How This Winter’s Weather Could Impact Raccoon Mating Season
Winter weather plays a powerful role in shaping wildlife behaviour and this year’s prolonged cold, snow, and ice may significantly affect raccoon mating patterns and the timing of baby season. By closely monitoring raccoon activity using Reolink cameras, we’ve been able to document some fascinating changes that highlight just how sensitive these animals are to […]
Baby Raccoons Are Born in Toronto: What That Means for Your Attic
Raccoon Baby Season Has Officially Begun in Toronto We were notified that baby raccoons were discovered last week (the week of February 16th) right here in Toronto, ON, signalling the start of raccoon baby season. Each year, as winter begins to fade, raccoons search for warm, protected places to give birth and attics, soffits, chimneys, and […]
What Does It Mean If I Hear Crying Sounds in My Attic?
If you hear crying, chirping, or high-pitched noises coming from your attic, it usually means baby animals have been born inside your home. This is a common sign of raccoons, squirrels, or other wildlife nesting in attics during baby season. This ongoing attic activity can lead to structural damage, odours, and health concerns if you […]
Should I Remove Wildlife From My Attic in the Winter or Wait Until Spring?
If you are hearing scratching, thumping, or occasional movement coming from your attic this winter, you may be wondering: Should I remove the wildlife now, or wait until Spring? The short answer: You should deal with attic wildlife issues as soon as possible, even in Winter. Many homeowners assume winter is a quiet season for […]
Bats Can End Up Inside the Living Space of Homes During Winter
At the end of last week, during an unseasonably mild stretch of weather, our team at Gates Wildlife received a noticeable increase in calls from homeowners who had discovered bats inside the living spaces of their homes. These encounters can be surprising and unsettling, especially in winter, but they are a well-understood seasonal occurrence linked […]
Do Raccoons Hibernate in Winter? Understanding Torpor and Winter Wildlife Activity
As winter settles in, many homeowners notice less wildlife activity and wonder what’s happening with raccoons. While bears hibernate for months, raccoons behave differently. In this post, we’ll explain what torpor is, why raccoons enter this state, and what it means for your home this winter. What is Torpor? Torpor is a short-term, energy-saving state where […]
Can You Remove Wildlife In The Winter? Here’s Why You Should Act Now
Protect your home now before damage occurs and baby season begins. When temperatures drop, raccoons, squirrels, and other urban wildlife begin searching for warm, sheltered places to ride out the winter. Unfortunately, the warmest and safest place they find is often your chimney, attic, or between your walls. Even if you don’t hear noises yet, fall […]
Are Urban Raccoons Really Becoming Domesticated?
City raccoons are wild animals, not future pets. A recent CNN article sparked conversation about whether raccoons living in urban areas are evolving in ways that suggest early signs of domestication. According to the article, scientists observed that city raccoons have shorter snouts, a trait sometimes linked to what’s called “domestication syndrome.” The theory is […]
How to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Garage and Attic
As temperatures drop and wildlife starts looking for warm, safe places to shelter, many homeowners face a common problem: raccoons, squirrels, and other animals using your garage as a gateway to your attic. One open garage door, even just once, can give these opportunistic animals the perfect chance to explore your attic. At Gates Wildlife Control, […]
Preparing Your Home for Winter: Essential Wildlife Control Tips
As the temperatures drop and the first signs of winter appear, wildlife begins looking for safe, warm places to shelter. Mid-November is a critical time for homeowners to ensure their properties are protected from unwanted animal intrusions. At Gates Wildlife Control, we’ve been helping Canadian homeowners for over 40 years with humane, effective solutions to […]