The Ottawa Humane Society is Reminding People to Leave Healthy Wildlife Alone

May 14, 2020 — The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is asking community members to keep their distance from wildlife spotted in their neighbourhood. While animals are in their mating season, they may seem more prevalent outdoors, but that does not mean they are in need of help.

With so many people at home during the day due to COVID-19, encounters with wildlife may seem more common. This can lead to more cases of concerned community members removing wildlife from its habitat and bringing it to the OHS, even if it does not need their help. Juveniles may appear abandoned, but in fact their mother may be nearby.

Each spring the OHS sees a dramatic rise in the amount of wildlife coming into its care. So far this month, wildlife has accounted a very large percentage of shelter intake and local wildlife rehabbers are becoming overwhelmed.

“Many animals are not in need of help and may actually be worse off with it, especially juveniles,” says OHS Manager: Admission & Rehoming, Zenon Stecewicz. “Unless it seems sick or in distress, wildlife should be left alone.”

For information on when wild animals need help and how to help them, visit: ottawahumane.ca/services/wildlife-faqs-2/.

Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Will Wuehr, Manager: Communications
willw@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca