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)
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Raccoons raid stocked tanks and ponds, killing or injuring fish.
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They damage pond liners and nets while foraging. Learn more about raccoon damager here: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/raccoon-damage.
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Spread of diseases and parasites into aquaculture systems.
Public Fishing Areas (Rivers, Lakes, Stocked Ponds)
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Overfishing by raccoons disrupts fish populations.
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Contamination of water with droppings creates health risks for humans and aquatic lifeforms.
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Aggressive encounters with people during night fishing or early morning use.
Private Koi Ponds (Homeowners)
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Expensive ornamental fish (koi, goldfish) are easy prey.
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Raccoons often injure multiple fish even if not eating them.
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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.
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Raccoons are nocturnal and patient hunters → easily bypass scare tactics.
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Highly dexterous → can remove simple covers, nets, or lids.
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Adaptable → get used to motion lights, noise deterrents, or sprinklers quickly.
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Strong swimmers and climbers → easy access even to fenced areas.
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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.
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Current regulation: trapped raccoons must be released within 1 km of the capture site.
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Studies show that the majority of relocated raccoons return or another raccoon takes over the vacated territory.
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This leads to a cycle of ongoing losses for fish farms and pond owners.
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Stress and injury to raccoons during and after relocation often make it an ineffective and inhumane solution.
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Hawkeye is licensed to trap and humanely euthanize, breaking the cycle and guaranteeing permanent removal.
Read more: How to Get Rid of Raccoons From Toronto Fish Farms and Ponds
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