Sick or Injured Wildlife on Public and Private Property
If you observe wildlife that appears sick, injured, orphaned, or in distress, do not approach or attempt to assist the animal unless directed by an authorized wildlife rehabilitator or qualified wildlife veterinarian.
In most cases, wildlife should be left undisturbed and remain in the location where it was found.
For your safety, and for the safety of the animal:
- Do not touch, feed, move, contain, or attempt to transport the animal;
- Keep children and pets away; and
- Observe only from a safe distance.
If the animal may require care or rehabilitation, contact an authorized wildlife rehabilitator or a wildlife veterinarian for advice. These professionals are trained to assess the situation and provide appropriate care while ensuring compliance with provincial regulations.
Non-Emergency Situations
If an animal may require care or rehabilitation, contact an authorized wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
The Town of Collingwood does not provide wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, removal, relocation, or transport services. This applies to wildlife on both public and private property, except in limited cases involving suspected distempered raccoons on public property.
For nuisance wildlife on private property, property owners may contact a licensed trapper, pest control service, or wildlife control service. Please note that most service providers will charge a fee.
Emergency Wildlife Situations
Contact the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at 1-888-310-1122 if wildlife is:
- Posing an immediate threat to people;
- Acting aggressively toward people;
Suspected of having rabies or distemper;
Injured after being hit by a vehicle;
Experiencing a life-threatening injury; or
Creating an immediate public safety concern.
If you have had direct contact with wildlife (e.g., a bite, scratch, or exposure to saliva), seek medical attention immediately and contact your local public health authority.
Distempered Raccoons on Public Property
If you observe a raccoon on public property (such as a road or park) showing clear signs of distemper, report it directly to Critter Cop at 705-445-9444.
Raccoon removal services are available seven days a week, including statutory holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Removal will only occur if the raccoon is exhibiting clear signs of distemper.
If the raccoon poses an immediate threat to public safety, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
- Signs of distemper in raccoons may include:
- Staggering or unsteady movement;
- Unusual aggression or lack of fear of humans;
- Discharge from the eyes or nose;
- Seizures, trembling, or signs of confusion.
Wildlife Custodians
For non-emergency situations involving wildlife, where the animal could potentially be rehabilitated, individuals can contact an Authorized Wildlife Rehabilitators.
| Barrie | Bear Creek Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary - 8633 10th Line, RR2, Barrie, ON L4M 4S4
- Website: www.bearcreeksanctuary.com
- Phone: 705-721-4730
- Service For: Big Cats, Chipmunk, Coyote, Eagle, Falcon, Fox, Groundhog, Hawk, Osprey, Otter, Owl, Porcupine, Possum, Raccoon, Skunk, Squirrel, Turtle, Weasel, Wolf
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| Beeton | Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation - 3441 7th Line, Beeton, ON L0G 1A0
- Website: www.procyonwildlife.com
- Phone: 905-729-0033
- Service for: Bats, birds, Coyotes, Ducklings, Birds of Prey (owls, hawks etc), Deer, Foxes, Opossums, Rabbits, Raccoons, Squirrels, Turtles, etc.
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| Pefferlaw | Shades of Hope - P.O. Box 87, Pefferlaw, ON L0E 1N0
- Website: www.shadesofhope.ca
- Phone: 705-437-4654
- Service for: Bats, Skunks, Raccoons, Birds, Birds of Prey (owls, hawks, etc), Turtles and reptiles, Squirrel, Chipmunk, Rabbit, Bears, Coyote, Opossum, Fisher, Small Carnivore (mink weasel), Deer, Beaver, Otter, etc.
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| Caledon East | National Wildlife Centre |
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Additional wildlife centres can be found at www.ontariowildliferescue.ca
The contacts above have been provided for informational purposes only. The Town does not endorse any particular center and cannot cover any fees or transportation costs. A Pest Control Service may be able to help in transporting an animal to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre; however, fees may apply.
For any other information or advice concerning wildlife, individuals are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry by calling 705-725-7500.
