Wildlife & Invasive Species

• Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

  It is common for wild animals to leave their young alone. If the animal is in a safe location, it is best to leave it alone. Trying to help a potentially orphaned animal can sometimes do more harm than good. Adult animals may not return if there is too much noise or if people or predators are nearby.

  If you see an injured or orphaned wild animal and believe help is needed, please contact one of the following resources:

  • Ontario Wildlife Rescue: (416) 436-9892
  • Ministry of Natural Resources Authorized Wildlife Rehabilitators List 
• Dead or Potentially Rabid Wildlife

  Do not approach or touch dead or rabid wildlife. Improper handling of sick wildlife can increase the risk of disease for people and pets. Keep pets and children away from the animal and contact the appropriate agency below:

  • Rabies Hotline – Ministry of Northern Development Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNDMNRF): 1-888-574-6656
  • If the animal is aggressive or dangerous, call the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at (705) 445-4321.

  For additional information on diseased wildlife and safety, please visit the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) website.

• Other Dead Animals (e.g., birds or bats)

  Dead animals can be reported to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) for advice on handling or to be submitted for research purposes.

  • Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative University of Guelph Regional Centre: 1-866-673-4781
• Pests on Private Property

  The Town does not provide pest or wildlife control services. Pest removal on private property is the responsibility of the property owner.

  The following are some private services for pest removal that service the Town area:

  • Ryan Ferris Rascal Removal: (519) 375-1450
  • Critter Cop: (705) 445-9444
  • OneTek Pest Solutions: (905) 530-2327

• Wild Chervil

  Wild Chervil is a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial from the carrot/parsley family, introduced to North America from Europe. It is commonly found along roadsides, cultivated field edges and pastures, and is abundant in various locations through The Blue Mountains and Grey County. Wild Chervil can quickly take over an area, displacing native species and forming dense stands that are difficult to control. 

  How to identify Wild Chervil

  • Wild Chervil is a biennial or short-lived perennial producing numerous compound Umbel Shaped clusters of white flowers.
  • Flowers bloom usually from May to June. Seeds appear late June through July.
  • Plant has alternately arranged, compound, fern-like leaves.
  • Stems are entirely green, ridged, and hollow. Portions of the stem are smooth while lower portions are hairy.
  • Plants are upright and can grow to 1-1.5m in height.
  • Chervil resembles other plants in the carrot/parsley family, such as Wild Carrot (Queen Anne’s Lace).
  • Wild Chervil can be easily recognized because it is the first species in the carrot/parsley family to flower in late spring.

  View Wild Chervil Fact Sheet

  What to do if you think you've seen Wild Chervil

  If you suspect or identify Wild Chervil growing on your property, please contact By-Law Services. If you suspect or identify Wild Chervil growing within the Town's Road Allowance, please contact the Operations Department.

• Poison Ivy

  Poison Ivy is a harmful weed that can be distinguished by its low growth and its cluster of three leaves. The plant can most commonly be found along the edges of trails and woodland, meadows, fence lines or roadsides.

  Human Health Risks

  Its roots contain a poisonous substance and can cause irritation, inflammation and blisters when it comes into contact with the skin.

• Giant Hogweed

  Giant Hogweed is a perennial plant native to southwest Asia and a member of the carrot family. The plant has the potential to spread readily and grows along roadsides, ditches and streams. It invades old fields and native habitats such as open woodlands. 

  Human Health Risks

  The clear watery sap of giant hogweed contains toxins that can cause severe inflammation of the skin. You can get severe burns if you get the sap on your skin and following exposure to sunlight. Symptoms occur within 48 hours and consist of painful blisters. For more information on Giant Hogweed, please visit Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program website. 

• Wild Parsnip

  Wild Parsnip, which is also known as poison parsnip, is a member of the carrot/parsley family and is an invasive plant native to Europe and Asia. It typically grows a low, spindly rosette of leaves in the first year while the root develops. In the second year it flowers on a tall stalk and then dies. The plant can form dense stands and spreads quickly in areas such as open fields, meadows and roadsides. The plant produces sap containing chemicals that can cause human skin to react to sunlight, resulting in intense burns, rashes or blisters.

  How to identify Wild Parsnip

  • Grows up to 1.5 metres tall.
  • The single green stem is two to five centimetres thick and smooth with few hairs.
  • Compound leaves are arranged in pairs, with sharply toothed leaflets that are shaped like a mitten.
  • Yellowish green flowers form umbrella-shaped clusters 10 to 20 centimetres across.
  • Seeds are flat and round.

  For more information on Wild Parsnip, please visit Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program website. 

• Other Noxious Weeds

  For a comprehensive list of noxious weeds found within The Blue Mountains, please click here. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an invasive species? And how can I identify them?

  As explained under the Ontario Invasive Species Act, 2015, an invasive species is a species that is not native to Ontario, or to a part of Ontario, and is harming the natural environment or is likely to harm the natural environment, regardless of whether it is present in Ontario or in a part of Ontario.

  For more information on dealing with, and identifying invasive species, please visit Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program website.