chased away. Moreover, the geese will learn to stay away from this property in subsequent years, as they have learned that this nesting site represents a threat to their eggs.
Since Canadian geese are a protected species, all of these techniques are highly monitored, and permits restrict the number of eggs and nests eligible for destruction based on geese's current population in certain areas.
What about flocks of geese later in the season?
Once a year, geese moult out their flight feathers and grow new ones, leaving them flightless for 4 to 6 weeks, usually from mid-May to late July. Non-breeding adults will gather in large moulting flocks and pick an area to remain for the remainder of their moult. They will often gather near open sources of water where flightless birds can gain refuge from land predators. Once a moulting flock has gathered and settled into an area, it is very difficult and illegal to scare them away, as they cannot fly and therefore have limited ability to displace themselves. Dogs and birds of prey could easily kill one of the young or flightless birds as they are at a severe disadvantage. Preventing flocks from settling in an area using scaring methods is the most effective way to stop pre-moulting flocks from settling before losing their feathers.
Once they have settled, however, Hawkeye can relocate the flocks. Because they are flightless, moulting geese can be safely rounded up and transported to a more suitable location. Hawkeye typically moves them 300 to 400 km away, so there is no chance of them returning while still moulting. This method requires a federal permit and trained individuals to properly handle the geese, both of which Hawkeye can provide. It effectively keeps the moulting flock away for the rest of the moulting season and can sometimes deter them from returning in subsequent years.
Are there any other, more permanent options?
When other methods fail, shooting birds is an option. With a kill permit and working within the bag limit (the maximum number of game animals permitted to be taken), geese can be shot and killed by professionals. This method is 100 percent effective: what is killed will never come back. Additionally, shooting some geese will scare away others. However, many people oppose such visible lethal management techniques.
Geese can be a very aggravating and even dangerous problem. They can cause a lot of damage to property and cause visual and auditory disturbances. Once they have settled into an area, they are tough to remove, so prevention of geese settling is the most straightforward form of goose control. Hawkeye will work with customers to assess each situation and make recommendations on the best course of action. Hawkeye can ensure effective goose removal in all cases and continue working with customers until all geese are gone.
We are here to help you deal with Pest Bird Control and avoid potential health hazards, costly damage to property, and loss of product and/or productivity (especially in the food and healthcare sectors) if pest birds are not addressed immediately.
Now with 7 Locations ( 6 In Canada and 1 in the U.S), we are ready to serve you better in Acton, Toronto, Oshawa, Bowmanville, two locations in Mississauga and West Palm Beach in Florida.
Contact us today or Email us at [email protected] if you need help with pest bird control and/or pest bird removal.
Pest Birds such as Cormorants, Crows, Ducks, Doves, Geese, Grackels, Seagulls, Pigeons, Robins, Sparrows and Starlings.
How Do I Get Rid of Raccoons in My Tree?
- Written by: Dan Frankian
How to Raccoon-Proof Trees in Your Yard or Garden
Raccoons are nocturnal creatures that like to sleep in dark, warm, and cozy spaces that are also close to a reliable food source, such as underneath porches and decks and inside sheds, garages, and attics.
When none of these options are available, raccoons will resort to a more natural den site: tree hollows. Being the smart creatures that they are, raccoons tend to prefer trees that are located on a residential property because this makes it easier for them to scavenge for food at night while also providing them with a safe location to raise their kits.
Unfortunately, raccoons are a nuisance for homeowners. They cause a lot of property damage, make a lot of noise at night and sometimes during the day, and they make communal latrines to relieve themselves on your property.
So, what can you do if you find a raccoon or raccoon nest in your tree? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
Hawkeye’s Raccoon Control and Prevention from Yards, Gardens, and Trees
Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control specialize in identifying and safely removing raccoon nests from residential and commercial properties. Our team of specially trained pest and wildlife handlers have the professional skill set to provide expert raccoon control and prevention methods in a safe and humane manner. We use the following raccoon removal and control techniques to get rid of raccoons in your yard, garden, and tree hole.
- One-way exit. We set up an intricate one-way exit path that allows raccoons to leave your property on their own schedule with minimal disturbance and no damage to your property.
- Hand-capture. In circumstances that require the raccoon to be removed immediately and when we can safely approach the creature, our team will carefully capture it by hand and place it in a secure transport container.
- Cage traps. This is the most common and socially acceptable method used to capture a raccoon in urban and semi-urban areas. It’s easy to use and perfectly safe for both the animal and the handler.
Why Is There a Raccoon in My Tree?
Raccoons are constantly looking for a safe, secure, and warm denning site that’s within close proximity to a reliable and easily accessible food source. It also has to provide excellent support and protection from external elements such as inclement weather conditions and predators.
Tree hollows—particularly fruit trees or trees located in a vegetable or fruit garden—are the ideal location for raccoons to nest with their nurseries. If you happen to have a large fruit tree on your property that also has one or two hollow spots, then don’t be surprised if you come across a raccoon infestation at some point. Raccoons are particularly attracted to sweet, fragrant foods. Ripe fruits such as apples, plums, apricots, peaches, mulberries, and cherries are all favourite food items for both adult and baby raccoons.
Not only do these foods satisfy their hunger, but they also provide excellent nutritional value for growing raccoon families. Initially, raccoons are attracted to fallen fruit from trees because they’re easy targets. Once the raccoons realize that they can nest inside the tree, however, it’s a lot harder to get rid of them, especially since raccoons are extremely skilled climbers.
Why Do Raccoons Make Nests in Trees?
There are several reasons raccoons make nests in trees. As mentioned, raccoons love a variety of fruits and fruit trees provide easy and consistent access to a reliable food source. Other reasons why raccoons nest in trees include:
- Tree hollows provide a warm and safe denning site
- To shelter themselves from the elements and predators
- Raccoons nest anywhere they can and often have multiple dens set up in various locations
- Easy access to food
How Do I Get Rid of Raccoons in My Tree?
The safest and most effective way to remove a raccoon or nursery of raccoons from your property is to contact an animal and wildlife control agency like Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control. We have all of the necessary training and credentials to safely remove raccoons from commercial and residential areas.
Don’t attempt to remove or capture the raccoon yourself, especially if they have babies. Adult raccoons will take this as a threat and go into automatic defence mode, which could result in serious injury for you and your loved ones, not to mention extensive property damage.
Plus, raccoons carry diseases such as rabies, canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, raccoon parvoviral enteritis, and pseudorabies—all of which are transmissible to humans. Getting bitten by a rabid raccoon will result in death nearly 100% of the time.
To minimize the risk of personal injury and extensive property damage, we recommend taking the following actions:
- Identify the raccoon-infested tree. Knowing which tree is infested with raccoons ahead of time will make it easier for our crew to do their jobs and map out a plan of action to safely remove the raccoons from your property.
- Clear the tree of raccoons. Once we have a plan in place, our trained wildlife handlers will carefully move in closer to the tree and coax the raccoons out using a variety of proven techniques. The objective is to quickly try to trap the raccoons before they can make a getaway. Some processes such as eliminating food sources in the tree and cutting off branches so they can’t climb up and down require a great deal of patience.
- Raccoon-proof your tree. This is more of a preventative measure that involves trimming tree branches, removing food sources, and sealing tree hollows, so that raccoons can’t nest inside.
Hawkeye’s Professional Raccoon Control Solutions
At Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control, we’re committed to providing high-quality and sustainable raccoon control, removal, and prevention solutions that are in full compliance with Ontario wildlife protection regulations. Our handlers receive ongoing and updated training in safely and humanely interacting with raccoons to ensure the animals’ well-being and ethical treatment. We are the only pest bird and animal/wildlife control company in the country designated “Certified Wildlife Control Professionals”.
To learn more about animal welfare compliance standards or to book our raccoon control and removal services, contact us today!
Why Hawkeye?
We GUARANTEE results. We offer PERMANENT solutions above and beyond what other companies can offer. Hawkeye is the ONLY pest bird and animal/wildlife control company in Canada designated "Certified Wildlife Control Professional" AND holding the following licenses:
- Trapping of Fur-Bearing Animals Permit: In contrast to all other companies, we can euthanize the bird or fur-bearing animal, thus guaranteeing it will not return.
- Falconry Permit: We use Birds of Prey (hawks, owls, falcons, eagles) to scare, chase, or remove in a natural and humane way.
- Pest ControlLicense: We can employ chemical solutions to certain problems. These methods include natural pesticides.
Now with 7 Locations ( 6 In Canada and 1 in the U.S), we are ready to serve you better in Acton, Toronto, Oshawa, Bowmanville, two locations in Mississauga and West Palm Beach in Florida.
Contact us today or email us at [email protected] if you need help with pest wildlife/animal control and/or pest animal removal.
Pest wildlife animals like Bats, Bears (Black, Brown), Beavers, Bobcats, Cats - Domestic (Feline), Chipmunks, Coyotes, Deer, Elk, Fox, Groundhog, Marten, Mink, Moose, Muskrat, Porcupine, Possum/Opossum, Rabbits, Raccoons, Skunks, Squirrels (Black, Grey, Red) and Lynx
It's February - Why are we talking about skunks?!
- Written by: Dan Frankian
While there may be no end in sight yet for winter, one native pest animal species is getting ready for spring and mating season right now – yes, the skunk. Love is in the air! Well, actually, that unmistakable aroma in the air generally means that a female skunk was less than impressed with her love struck suitor and rejected him by releasing “that smell”. Thankfully, skunk mating season along with its pungent whiff is short.
Skunks are becoming more active during the months of February and March – out looking for that perfect mating partner. You might think skunks nocturnal but, it is actually not that uncommon to see skunks out ‘n about during the daytime. If there is food to be had, if their usual daytime snooze spot is disturbed, and definitely if there are babies… you’ll likely cross paths with a skunk or two. Hopefully, you don’t see them lifeless by the side of the road; unfortunately, many skunks end up struck and killed by vehicles.
Of course, during this time of year skunks are not only looking for a suitable partner, but also for a safe and protected den to have and raise their offspring. They are skilled and diligent diggers, and like to make their dens in holes underground and/or under structures. Hopefully, you inspected your home and yard last summer or fall and made repairs where necessary to prevent nuisance wildlife from getting under your deck or porch. You may have installed an underground ¼” wire mesh to prevent skunks from getting under.
Even if you did all that, it’s still a good idea to have a close look again right now – just to make sure there are no new access points. If you do find any, make repairs where you can but, of course, exclusion methods such as the mesh wire are impossible to implement in the middle of February – at least, here, in Ontario.
What attracts skunks and whatshould you avoid doing to deter skunks?
Of course, you’ll want to make sure your garbage bins are well secured and there are no other food sources readily available. And, as much as we all love watching the traffic to and from our bird feeders… bird seed will also attract skunks (and squirrels). So will the presence of smaller birds and their nests (eggs). If you can, avoid feeding your pets outside and store your pet feed indoors.
But what do you do, if despite your best efforts you find yourself hosting a skunk or five?
How do you get your skunk(s) to leave?
- You can employ what is called “Humane Harassment”. This entails making a perfectly dark and quiet spot... well, not so dark and quiet. Install bright lights at the entrance and point them into the dwelling, play the radio at high volume (talk radio – they aren’t fond of human voices), and place rags soaked with apple cider vinegar or ammonia (bleach) by the entrance. In other words, turn their 5 star all inclusive into the youth hostel from hell. You’ll need to keep this up for at least 3 days and nights – patience and persistence is key. Chances are that momma skunk (wishing to be, expecting, or having a litter already) will move herself and any wee ones to a place more suitable for child rearing.
Speaking of babies… here’s what you should know: After a sixty day gestation period, female skunks give birth to a litter of pups in April or May. Older females come into estrus earlier in the season than younger females and, therefore, have their litters earlier in the spring. Older females also tend to have larger litters. Typically a litter consists of four to seven babies (although, as many as nine have been recorded). One male may mate with several females and won’t stick around after. After mating, female skunks leave their winter den in search of the perfect maternal den. Interestingly, mothers and their offspring sometimes live in communal dens.
The young are blind and deaf at birth with short, fine fur. Momma skunk nurses the little ones for about six weeks before introducing them to the world outside their den. By this time, the babies are miniature replicas of momma skunk. The young are weaned by about two months of age. The family group breaks up in the fall and the young’uns move off to college. Just kidding… they find their own territory. They may travel about six to ten km in search of a new home; however, extremes of up to fifty km have been noted.
- You can try a ‘repellent’ – such as used cat litter. It simulates a predator in the area and momma skunk may decide to pitch her tent elsewhere. As a side note: Please try to avoid commercial repellents based on predator urine - these products are created under very inhumane conditions. Additionally, they really provide no better success rates than home remedies (such as the kitty litter).
- One way doors work great – if there are no babies. Please, please, be sure there are no babies. If you prevent momma skunk from caring for her little ones, you are condemning them to a horrific death.
- Trapping works well – if there are no babies. You’ll also need to remember that animals may not be relocated farther than 1km from where they were captured. This is a job for the professionals. Call Hawkeye at 416-529.5393 – we’re here to help. We have very specific licenses and permits that enable us to offer you options other pest animal control companies simply cannot.
- You can decide to do nothing at all. Skunks typically stay in their dens for fairly short periods. Skunk babies are grown and ready to strike out on their own by the end of summer. If you can stand it that long, you can then close off any access points to prevent other animals from using the den in the future.
So, aside from the “aroma” – are there other reasons you wouldn’t want a skunk hanging around?
Are skunks dangerous?
- Skunks are mostly regarded as just a pest and generally pretty docile but they do carry a strain of rabies that can potentially affect pets and even humans. Rabies can be transmitted through saliva (a bite) before the infected animal shows any symptoms (generally abnormal behavior, such as overly active during the day, uncharacteristically aggressive or lethargic, vocalization, stumbling, seizing, etc. ). Several things should be done immediately if a person is bitten by a wild animal or a domestic animal that has not been vaccinated against rabies. First, wash the wound with soap and water and continue flushing the wound with water for five minutes. Then get medical attention immediately. Humans who have contracted rabies may first develop symptoms of pain, tingling, or itching shooting from the bite site (or site of virus entry) and gradually will become extremely ill, developing a variety of symptoms, including high fever, confusion, agitation, and eventually seizures and coma. Once the symptoms appear in humans, there is NO cure or treatment and death occurs in almost 100% of the cases. Learn more about Rabies »
- They get into pet or livestock feed in barns, sheds, or garages. They steal eggs and can potentially harm chickens and other smaller birds and poultry, such as quail.
- The avid gardener will have cursed skunks more than once. They like to dig up bulbs and flowers. They’ll also dig up the lawn for grubs.
- Still in the garden… any low hanging or otherwise accessible fruit is fair game for skunks. The same goes for vegetables.
- Let’s get back to “that smell”… de-skunking your dog or cat is not a whole lot of fun. Not for you, or your pet. There are a number of recipes out there but, our most trusted and recommended remedy is this: 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (fresh bottle), ¼ cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and 1-2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap. Rinse and repeat. Then, rinse and repeat again.
Incidentally, one of our employees recalls this story:
“Our black and white cat Twinkie was a bit of a roamer and would often disappear for a day or two. At the end of one of his little excursions we encountered him on the road while driving back from town. Only, there were two of them. One was clearly our cat, the other one kinda looked like an upside-down Twinkie. Turned out, that one was a skunk. Somehow, they had struck up a friendship and the two of them could be seen together quite regularly. Fast forward a couple of months… our super friendly dog (not an ounce of killer instinct – his only kill might have been a fly he accidentally sat on) spotted something black and white across the front lawn and sprinted towards it with great enthusiasm. He surely thought it was the cat. Can you tell where this is going? Yeah, it wasn’t Twinkie. It took 3 washes that evening to get him fit for indoor admission. And another one the next day.”
Is there an upside to having skunks around? Are skunks good for anything?
Indeed, skunks are not entirely useless. They do devour insects such as grasshoppers and beetles plus a variety of insect larvae. They also eat small mammals such as mice or voles. Additionally, they are scavengers – feeding on decaying fish, animals, and other organic matter. They are part of nature’s clean-up crew, if you will.
Why Hawkeye?
We GUARANTEE results. We offer PERMANENT solutions above and beyond what other companies can offer. Hawkeye is the ONLY pest bird and animal/wildlife control company in Canada designated "Certified Wildlife Control Professional" AND holding the following licenses:
- Trapping of Fur Bearing Animals Permit: In contrast to all other companies, we can euthanize the bird or fur-bearing animal, thus guaranteeing it will not return.
- Falconry Permit: We use Birds of Prey (hawks, owls, falcons, eagles) to scare, chase, or remove in a natural and humane way.
- Pest ControlLicense: We can employ chemical solutions to certain problems. These methods include natural pesticides.
Now with 7 Locations ( 6 In Canada and 1 in the U.S), we are ready to serve you better in Acton, Toronto, Oshawa, Bowmanville, two locations in Mississauga and West Palm Beach in Florida.
Contact us today or email us at [email protected] if you need help with pest wildlife/animal control and/or pest animal removal.
Pest wildlife animals like Bats, Bears (Black, Brown), Beavers, Bobcats, Cats - Domestic (Feline), Chipmunks, Coyotes, Deer, Elk, Fox, Groundhog, Marten, Mink, Moose, Muskrat, Porcupine, Possum/Opossum, Rabbits, Raccoons, Skunks, Squirrels (Black, Grey, Red) and Lynx