SPRING 2024 WILDLIFE HAVEN INTAKE CHANGES

The difficult decision to implement these changes after 40 years was due to a thorough analysis of our operations, funding, resource allocation, and impact on Manitoba's biodiversity. With strained resources in terms of staff, volunteers, and donations, coupled with a commitment to conservation, we recognized the need to reassess our treatment protocols.

-Wildlife pick-ups and rescues take up a lot of time and money, sometimes taking away from the care we could offer existing patients. With our expanded network of drop-off locations, we chose to concentrate our rescue efforts on animals that may be dangerous for untrained citizens. Most adults can catch and handle species like bunnies, songbirds and turtles when given instructions.

-For Invasive Species, we consulted studies showing the harm invasive species cause to native wildlife and decided to prioritize biodiversity protection.

-Similarly, after consultations with the Manitoba Wildlife Branch and considering the overpopulation of raccoons and high disease transmission risks, we concluded that raccoon rehabilitation is no longer feasible for our organization.

Rehabilitating raccoons demands substantial time, space and training. That time and money would have more impact if allocated to treating other Manitoba wildlife needing protection due to population numbers. Even with significant resource investments, we could only save approximately 25% of the raccoons coming through our doors. Moreover, we estimate about 80% of the raccoons brought to Wildlife Haven each year are unnecessarily orphaned therefor their death could have been avoided with more public education. This is a great resource: https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/pubs/fish_wildlife/wildlife/wildlife-human/ws-coexisting-with-raccoons-fs-en-acc-v01.0.pdf

Raccoons carry many diseases, and the risk of infecting Wildlife Haven team members and patients is high and very costly to prevent. Orphaned raccoons require extensive care, including labour-intensive efforts to simulate the maternal teachings vital for survival in the wild. Additionally, due to raccoons' potential to transmit diseases to other wildlife, enclosures housing them cannot be repurposed to accommodate different species at other times of the year.

By not accepting raccoons, Wildlife Haven can devote more attention to species that are more vulnerable, rare, endangered, or threatened. Raccoons are highly adaptable in urban and rural areas, and their range is continuously expanding. Simply put, they do not need our help.

The Wildlife Haven leadership team is committed to re-evaluating the raccoon moratorium after three years before making a permanent decision.
This time will allow for observation and analysis of Wildlife Haven’s internal operations and general raccoon population strength.

These changes will have a multi-level impact on our current operations. By no longer treating invasive species and raccoons, we free up resources previously allocated to them, allowing better care for the other patients at our centre. These changes will also lead to a more positive impact on the health of our ecosystems and wildlife population. The changes to our rescue dispatching practices will increase the efficiency of pick-up services and ensure urgent cases have the necessary resources.

Former raccoon enclosures (indoors and outdoors) may now be re-purposed to house a wide variety of species needing care.

These changes aim to positively affect Manitoba's biodiversity by prioritizing the treatment of native species and not contributing to the overpopulation of raccoons, which can harm other native animals. By focusing our resources on species vital to a balanced ecosystem, we aim to contribute significantly to biodiversity protection.

These changes are the only ones to take effect in 2024. We will continue to monitor the overall wildlife population and health of ecosystems in Manitoba in consultation with the Wildlife Branch and adjust our operations if needed. We work very closely with the Manitoba Wildlife Branch and Conservation Officers to offer a service conducive to our shared goal of protecting native Manitoba wild animals.

House Sparrows may resemble other sparrows, but they're an invasive species. They often have a grayish-brown body, a distinct black bib on their throat, and chestnut-brown patches on their wings. They are more urban-adapted compared to native sparrows. If you’d like help identifying these birds, please get in touch with our team, and we’ll be happy to help!

If someone accidentally brings an invasive species or a raccoon to us, we inform them of our decision not to treat these species and provide guidance on alternative options. This could involve directing them to other facilities or agencies equipped to handle these animals or advising them on safe release if possible. If the animal is left with us by accident, humane euthanasia will be provided.

Finding an injured animal is very distressing. We never want any animal to suffer. We encourage Manitobans to visit this website for advice and options: https://www.manitoba.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/wildlife/wildlife_human/index.html.  All invasive species brought to Wildlife Haven by accident and suffering will be compassionately euthanized.

While protecting wild animals is indeed our mission, we must do so with conservation in mind. We've decided to focus our efforts on species that align more closely with our mission and have a greater impact on Manitoba's biodiversity. By prioritizing the treatment of native species, we aim to maximize our conservation impact with our available resources.

While the new Wildlife Haven campus and accredited veterinary hospital may have expanded capacity and capabilities for treating certain species and injuries, our decision to modify the list of treated species was driven by factors such as resource constraints, high treatment costs, alignment with our mission, and considerations for biodiversity conservation. Therefore, while the new campus may enhance our ability to care for certain animals, it doesn't necessarily mean we'll treat more species overall.

If someone finds an injured or orphaned raccoon, they may need to explore other options, such as animal control agencies or wildlife authorities (MB Conservation), who can provide assistance or guidance. Raccoons will not be accepted at Wildlife Haven.

It’s important to note that keeping a baby or adult raccoon in your home or as a pet is dangerous to you and your pets, it’s harmful (often deadly) to the raccoon, and it’s illegal. Baby raccoons are naturally curious (and cute!) and may seek out humans. It’s important not to approach them and not interfere with raccoon families. We must let the mother care for the babies.

If the raccoons are damaging your property, humane harassment will encourage the mother to move her babies safely herself. For more information on peaceful coexistence with Raccoons, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/pubs/fish_wildlife/wildlife/wildlife-human/ws-coexisting-with-raccoons-fs-en-acc-v01.0.pdf

If raccoons are causing problems on your property or threatening your pets, taking appropriate measures to address the situation safely and responsibly is essential. This may involve securing garbage bins, removing potential food sources, and employing deterrents to discourage raccoons from frequenting your property. We encourage humane harassment strategies to avoid unnecessary, orphaned raccoons. If the situation is putting humans in immediate danger, MB Conservation Officers may be able to help.

Raccoons are not inherently "bad" but can become problematic in certain situations. Raccoons play a role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. They serve as natural pest controllers by preying on insects and rodents, thus helping to regulate the populations of these smaller animals. Additionally, their dietary habits include consuming plants, which aids in seed dispersal through their feces.

While raccoons typically do not pose direct health risks to humans, large populations or individuals close to human settlements can sometimes cause issues. Raccoons have been known to carry diseases such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, which can be transmitted to domestic dogs and cats. Furthermore, raccoons may harbour parasitic infections like roundworms and tapeworms, which could affect humans.

Here’s a list of the wild animal species not treated at Wildlife Haven:
Bears
Deer, elk and moose
Wolves
Skunks
Mice
Farm animals, dogs, cats, exotic reptiles, fish and invertebrates.
Domesticated ducks, rabbits, or other domesticated species not listed on the Manitoba Wildlife Act.

Please Note - we do not offer wildlife relocation nor accept healthy nuisance trapped mammals.