Urban Wildlife
Wildlife occurs naturally in cities and towns, often without any issues. When animal / human conflict does arise, it is frequently a result of intentional feeding (leaving out grain, bread, nuts etc.) or unintentional feeding (outdoor pet food, compost, unsecured gardens or garbage, fish ponds). This type of unnatural feeding can have significant negative consequences for the health and behaviour of wildlife and can cause challenges for property owners.
Feeding wildlife (either intentionally or accidentally through outdoor pet food, compost or garbage) can:
- cause wild animals to lose their natural fear of humans
- be unhealthy for animals
- make animals dependent on human food sources – this may cause them to lose some of their ability to survive in the wild, resulting in dangerous encounters with people and other animals
- lead to property damage and unwelcome house guests
- put domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, at risk physically, or expose them to disease
For information on control of nuisance wildlife, contract the Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-667-1940. All costs regarding nuisance wildlife are the property owner's responsibility.
Canada Geese
Canada geese are commonly found in many Cities across Canada often making their homes in parks, sportsfields and along shorelines. Geese thrive in urban areas where they have access to food and limited predators.
Nesting geese can become aggressive when defending their nest sites. People are encouraged to keep a safe distance, especially in the spring when they have young goslings. Please do not feed geese. Human food provides very little nutritional content and can lead to malnourishment and health problems. It can also increase the spread of disease and pollute the environment.
Crows
Crows are intelligent, have few predators and have been increasing in numbers all over North America for the past century. Unfortunately, they are a species that benefits from human activities. The City does have a program to discourage the crows from roosting within developed areas of the city, however crows quickly learn where they can roost without being disturbed making it tricky to effectively disrupt them.
Property owners can try installing bird barriers like netting, sharp spikes on roof edges or rails, electrical shocking and reflective tape to further deter crows. Garbage should also be enclosed or set out as late as possible as the crows look at this as a food source. Use covers to protect outdoor storage, equipment or vehicles. Property owners should not use poison to avoid killing natural predators like owls and hawks. There are also bylaws and federal legislation that prohibits the keeping of raptorial and migratory birds for any reason, including as a deterrent for other wild birds.
Dead Crows
Most of the time, bird deaths are due to natural causes or extreme cold. If you find dead birds in City parks or in conservation areas, please report the location, number of birds and type (if known) to the Parks Department. The Parks Department also works with Upper Thames River Conservation Area staff who track / monitor bird deaths in case there is a link to avian illnesses.
In crows, the ARV (Avian Reovirus) called corvid orthoreovirus causes a disease known as winter mortality of crows in which large numbers of crows become infected and die as they congregate in winter roosts. The crows most likely died over the winter and are found as the snow melts. This virus cannot be transferred to humans, but staff recommend precautionary measures (using shovels and gloves etc.) when cleaning them up.
Coyotes
Coyotes live and co-exist with humans in urban natural areas. For more information check the Ministry of Natural Resources website Preventing and Managing Conflicts with Coyotes, Wolves and Foxes. If you have concerns about a coyote or require further information call the Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-667-1940.
Swans
In 2024, the City of Woodstock said farewell to the pair of Mute Swans who lived at Southside Park since 1998. The swans were relocated, joining the City of Stratford flock in March 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Why did the City get rid of the swans? |
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The decision to end the swan program was made for a number of reasons, including the health and safety of both the swans and City staff. Swans were introduced in 1998 as part of efforts to control the overpopulation of geese in the park, however there was no evidence to suggest the program had been successful in reducing the population of Canada Geese in the park. The swans returned to the City of Stratford, where we initially purchased them as they were looking to add to their flock. Stratford has an extensive swan program and well equipped facilities to provide good care for the birds. |
| Even if they don't scare away geese, why couldn't we keep the swans? |
| Staff must follow strict regulations under the permit required to posses Mute Swans. Their wings must be clipped or pinioned to prevent their escape. They must also be housed in a heated facility for the winter. Staff do follow best practices for capturing the swans each fall but are often injured in the process as the swans resist capture. There is also the risk of injuring the birds. |
