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Animal Services Agency
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Wildlife and Birds

For general information on wildlife and birds:

Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre:

Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre:

Winnipeg Humane Society:

Manitoba Sustainable Development:

Hinterland Who’s Who:

Frequently Asked Questions

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Wildlife

How do I prevent conflict with wildlife on my property?
  • It is important that you wildlife proof your home. Animals such as raccoons, skunks, rabbits, and squirrels need shelter, food, and water to survive. If you have gaps below a deck, porch, storage shed, or home; these spaces could provide shelter for wildlife. Fencing, lattice, wire, and patching products can be used to seal and minimize shelter opportunities for wildlife. Of course, be certain no wildlife is present before you seal an area. Food sources such as overflowing garbage cans, improperly stored food, and even birdfeeders can attract wildlife.
What do I do about raccoons on my property?

  • It is important that you wildlife proof your home. Animals such as raccoons, skunks, rabbits, and squirrels need shelter, food, and water to survive. If you have gaps below a deck, porch, storage shed, or home; these spaces could provide shelter for wildlife. Fencing, lattice, wire, and patching products can be used to seal and minimize shelter opportunities for wildlife. Of course, be certain no wildlife is present before you seal an area. Food sources such as overflowing garbage cans, improperly stored food, and even birdfeeders can attract wildlife.

    If you would like a raccoon removed from your property, contact a pest control company.

    If there is a raccoon out during the day that appears sick or injured, contact 311.

What do I do about skunks on my property?

  • It is important that you wildlife proof your home. Animals such as raccoons, skunks, rabbits, and squirrels need shelter, food, and water to survive. If you have gaps below a deck, porch, storage shed, or home; these spaces could provide shelter for wildlife. Fencing, lattice, wire, and patching products can be used to seal and minimize shelter opportunities for wildlife. Of course, be certain no wildlife is present before you seal an area. Food sources such as overflowing garbage cans, improperly stored food, and even birdfeeders can attract wildlife.

    Animal Services has ceased it Skunk Trap Program. If you would like a skunk removed from your property, contact a pest control company.

    If there is a skunk out during the day that appears sick or injured, contact 311.

I've found a nest of baby rabbits and I don't see the mother. What should I do?
There's a deer in my yard. What should I do?
  • The Animal Services Agency does not deal with wildlife. If you have questions regarding the deer population in Winnipeg, contact Manitoba Conservation at 204-945-7273. If the deer is not causing any disturbance, it is best to leave it alone and keep a safe distance.
I think I saw a coyote/fox/wolf/cougar in my neighbourhood. What should I do?

    Cougars and wolves are very rare in southern Manitoba. Winnipeg does have a small population of coyotes and foxes. They are generally fearful of people and more active at night. Coyotes and foxes typically eat small animals such as mice, rats, rabbits etc.

    The Animal Services Agency does not deal with wildlife. Contact Manitoba Sustainable Development at 204-945-7273 or visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fish_and_wildlife/wildlife/index.html.

    View an informational video on urban coyotes.

    Coyotes

    If you see a coyote near your home or property:

    • Encourage the coyote to keep moving by shouting and gesturing aggressively.

    To prevent coyotes from coming into your yard:

    • Remove food sources such as birdfeeders and avoid feeding pets outdoors.
    • Store garbage, recycling and organics properly.
    • Remove dense brush and weeds to minimize hiding spots.

    Coyotes are naturally timid and flee when confronted aggressively. The following actions teach coyotes to fear humans.

    • Be Big: Stand up and raise your arms in the air. Appear as large and threatening as possible
    • Be Loud: Stomp your feet, clap your hands, and yell “go away coyote” to alert people nearby.
    • Be Threatening: Throw a tennis ball or a small pebble or stick at the coyote, but only to show the coyote who is boss – not to injure!
    • Avoid turning your back, maintain eye contact and slowly back away. Never run away from a coyote.

    Keeping Your Pets Safe

    • Keep dogs on a leash.
    • Keep cats indoors or supervised when outside.
    • If coyotes are in your area, do not let your pet out into your yard alone.
    • If you encounter a coyote while walking your dog:
      • Pick the dog up in your arms.
      • If not possible, keep your dog on a short leash and move to an area with more activity.

    The following may help to deter coyotes:

    • Flashlights: Bright light has been known to deter coyotes.
    • Umbrellas: The action and sound of opening/closing will deter a coyote.
    • Whistles: May not scare coyote directly but will alert other pedestrians in the area.
    • Be big and loud: Jump up and down, wave your arms, yell “Go away coyote!”
I saw a bear in my neighbourhood. What should I do?
  • Contact the Winnipeg Police Service at 911 if you have a bear in your yard.
The beavers are destroying the trees along the river bank. Who do I call?
  • Call 311 to register your concern.
What do I do about squirrels in my yard?
  • Animal Services does not deal with wildlife. It is important that you wildlife proof your home. Animals such as raccoons, skunks, rabbits, and squirrels need shelter, food, and water to survive. If you have gaps below a deck, porch, storage shed, or home; these spaces could provide shelter for wildlife. Fencing, lattice, wire, and patching products can be used to seal and minimize shelter opportunities for wildlife. Of course, be certain no wildlife is present before you seal an area. Food sources such as overflowing garbage cans, improperly stored food, and even birdfeeders can attract wildlife.
I have rats (or mice) in my yard. What do I do?
  • Consult an exterminator if you want the animals removed. Animal Services does not deal with wildlife. It is important that you wildlife proof your home. Animals such as rats, mice, raccoons, skunks, rabbits, and squirrels need shelter, food, and water to survive. If you have gaps below a deck, porch, storage shed, or home; these spaces could provide shelter for wildlife. Fencing, lattice, wire, and patching products can be used to seal and minimize shelter opportunities for wildlife. Of course, be certain no wildlife is present before you seal an area. Food sources such as overflowing garbage cans, improperly stored food, and even birdfeeders can attract wildlife.
A skunk attacked my dog. What should I do?
  • If you have concerns about the health of your family pet, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Birds

There's a peacock in my yard. What do I do?
  • The Animal Services Agency does not deal with birds. Leave it alone and it will move away.
There is a turkey in my yard. What do I do?
  • Wild turkeys are native to Manitoba and from time to time they will come into Winnipeg. Leave them alone and they will find shelter in trees or move to another location.
  • The Animal Services Agency does not deal with wildlife. Contact Manitoba Sustainable Development at 204-945-7273 or visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fish_and_wildlife/wildlife/index.html.
Does the City of Winnipeg remove crow's nests?
  • No, the Animal Services Agency does not offer this service.  Consult the yellow pages for tree services that may offer to remove crow's nests from private property.
My neighbour has a pigeon coop.  Is this allowed?
  • For regulations regarding pigeon coops, please see the Neighbourhood LIveability By-law or contact 311.
Can I shoot the nuisance birds?
  • No, it is illegal to discharge a firearm in the City of Winnipeg.  This includes pellet guns and sling shots.
Last update: July 12, 2019