Q: What do I do if I find injured wildlife?
Q: What do I do if I have a beaver dam on my property and want it removed?
Q: What can I do about Canada Geese on my property?
Q: Where can I go fishing in Conservation Halton’s watershed and what regulations apply?
Q: Am I allowed to hunt in Conservation Halton’s watershed?
Q: What if there is a duck in my pool/pond?
Q: How can I do my part in preventing the spread of invasive species?
Q: What is West Nile Virus and what can I do to protect myself?
Q: What happens if I discharge my pool water into creeks?
Q: Do I need a permit from Conservation Halton to build near a creek?
Q: What if there is a toxic spill on my property?
Q: How much water am I allowed to take from a waterbody?
Q: Can I get trees or tree advice from Conservation Halton?
Q: What do I do if I find injured wildlife?
A: Avoid handling the animal if possible and stay away from it. Approaching the animal will cause it more stress and it may try to flee, causing itself further injury. If it is a baby, the parents are often nearby, so leave it alone and leave the area and the parents will often return to care for it. Call a local authority such as the humane society or a rehabilitation centre. Never attempt to capture an injured animal that may potentially bite you. Keep an eye on the injured animal from a safe distance and wait for the authority to arrive. Never go near an animal that exhibits twitching or erratic behavior, it may have rabies.
Some General Rules for Wildlife Emergencies:
1) Leave the animal alone if:
- the parent is nearby
- it appears healthy
2) Call the authorities if:
- you see that the animal’s parent is dead
- it appears weak or sick
- it is visibly injured
- it is in danger from traffic, power lines or other.
- it is acting erratic and has no signs of injury.
Both domestic and wild animals can be referred to your local humane society.
Burlington Animal Aid................................ (905) 637-7325
Burlington Animal Control.......................... (905) 335-3030
Halton Hills Animal Control......................... (905) 877-6235
Hamilton/Burlington SPCA.......................... (905) 574-7722
Oakville Humane Society............................ (905) 845-1551
Other organizations may be better equipped to deal with the specific needs of wildlife.
University of Guelph Free Small Animal Clinic......... (519) 823-8830
MNR – Wildlife other than Birds – Guelph................ (519) 826-4955
MNR – Wildlife other than Birds – Niagara............... (905) 562-4147
Canadian Wildlife Service -Andrew Taylor............... (905) 336-4464
Toronto Wildlife Centre (GTA)............................... (416) 631-0662
Ontario Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Network.. (905) 735-9556
Q: What do I do if I have a beaver dam on my property and want it removed?
A: Beaver Trapping and Lodge/Dam Removal
If a beaver is considered a nuisance, it is the landowner’s responsibility to have it trapped and the wood and mud obstructions in the creek physically removed. Trapping the animal must be carried out in accordance with the Ministry of Natural Resources guidelines and approvals. A list of trappers in the area may be found in the yellow pages under Pest Control Services or Animal Control or try contacting your local MNR office. The amount that the trapper charges for the work may be minimized depending upon when the beaver is trapped and if the trapper can recoup the cost through the sale of the pelt.
Once the beaver is removed the lodge and dams will need to be dismantled. These works should be undertaken by hand to minimize any impacts to the stream. A simple notch in the dam should allow the water to drain from the upstream flooded areas and provide an opportunity for the stream to open itself up naturally under fluctuating flow conditions. Any works beyond simple hand/shovel activities will require that a work plan and proposed work schedule be submitted to and reviewed by Conservation Halton staff prior to commencement.
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Part II has this to say about Beavers
Dens: Furbearing Mammals
(1) A person shall not intentionally damage or destroy the den or habitual dwelling of a furbearing mammal, other than a fox or skunk, unless the person holds a licence to trap furbearing mammals.
Beaver Dams
(2) A person shall not damage or destroy a beaver dam unless the person holds a licence to trap furbearing mammals.
Farmers
(3) Despite subsection (1)’s requirement for a licence, a farmer or a member of a farmer’s family who resides with the farmer may, during the open season and without a licence, on the farmer’s land,
(a) hunt or trap furbearing mammals;
View a full version of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act here.
Q: What can I do about Canada Geese on my property?
A: Canada Geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Farmers may apply to Canadian Wildlife Service for a scare/kill permit if geese are causing serious harm. To request a permit, contact the Permit Officer (905) 336-4464. Be aware that many areas have firearm regulations.
This page has a complete chart summary of Canada Geese regulations in the southern district of Ontario.
One of the best ways to fend off Canada Geese is with habitat modifications. The key is to decrease their sight lines. They need to see where they are going to land. They really like manicured grass that is short and cut right to the edge of ponds/water bodies. Letting the grass grow taller adjacent to a water body will make the property less appealing to the geese. Strategic placement of bushes and trees is a good plan to block landings and takeoff areas. Here is a list of websites with very good ideas on how to discourage geese from residing on your property.
Habitat Modification and Canada Geese Report
Lets Control Ourselves article
Q: Where am I allowed to hunt in Conservation Halton’s watershed?
A: HUNTING IS NOT PERMITTED ON LANDS OWNED BY CONSERVATION HALTON.
- For the complete guide to Ontario Hunting Regulations. On this site there is a complete list of preventable violations.
- Penalties under the Ontario Fishery Regulations can include a maximum $100 000, 2 year imprisonment. All the regulations are stated in the Act.
- Reporting a violation can be made by calling Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477
- Ministry of Natural Resources General Inquiry Line 1-800-667-1940
- Guelph Ministry of Natural Resources office (519) 826-4955
- Aurora Ministry of Natural Resources office (905) 713-7400
- To find your MNR district see the MNR Districts Map
- For information on obtaining an Hunting Outdoors Card
The MNR Outdoors Card Website
1-800-387-7011
Q: What if there is a duck in my pool/pond?
A: Leave it alone. It probably will find its way out and move on its own. Do NOT feed it! If it finds an ample source of food it will stay and/or return, often others will also be attracted. If it finds there is no food in the area, it will simply move on when it gets hungry.
Do not be alarmed if the duck stays in the pool for hours at a time. They are built for life on the water and may just be taking a rest in your pool. Often they will move on by the next day when they find the habitat not suitable.
If the duck appears to be trapped in your pool and unable to get out, raise the water level to several centimetres or so below the upper edge. This will allow the duck to climb out. If this does not work, you can try laying a piece of wood off the edge of the pool and slanting into the water so the duck can climb up and out using it.
To prevent ducks from returning, place-moving objects around the pool, balloons with large ‘eyespots’ painted on them are useful as they startle ducks. Do not leave bird feed on the ground in the area. If the ducks continue to be a problem, the landowner may want to invest in overhead screening (wires) similar to those used at Kelso beach.
Q: How can I do my part in preventing the spread of invasive species?
A: Be aware of invasive species in Ontario by visiting the invasive species website:
http://www.invadingspecies.com/
- Report Sightings of invasive species to the Invading Species Hotline
1 800-563-7711
- Know what plants you are buying from the greenhouse. Many plants sold as ‘easy’ to grow can be invasive and if planted near a natural area can out compete native vegetation. Whenever planting near a natural area buy/grow native species.
- NEVER release fish from one waterbody to another.
- NEVER release aquarium or pond plants or animals into waterways. Return unwanted animals to a pet shop or humane society and dispose of plants and excess water on dry land well away from waterways. You can re-use aquarium water to water your houseplants, it even has free fertilizer in it (fish waist)!
- Inspect and remove plants and animals from your boat, motor and equipment before leaving a waterbody.
- Drain water from the motor, livewell, bilge and transom wells while on land.
- Empty bait bucket on land, well away from the water.
- In most areas of Ontario, only the following fish may be used as bait:
• Minnow family (except carp, goldfish, cutlips minnow, redside dace, lake chubsucker, and gravel chub).
• Mudminnows, white sucker, sticklebacks, darters (except eastern sand darter),
• Trout-perch and sculpins.
• Lake herring.
• Crayfish.
Q: What is West Nile Virus and what can I do to protect myself?
A: It is a mosquito borne illness that can be transmitted to humans. In some cases, it can cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain), which may even lead to death. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to the disease, although others can be affected. With respect to the West Nile Virus, only two of the 57 mosquito species found in Ontario are believed to have a primary role in spreading the virus.
West Nile Virus not only affects human health but also impacts wildlife populations and, depending on the control methods used, watershed wetlands. The draining or filling in of wetlands as a possible way to control mosquitoes is not an ecologically sound way to remove potential breeding sites. Mosquito species found in wetlands are generally not the ones that carry the virus and the value of wetlands for water quality and wildlife habitat has long been recognized. Wetlands also produce many mosquito-eating wildlife species that feed on both adult mosquitoes and larva within the wetland. Culex mosquitoes, which are the most common carriers of West Nile Virus have a limited flight range (less than 3 kilometres) and this means that the adults are generally found close to their hatching site. If you are bitten by one of these mosquitoes, it likely hatched nearby. These mosquitoes usually breed in very sheltered stagnant water and their larvae are most often found in human altered or created breeding sites such as: discarded tires, plugged eaves troughs, open rain barrels, birdbaths and other puddles that last for longer than a week. Consequently, a large degree of control can be achieved by eliminating the man-made breeding habitats for these mosquitoes, by keeping the water fresh (change and clean birdbaths once a week, add a running water feature, screen off rain barrels) and by localized application of pesticides, if required.
For further information about West Nile Virus
Q: What happens if I discharge my pool water into creeks?
A: This causes much harm to the creeks and its inhabitants. Pool water contains many harsh chemicals (such as chlorine) designed to kill and prevent growth of algae and bacteria. By discharging this into the creeks you are killing or harming the fish, plants and microorganisms living in the creek.
Do not discharge pool water straight into storm drains. These lead to streams as well and will cause damage.
Instead discharge pool water onto your grass or sandy area. This will allow the water to percolate through the plants and soil, which will filter out much of the chemicals before it reaches the streams or ground water.
Q: Do I need a permit from Conservation Halton to build near a creek?
A: Yes. People do not realize that there are critical lands near rivers and creeks that are regulated by Conservation Halton. The regulations help protect the landowner, downstream neighbours and the natural environment. More information on this program can be found in the planning and permitting sections of our web site.
Q: What if there is a toxic spill on my property?
A: Call MOE Spills Action toll free at 1 800-268-6060 immediately and they will inform you of appropriate actions to take.
Q: How much water am I allowed to take from a waterbody?
A: By law anyone can take water from a public water body up to 50 000L a day without a permit from MOE. However, with any water taking the person must ensure that they are not violating downstream riparian rights or causing an impact to the creek environment by taking such large quantities of water it results in the creek flows being greatly diminished or the stream drying up entirely. This may result in violation of the Fisheries Act which is administered by DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) or be an issue with MOE.
Contact Info for MOE:
Halton Peel: 905-319-3847
Hamilton Guelph: 905-521-7650
For more information go to the Ministry of Environment Permit to Take Water webpage.
Q: Can I get trees or tree advice from Conservation Halton?
A: Seedlings are available each spring for the planting of windbreaks, shelterbelts and/or the reforesting of marginal or fragile lands. Tree and shrub planting programs can help reduce erosion, enhance wildlife habitat, improve local water quality and increase property values.
Conservation Halton Forestry staff can recommend appropriate species mixtures depending upon your objectives and the conditions of the planting site. Please contact Conservation Halton to arrange a site meeting to adequately assess site characteristics, recommend and secure appropriate species, and prepare a planting plan. Proper planning is critical to ensure a successful planting project.
For a full list of Forestry programs available check out Conservation Halton’s Forestry section on the website.
For more information on these programs please call Jennifer Roberts (ext. 251) or Bill Gaines (ext. 261) at 905–336-1158.
Q: Where can I go fishing in Halton and what regulations apply?
A: Fishing Regulations can be found on the Ministry of Natural Resources website. It includes: open seasons, size limits, fishing regulations, exemptions, gear restrictions and more.
Follow the MNR fishing regulations with these exceptions in the Halton watershed:
Bronte Creek
- Year round open season for Rainbow and Brown Trout from Hwy 2 to Lake Ontario.
- Extended fall season for Rainbow and Brown trout between Hwy 5 and Rebecca St. (extended from the last Saturday in April to December 31)
- Town of Oakville from Hwy. 2 upstream to the south side of Hwy. 407 extended Fall season for Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout (4th Sat. in Apr. to Dec. 31)
- Fish Sanctuary (no fishing) January 1 to Friday before the last Saturday in April and September 30 to December 31 in City of Burlington and Flamborough Twp. From the C.P.R track in the village of Progreston downstream to Hwy. 5 including part of Limestone Creek up to Steeles Ave in the town of Milton.
Grindstone Creek
- Year round open season on Rainbow and Brown Trout from Plains Rd. to Hamilton Harbour.
- No fishing (Fish sanctuary from Waterdown Rd. downstream to Plains Rd. between September 30 and the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April.
Sixteen Mile Creek
- Year round open season for Rainbow and Brown trout from Town of Lincoln between the QEW to Lake Ontario.
Region of Halton, Hamilton and Peel
- Year round closed season upstream of the QEW for Atlantic Salmon
Burns Reservoir
- Fishing prohibited from November 30 to end of June (opening of bass season)
Mountsberg Reservoir
- Regular MNR regulated fish seasons.
Scotch Block Reservoir
- No fishing due to trespassing and flood easement issues.
Kelso
- Regular MNR regulated fish seasons.
Hilton Falls
- Regular MNR regulated fish seasons.
- No boats allowed
Campbellville Pond
- Regular MNR regulated fish seasons.
Carlisle
- Regular MNR regulated fish seasons.
Q: Do I need a fishing license when I go fishing?
A: Yes. Most Canadian residents need an Outdoors Card to fish in Ontario if they are at least 18 years old but have not reached their 65th birthday. You can request an application for an outdoors card by calling 1-800-387-7011 or you can pick up one at any Canadian Tire or Fishing supply store. Or check out the MNR Outdoors Card website.
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