If you are unsure whether wildlife needs help, you can contact the National Wildlife Centre’s wildlife hotline at (416) 577-4372 for guidance.
As the sun sets across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Caledon, a different group of wildlife becomes active. Species such as bats, skunks, opossums, foxes, coyotes, and owls rely on the quieter nighttime hours to hunt, forage, and travel.
Whether you live on a rural property or in a residential neighbourhood, a few simple steps can help reduce conflicts while allowing wildlife to thrive.
Reduce outdoor lighting
Artificial lighting can interfere with how nocturnal wildlife moves and forages. Reducing unnecessary lighting also helps minimize light pollution.
- Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights when they are not needed.
- Use motion-activated lighting instead of leaving lights on throughout the night.
- Aim outdoor lights downward to reduce light pollution.
Help protect pets and wildlife
Many wildlife species are most active between dusk and dawn. In residential neighbourhoods, skunks and opossums commonly forage through backyards, while coyotes and foxes are more common in rural areas of Caledon. During spring and early summer, many of these species may also be accompanied by their young. A little extra awareness at night can help prevent unnecessary encounters that may result in injury to both pets and wildlife.
- Before letting your dog into the yard at night, turn on an outdoor light or check the area first.
- If you encounter wildlife while walking your dog, give the animal plenty of space and allow it to move away.
- Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight, as it can attract wildlife to your property.
Photo caption: Opossums and skunks are among the many nocturnal wildlife species active after dark. During spring and early summer, mothers are often accompanied by their young as they forage for food.
Give wildlife space
Most wildlife encountered after dark are simply moving through the area in search of food or returning to shelter. Giving animals space allows them to continue on their way without unnecessary stress.
- If you encounter a skunk, opossum, fox, coyote, or owl, observe from a distance and allow it to move on.
- Never approach or feed wildlife.
- Secure garbage and compost to avoid attracting wildlife around your home.
Photo caption: Big Brown Bats and Barred Owls are among Ontario’s best-known nocturnal wildlife. Both help maintain healthy ecosystems by naturally controlling insect and rodent populations.
Watch for wildlife on the road
Many animals are most active and on the move between dusk and dawn, increasing the risk of vehicle collisions. Reduced visibility can also make wildlife harder to see until they are already on, or near the road.
- Slow down, especially on rural roads and near forests, wetlands, and other natural areas.
- Stay focused and continuously scan the road ahead and roadsides for movement or reflected eyes.
- If you see an animal cross the road, be cautious and watch for others that may be following behind or nearby.
Why nocturnal wildlife matters
Nocturnal wildlife plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Bats consume thousands of insects each night, helping reduce mosquito and other insect populations.
- Owls help control rodent populations naturally.
- Skunks and opossums feed on insects and other invertebrates, while foxes and coyotes help maintain balanced ecosystems by naturally controlling rodent populations.
By reducing unnecessary lighting, supervising pets, and respecting wildlife, residents of Caledon can help keep both people and wildlife safe while supporting healthy local ecosystems.
If you found this article helpful, consider supporting the National Wildlife Centre. As a registered Canadian charity, we rely on community support to provide specialized wildlife care, education, and conservation.
