Keeping Wildlife Babies Safe From Pets This Spring

Why Spring Is a Sensitive Time for Wildlife

Spring has arrived, and you probably want to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friend. This is a busy time for wildlife, as babies are being born, or are emerging from nests, or animals that were sleeping during winter months are starting to wake up. This can mean more encounters with dogs and cats.

Right now, rabbits, geese, songbirds, skunks, and many more are giving birth to their offspring. Ground-nesting birds, such as nightjars and killdeer, make their nests around grasslands and low shrubs. Not only can roaming dogs and cats harm these young animals, they can also disturb their homes, meaning the mothers may flee and not return to feed and care for the young.

Pets could also encounter dangerous animals,such as coyotes or foxes, which may be more active.

Spring blooms also carry risk, as certain flowers such as tulips and daffodils are toxic to cats and dogs.

From March to July, we recommend taking a little extra care to protect your pet and local biodiversity:

• Walk dogs on a short leash: Allowing dogs to run freely can endanger wildlife and the dog itself.
• Visit off-leash dog parks and fenced areas: This can be a nice alternative to wooded areas or nature reserves. Your dog can still roam freely outside without risking wildlife.
• Keep cats indoors: In Canada, cats kill millions of birds each year, not to mention rodents like chipmunks, mice, and voles. Keeping your cats at home also protects them from predators, traffic, and disease.
• Keep vaccinations up to date: One major risk of wildlife encounters is rabies. Proper immunization keeps your pet protected.
• Secure food waste and garbage: Ensure all trash bins are tightly closed and keep food and clutter away from your yard. This will help avoid encounters with raccoons, foxes, and other animals who might go rummaging for a snack.

By staying vigilant, vaccinating pets, and keeping them leashed or indoors, you protect both pets and wildlife, so everyone can safely enjoy the outdoors.