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Keep urban wildlife wild and alive

Feeding wild animals might seem like an act of kindness, but it is not.

Feeding wildlife is illegal and usually ends in a death sentence for the animal.

Don't feed wildlife

When foxes, coyotes and wolves become habituated to unnatural food sources they can lose their fear of humans.

A wild animal that has become conditioned this way can be a danger to
itself and to the general public.

In some cases, wild animals that frequent residential areas can be live-trapped and relocated. But if the animal has become a nuisance to the extent that it kills domestic animals or threatens people, it must be destroyed.

What you can do:

• Don’t feed or leave food out for foxes, coyotes or wolves.
  
• Don’t attract wildlife with carelessly stored garbage and compost.
  
• Make sure your garbage and compost put out for pick-up are secure against scavengers.
  
• Keep meat and dairy products out of backyard compost systems, and
• ensure your compost is completely enclosed with a secure lid.
  
• Store pet food indoors or lock it up outdoors.
• Vaccinate your pets.
• Keep your pets indoors or safely tied in a well-lit and fenced yard.
• Prevent any interaction between your pets and wildlife – walk dogs on a leash all the time.
• Do not touch the fecal waste of foxes, coyotes and wolves.
  
• Set an example for your children. Teach them how to behave around wild animals. If you or your child sees a wild animal that is threatening, be big, be loud and never run.
• Talk to your neighbours, educate them on the risks to the community and to wildlife associated with feeding foxes, coyotes, wolves and any wild animals.

If you see a fox, coyote or wolf acting aggressively, call 1-800-661-0525

If you suspect someone is feeding wildlife, call 1-800-661-0525.

We can all do our part to help keep the wild in wildlife.

Additional Resources

• Keep urban wildlife wild and alive brochure 1.4 MB
• Home owner checklist >> English 84 KB >> French 97 KB
• What do to: when approached by coyotes or wolves 76 KB
• Acts of kindness can be bad for wildlife 58 KB
• Feeding wildlife is dangerous 101 KB
• Protect your pets 57 KB