Concluding my series on 40 years of wildlife stories, it has been a delightful experience to reflect on and share these memories.
Leading the Way: Revolutionizing Wildlife Control with Humane Practices
Fresh out of the University of Guelph, armed with a newly minted B.Sc. in Biology, I was unwavering in my determination to kickstart my own wildlife control company. My father played a pivotal role by registering the business under the name AAA Wildlife Control, securing a used Chubb Security van, and providing the financial backing for essential equipment. Adding a touch of creativity, my then-girlfriend Sue, contributed her artistic talents, painting the company name and phone number on the van. Within a week, I hit the road, poised to embark on an exhilarating career evicting critters from homes in Toronto.
However, as I immersed myself in the field, I soon observed that many of my competitors prioritized profit over the welfare of the animals. The prevalent method at the time involved trapping and relocating, often leading to the separation of mother raccoons from their dependent offspring left stranded in attics miles away. Disturbed by this disregard for animal well-being, I set out to pioneer humane methods that preserved family units. This included the introduction of passive removal tools like one-way doors and heated release boxes, ensuring the babies remained in a secure, warm location while their mother safely relocated them to an alternative den site.
Today, our approach is widely acknowledged as the humane standard, earning recognition from humane societies, animal welfare organizations, wildlife rehabilitators, the public and many others. More and more wildlife removal companies are recognizing the importance of addressing the public’s concern for the well-being of animals. Having had the opportunity to play a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of wildlife control practices has been immensely rewarding.
