Ontario Wildlife Removal Regulations Explained

Need wildlife removal? Get quotes from licensed wildlife operators who comply with Ontario regulations.

Ontario has some of the most comprehensive wildlife protection laws in Canada. The intent is to protect wildlife populations and ensure that removal is done ethically, legally, and effectively. But these laws also mean that what a homeowner can do themselves is quite limited. Understanding what is legal and what is not protects you from fines, animal welfare violations, and ineffective DIY attempts that make the problem worse.

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act

The primary legislation governing wildlife in Ontario is the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (FWCA). Under this act:

• All wild mammals, birds, and reptiles in Ontario are protected
• A licence is required to hunt, trap, or collect wildlife
• Relocating wildlife beyond specific distances is restricted
• Methods of capture and removal are regulated

Species-Specific Rules

Raccoons: Cannot be trapped and relocated more than 1 kilometre from the capture site. Trapping without a licence is illegal. One-way doors installed by licensed operators are the most common legal removal method.

Skunks: Same rules as raccoons. Relocation distance restrictions apply.

Bats: All Ontario bat species are protected. Removal can only occur outside maternity season (May through August). Licensed operators are required.

Squirrels: Can be live-trapped and relocated within the same municipality, but a licence is still required. Trapping by homeowners without a licence is illegal.

Birds: Most birds in Ontario are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (federal) as well as the provincial FWCA. Pigeons and starlings are exceptions and are not protected.

What Homeowners Can Do Legally

• Prevention and exclusion: Seal gaps, install vent covers, and make your property less attractive to wildlife. This is entirely legal and recommended.
• Humane harassment: Making loud noises or using motion-activated lights to deter wildlife from denning near your home is legal.
• Confirming the space is empty: Before sealing any entry point, you can visually confirm that no animals are inside by looking with a flashlight during daylight hours.

What Homeowners Cannot Do Legally

• Trap wildlife without a licence
• Relocate trapped wildlife beyond legal distances
• Kill wildlife (except in very specific circumstances involving immediate safety)
• Block entry points while animals are still inside (this is considered animal cruelty under Ontario law)
• Use poisons or lethal methods without proper licensing

Why DIY Wildlife Removal Often Makes Problems Worse

Homeowners who attempt DIY wildlife removal typically face these problems:

• Legal liability: Trapping wildlife without a licence can result in fines of hundreds of dollars.
• Animal welfare violations: Blocking entry points while animals are trapped inside is illegal and considered animal cruelty.
• Worse infestations: Sealing the only exit traps animals inside, where they will tear a new hole and cause more damage than the original entry point.
• Incomplete exclusion: Without proper knowledge of wildlife entry points, homeowners seal one gap and miss three others. Animals find the next opening.
• Safety risks: Wildlife, especially raccoons and skunks, can be aggressive when cornered or separated from their young.

How to Choose a Legal Wildlife Operator

• Ask for their Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources licence number and verify it
• Confirm they carry commercial liability insurance
• Ask about their removal method and confirm it complies with Ontario regulations
• Get a written quote that includes the full scope of work: removal, exclusion sealing, and cleanup
• Avoid any company that offers to trap and relocate wildlife long distances or that uses lethal methods without explanation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to remove wildlife in Ontario?

Yes. Any person who captures, relocates, or kills wildlife in Ontario must hold a valid licence from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Can I trap a raccoon myself?

In most cases, no. Relocating a raccoon more than 1 kilometre from where it was trapped is illegal. Use a licensed wildlife control operator.

What species are protected in Ontario?

All bat species, migratory birds, and many mammals are protected under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

What can a homeowner do legally without a licence?

You can seal entry points to prevent wildlife from entering your home, as long as you confirm the space is empty first.

How do I verify a wildlife operator is licensed?

Ontario wildlife control operators should be able to provide their licence number from the Ministry of Natural Resources. Ask for it and verify if you have concerns.

Need legal wildlife removal in the GTA? Get free quotes from licensed wildlife operators today.