Wildlife

Residents are encouraged to learn about the wildlife near their homes so that sharing space with them is safe and enjoyable.

Wildlife interactions

Do not approach wild animals or their nesting areas and dens.
Do not touch wild animals, even if they appear tame, sick or injured.
Never feed wild animals or leave food of any kind outside, including pet food.
Keep dogs on leash and away from wild animals.

Norfolk County does not provide services for sick or injured wild animals.

Contact Hillside Kennels or another private contractor for assistance with an injured wild animal on your property. Hillside Kennels will charge the private property owner a fee for this service. Please do not call the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) unless the animal is in danger or distress.

Wildlife rehabilitators

Residents may contact an authorized wildlife rehabilitator for advise on wild animals that appear sick, injured, or orphaned.

Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, based in Jarvis, Ontario, provides assistance to wild animals in need of help. Please read more information on the Hobbitstee website to ensure the animal needs help.
View a list of other authorized wildlife rehabilitators in Ontario.

Rabies, bites, and scratches

Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals, including wildlife, pets, and livestock. If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal:

Immediately clean the affected area with soap and flush with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Contact your doctor or visit the Emergency Room or Urgent Care Centre immediately.

Report any potential rabies exposures

Contact the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit:

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., call 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623
Monday to Friday after 4:30 p.m., on weekends and holidays, call 1-877-298-5888

Report a dog bite

Contact Norfolk County By-Law at 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact the OPP after-hours and on weekends at 1-888-310-1122.
Seek medical attention if needed