Find a raccoon out and about during the day? OPP asks you not to call 9-1-1
OPP is reminding the public of the proper uses for calling 9-1-1 as they received a call in regard to a racoon on Thursday.
Around 12:30 p.m., a call about a raccoon in a driveway was received through the 9-1-1 emergency system.
"Police are continuing to receive calls for service after people are spotting raccoons on their property during the day. There is no need to contact 9-1-1. Homeowners who have issues with racoons on their property need to call a private animal removal service."
An apparent myth suggesting raccoons in daylight have rabies has people calling police.
"The OPP does not have the equipment to trap and house live animals or transport wild animals. Calling 9-1-1 for raccoons, tie up the phone lines at the communications center and tie up law enforcement officers. A private animal removal service should be contacted instead of calling 9-1-1," says Acting Sergeant Ed Sanchuk, Norfolk County OPP.
Raccoons can be found looking for food during the day. They can also be found during the day if they have been frightened away from the spot they normally sleep in, or if there are other nocturnal animals around their space.
According to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre, asking the following questions may determine if you should be concerned:
- Does it look injured?
- Does it seem cold?
- Does it seem lethargic?
- Was it found near a domesticated animal?
- Did you locate the animal with deceased parents/siblings?
- Are their flies surrounding the animal?
- Does it seem to be in danger?
Should you answer yes to any of the above questions, Salthaven suggests not feeding or giving the animal water as it could compromise the animal's health.
A list of ways to help is listed on their website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.