Lives & Legacy

JOSHUA ALLAN
 The 1019 Report The start of spring is a time when many animals begin giving birth to offspring, but what should you do if one of these critters has chosen to create a den or burrow on your property to care for its newborns? The answer is simple, according to a wildlife rescuer who works in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region: “Just leave them alone.”“That’s the key thing for all wildlife. Just leave them alone,” said Rob Boisvert, co-founder of the 269 Animal Rescue group which operates throughout the 1019 region and eastern Ontario. Trying to remove these animals now would likely spell death for their young, he said. Around this time of year, it’s not uncommon for animals, including foxes, opossums and raccoons to create their dens and burrows on and around rural residential properties in order to birth and care for their young. These dens might be located behind a shed, under a porch, near a chopped wood pile, or in any other small, secluded space ideal for rearing their pups, joeys and kits. While mother opossums and raccoons raise their young independently, both fox parents are involved in caring for their pups. If you spot a foxes this month trotting along with freshly caught prey in its jaws, it is most likely a male en route to deliver the food to his mate, who is in the den producing milk for their litter of between four to six newborn pups. This will continue for the next two months before these pups are able to leave the den. Though it’s early in the birthing season, Boisvert said he is already receiving calls from residents requesting that foxes, raccoons and other critters be removed from yards.“I try and tell people (during birthing season), ‘Can’t you just leave the animals alone? They’ll be done in a couple of months.’” This approach is recommended by multiple Canadian wildlife agencies and organizations, who advise property owners be patient during this important time for these animals. Attempting to relocate the animals at such an early stage in their lives, or separating the parents from the offspring, would likely result in the death of the litter. Organizations like the Toronto Wildlife Centre say the primary method when it comes to animals rearing their offspring on residents’ properties is to wait, as the young animals will likely set out on their own during the summer, and the den will be abandoned. “If you can wait until the babies are grown and/or have left, you can then close off the access point to prevent other animals from using the den in the future,” the centre recommends on its website. While some might see these animals as pests on their properties, Boisvert said it could be a unique opportunity, especially for those with children.“Teach your kids about nature,” including how to respect the animals by giving them space, he said. Boisvert also suggested installing a temporary fence “just to mark off the area so your kids know don’t go in there.” Fencing off the area, while maintaining a lane for these animals to come and go, would also help to keep pet dogs out of the animals’ way, he added. “We live among these animals because they have nowhere else to go,” Boisvert said. “So we have to give and take.” Local Journalism Initiative Cutline:
Last May, this mother fox was spotted with her pups romping around a front lawn on Mount Pleasant Street in Hudson, enjoying a sunny day. They were spotted several times by residents of the neighbourhood.Credit:
The 1019 Report file photo You are unauthorized to view this page.