Don’t dial 911 on nuisance wildlife: Norfolk OPP

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Summer is here and critters are out and about.

That means the Norfolk OPP are receiving calls-for-service regarding nuisance wildlife.

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Don’t dial 911 on nuisance wildlife: Norfolk OPP Back to video

Over the noon hour on June 17, a 911 dispatcher received a call from a local resident reporting a raccoon in their driveway. In response, the Norfolk detachment of the OPP issued a reminder not to report nuisance wildlife to 911 unless someone is in eminent danger of attack.

“Homeowners who have issues with racoons on their property need to call a private animal removal service,” Acting Sgt. Ed Sanchuk of the Norfolk OPP said in a news release.

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

“Raccoons will come out during the day if there is a food source available at a particular time, if they have been frightened out of their day-time sleeping spot, or if there is high competition in the area at night from other nocturnal animals.

“The OPP does not have the equipment to trap and house live animals or transport wild animals. Calling 911 for raccoons ties up phone lines at the (OPP) communications center and ties up law enforcement officers. A private animal removal service should be contacted instead of calling 911.”