Home News Local News Shades of Hope sounds alarm over growing number of orphaned wildlife

Shades of Hope sounds alarm over growing number of orphaned wildlife

May 5, 2025

167

By Angie Sullivan

Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge in Pefferlaw, Ontario, has received over 650 orphaned animals this spring and is worried more are on the way.

As the weather gets warmer, squirrels, rabbits, mice, porcupines, and skunks are some of the species seeking warm, secluded spots to nest and raise their young.

Unfortunately, they sometimes choose quiet spots in local homes, like attics and chimneys, and when homeowners evict them, the babies can be left orphaned.

Gail Lenters, Founder of Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge, said, “If the orphaned animals are found quickly enough, they can be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation centre for care and eventual release… but many are found too late.

Spruce, a two-week-old orphaned porcupine, was one of the lucky ones. She lost her mother in the ice storm, and a property owner found her when assessing the damage to his tree. He brought her to Shades of Hope, and other than being terrified and dehydrated, she was physically fine and is now doing well. Shades of Hope plans to release her this summer.

Lenters said, “We are encouraging the public to view wild animals with compassion and understanding, and seek the most humane way to deal with those that are unwanted house guests.”

Rather than trapping and releasing or exterminating, here are some other ways to deal with unwanted houseguests.

•   The gift of time. If you are aware that the wildlife in your home has babies, the most humane approach is to allow her time to care for them until they are old enough to follow her out of the den on their own (typically around 8-10 weeks old). This prevents orphaning the babies and gives them the best chance at survival.
•   Discourage occupancy. To encourage wild animals to leave on their own, experts recommend making the den unattractive for a nursing mom by incorporating various elements in or near the den, such as: 
-Leaving a talk radio station playing
-Using a non-flammable light source in or near the den area
-Introducing strong smells, like animal cider vinegar on rags placed in a plastic bag with holes.

Lenters warns, “All the wildlife centres in Ontario will soon reach their capacity, and calls will keep coming in for months. This means rehabbers will struggle to keep up with the influx of babies and do their best not to turn any animal away due to overcrowding.”

You can learn more or donate at: Shades of Hope