raccoonArea Restrictions for Animal Intakes

To help prevent the spread of diseases like Avian Influenza, Monkeypox, Chronic Wasting Disease, and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, we are currently restricting wildlife intakes to a 50 km radius from our center in Beeton, Ontario.  These restrictions may change in the future.  Visit Ontario Wildlife Rescue Centre or consult the Wildlife Rehabilitator List to find a nearby wildlife centre.

Step 1: Determine the Animal’s Location

Step 2: Handling Wildlife

  • Infant or orphaned animals:  Only remove them if you are sure they are injured or orphaned.  Call us at 905-729-0033 for guidance if you’re unsure.
  • For injured or orphaned animals:  Place the animal in a secure covered box.
  • Food:  Do not feed the animal unless instructed by a wildlife custodian.
  • Water: For adult wildlife, place a shallow dish of water in the box—nothing deep, as an injured animal may drown.

Step 3: Transporting the Animal

  • Do not travel with pets or a loud radio in the car—this minimizes stress for the animal.
  • Bring the animal to Procyon Wildlife (6441 7th Line, Beeton, Ontario) or a designated drop-off point.

Wildlife Rescue Guidelines

-> Bats

  • Safety First: Wear gloves to avoid bites.
  • Container Setup: Use a small box with fleece for hiding and tiny air holes for ventilation.
  • Secure Transport: Ensure the lid is tightly taped (no tape inside the box).
  • Calm Environment: Cover the box with a towel.
  • No Food or Water: We will handle feeding and care.
  • Contact Us: Call 905-729-0033 immediately to arrange transport.

-> Birds That Hit Windows

  • Initial Care: Place in a small box with a non-fraying towel and air holes.
  • Recovery: Keep the box in a warm, quiet, dark place for a few hours.
  • Release Test: If it doesn’t fly away, contact us at 905-729-0033 or another rehabilitation centre that specializes in birds.
  • Prevention: Use window decals, windsocks, or wind chimes.

-> Nestling Birds (No Feathers)

  • Return to Nest: If possible, or create a substitute nest with a ventilated container.
  • Parent Care: Parents will feed from both nests; monitor for intentional brood reduction.
  • Immediate Help: If pushed out repeatedly, contact us at 905-729-0033 or another rehabilitation centre that specializes in birds.

-> Fledgling Birds (With Feathers)

  • Normal Behaviour: Fledglings spend time on the ground learning to forage and fly.
  • When to Help: Only if visibly injured (e.g., droopy wing, blood).
  • Support Wildlife: Keep pets indoors or leashed during this period.

-> Ducklings

  • Temporary Care: Place in a box with shallow water and wait for the mother.
  • If Mother Doesn’t Return: After two hours, contact us at 905-729-0033 or another rehabilitation centre that specializes in birds.

-> Birds of Prey (Owls, Hawks, etc.)

  • Caution Required: Sharp beaks and talons—wear gloves and googles/glasses.
  • Contact Us First: Call us at 907-729-0033 for guidance before attempting a rescue.

-> Deer (Fawns)

  • Determine Orphan Status: Quiet fawns with straight ears are likely not orphaned.
  • Signs of Distress: Curled ears, frantic cries, or wandering indicate a need for help.
  • What to Do: Cover with a blanket and call 905-729-0033 immediately.

-> Foxes

  • Normal Behaviour: Napping on lawns or decks is natural—observe from a distance.
  • Mange Concerns: Look for constant scratching, fur loss, crusty skin—call us at 905-729-0033 immediately.
  • Injured Foxes: Wear gloves, wrap in a blanket, and transport carefully.

-> Opossums

  • Check Pouches: For babies if you find a dead opossum.
  • Transport Safely: call us at 905-729-0033 as you will need to bring the mother and babies to the centre—no feeding or loud noises.

-> Rabbits

  • Handle with Care: Do not pet; keep in a dark, quiet place.
  • Nests in Lawns: If undamaged, leave alone—mothers feed at dawn and dusk.
  • Signs of Abandonment: Use wool strands over the nest to check for activity.

-> Raccoons

  • Be Cautious: Raccoons can carry dangerous roundworms.
  • Verify Abandonment: Ensure babies are truly orphaned before intervening.

-> Squirrels

  • Eyes Closed: Immediate rehab needed—call us at 905-729-0033 right away.
  • Opened Eyes: Monitor first; if truly abandoned, call us at 905-729-0033 and be prepared to transport to a centre.
  • Injured Squirrels: Handle with care and avoid giving food or water.

-> Turtles

  • Active Season: May to September—watch for them on roads.
  • Handling Safely: Use a plastic container with a secure lid.
  • Contact: Call Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre 705-741-5000 or Procyon Wildlife 905-729-0033.
  • No Water or Food: Provide ventilation but keep the container dry.

-> General Transport Tips for All Wildlife

  • Calm Environment: Quiet car, no radio, avoid talking, smoking or petting.
  • No Food or Water: We will provide appropriate care.
  • Contact Us: Always reach out to us or another licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for guidance.

For bears and cougars, please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources or Ontario Wildlife Rescue.

At Procyon Wildlife, we’re here to help!

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