What to Do If You Find a Wild Animal Stuck on Your Property

If you’ve lived in Western Canada long enough, odds are you’ve had a run in with a wild animal in your yard. Suburban yards, especially those near parks, forests, or ravines, are natural corridors for wildlife. And while most animals pass through without trouble, sometimes things go sideways.

Photo credits to unsplash.com

When a wild animal gets stuck, panicked, or injured on your property, your next move matters. If you act impulsively, you risk harming yourself or the animal. If you ignore it, you might end up with property damage.

Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) do to safely, legally, and humanely handle the situation.

1. Stay Calm and Observe From a Distance

The most important thing you can do right away is… pause. Don’t touch. Don’t scream. Don’t try to “shoo” it away.

Even docile-looking animals can become aggressive when scared or in pain. A raccoon may bare its teeth. A skunk could spray. And a frightened bird can injure itself trying to escape.

Stay quiet and observe from a safe distance. Keep kids and pets inside. Then assess:

• Is the animal visibly injured? (bleeding, limping, dragging a limb)
• Is it stuck or just resting? Many nocturnal animals, like skunks or raccoons, hide during daylight hours.
• Is it acting strangely? Confusion, excessive drooling, or disorientation could indicate illness, including rabies.

2. Call the Right People

Once you’ve assessed the situation, it’s time to get help. Who you call depends on what you’re dealing with.

• Local wildlife rescue or rehabilitation centres: If the animal is clearly injured, orphaned, or a protected species (like certain birds or bats), these are your best bet. It’s always recommended to never handle a bat on your own. Most cities and provinces have dedicated services like the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, WILDNorth (Edmonton region), and Wildlife Rescue Association of BC. 
• Municipal animal control: If the animal poses a risk to people or pets (especially larger mammals or aggressive behaviour), this is the emergency line. There is Calgary Animal Services, Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre, and Alberta Animal Services. 
• Buzz Boss Humane Wildlife Removal: If the animal is healthy but stuck or somewhere it shouldn’t be (like a skunk in your window well or a squirrel in your attic), we’re your go-to. Our team removes wildlife without harm, stress, or drama. We use humane, stress-free methods and enforce ethical wildlife practices.

Important note: In many Canadian provinces, it’s illegal to trap, relocate, or harm wildlife without proper permits. Don’t try to DIY this! What seems “helpful” could be dangerous or unlawful.

Know the Law: Do’s and Don’ts of Dealing with Wildlife

When you see an animal in distress, the instinct to help is natural. But good intentions can still break the law.

Across Western Canada, many wildlife species are protected under provincial or federal legislation (like the Species at Risk Act). That includes certain birds, bats, snakes, and some mammals. Mishandling these animals, even with the intent to relocate or “rescue,” can result in fines or legal trouble.

Here’s what NOT to do:

• Don’t relocate wildlife on your own. You may separate a mother from her young or move the animal into unfamiliar, hostile territory.
• Don’t use poisons or homemade traps. These are often inhumane, illegal, and dangerous to pets and kids.
• Don’t ignore repeat intrusions. If one skunk found its way in, others may follow unless you address the cause.

You Don’t Have to Deal With This Alone

Finding a wild animal trapped in your yard can be scary, confusing, and emotional. Most homeowners aren’t sure what to do, and that’s okay.

At Buzz Boss, we specialize in humane wildlife trapping and removal for situations just like this. Whether it’s a skunk in your garden, a raccoon in your attic, or a squirrel chewing through vents, we’ll handle it professionally, legally, and compassionately. 

Reach out for an estimate and let’s keep your yard safe for you—and for them.

Our services are available across Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.