Ontario Police Department is asking people to stop calling 911 when they complain about raccoons

Ontario Police Department is asking people to stop calling 911 when they complain about raccoons

As annoying as it is to find a feral Toronto raccoon (or 10 of them) in your front yard before nightfall, you should never, ever, ever call 911 about it.

It sucks that I even have to write that sentence, but apparently that’s people’s business — enough of them to have the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) issue a notice urging citizens to “PLEASE DON’T.” calling 911 to report a raccoon complaint! “

The OPP West Region posted this important letter via Twitter last week, noting that it was indeed necessary due to inappropriate calls received from first responders.

“This reminder comes after the OPP responded to calls from members of the public after they observed raccoons on their property during daylight hours,” the tweet said. “Please contact an animal transport service.”

Please DO NOT call 911 to report a raccoon complaint! This reminder comes after the #OPP responded to calls from members of the public after they spotted raccoons on their property during daylight hours. Please contact an animal transport service. @NorfolkCountyCA #NorfolkOPP ^es pic.twitter.com/MyMA8KhI3L

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) March 2, 2022

While this is far from the first thing police have had to tell people not to call 911 (heavy traffic, tomatoes on a sandwich, and long lines at Taco Bell come to mind), it’s one from which we can all learn.

First of all, seeing a raccoon in daylight isn’t necessarily alarming.

“It’s a common myth that a raccoon walking around during the day is sick or has rabies. It’s true that raccoons are primarily nocturnal, but they can be active during the day for many different reasons,” explains the Toronto Wildlife Center.

“A raccoon that is alert, responsive, and behaving normally during the day is likely to do well in an environment where there is strong competition from other nocturnal animals at night.”

During the day you may also see baby raccoons. That’s common. They are curious and their mothers forage day and night.

However, should you come across an animal in distress, police advise calling an animal control service such as the Toronto Animal Service for expert advice on what to do.

Calling an emergency number reserved for only the most serious situations – fires, shootings, incidents where people are seriously injured and require immediate medical attention – is not just a jerky move that ties up valuable resources; It literally doesn’t help the raccoons.



Original post here: Ontario Police Department is asking people to stop calling 911 when they complain about raccoons

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Choosing a Pest Control Provider

Image
    Unfortunately, pests are everywhere, always on the lookout for new places to nest and new sources of food. Such infestations mean it's time to look for professional pest control. London is particularly prone to pest issues, being an extensive built-up area that encompasses many of the environments that pests find attractive and useful: rivers, sewers, underground structures and tunnels, abandoned buildings and so on. London is a large conurbation, with a range of pest control companies available, and you need to consider carefully what to look for in a pest control supplier. Each region of London has its own providers, and while many will offer to cover the whole of the capital, you may want to consider choosing a supplier in your local borough who can reach you and deal with your issue relatively quickly. The internet is the most obvious first port of call for finding a supplier in London. Simply carry out a search for 'pest control London' and you will immediately tur...
Read more

Is There a Humane Way to Get Rid of Bats?

Image
Bats are fascinating creatures that play a vital role in many ecosystems, but they can also cause problems when they roost in places that are inconvenient or undesirable for humans. Read More About Why Is There a Humane Way to Get Rid of Bats More Things To Know About Is There a Humane Way to Get Rid of Bats In this article, we will explore the various methods that can be used to remove bats from a location, as well as the pros and cons of each approach. We will also discuss the importance of considering the welfare of the bats and the safety and convenience of humans when choosing a method for removing these animals. What Are Some Humane Ways To Get Rid of Bats? Bats are important members of many ecosystems and play a vital role in controlling pests and pollinating plants. However, sometimes bats may roost in places that are inconvenient or undesirable for humans, such as in attics or other parts of buildings. In these situations, it may be necessary to find a way to remove...
Read more

What Bat Removal Techniques Should Homeowners Know?

Image
Bat infestations can be a real nightmare for homeowners. They leave their droppings, spread diseases, and damage the attic insulation, to name just a few issues. Of course, getting rid of bats is much easier said than done! Read More About What Bat Removal Techniques Should Homeowners Know More Things To Know About What Bat Removal Techniques Should Homeowners Know So if you think you may have bats in your house, don’t despair. There are certain bat removal techniques and tips that are humane and effective, which will get them out of your home with minimal fuss. Why Should You Remove Bats? Bats are beneficial to the environment, as they consume large amounts of insects and help disperse seeds and pollinate plants. However, when bats enter a home, they can cause a number of health and safety risks. One of the most serious is the risk of rabies. Bites, scratches, and even holding bats can expose homeowners to this painful and life-threatening disease. Additionally, bat dropping...
Read more