(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Norfolk County detachments primary focus is public safety and we want to reinforce to the public the importance of the proper use of the 9-1-1 system. Calling 9-1-1 for a raccoon complaint is NOT an emergency.
On Saturday, December 12, 2019, at approximately 8:26 a.m., an emergency 9-1-1 was received after a raccoon was observed walking around a home located in the Woodhouse area. Police are continuing to being inundated with calls for service after people are spotting raccoons during the day. There is no need to contact 9-1-1. Homeowners who have issues with Racoons on their property need to call a private animal removal service.
It’s a common myth that a raccoon walking around during the day is sick or has rabies. It’s true that raccoons are mostly nocturnal, but they can be active during the day for many different reasons. Raccoons will come out during the day if there is a food source available at a particular time, if they have been frightened out of their daytime sleeping spot, or if there is high competition in the area at night from other nocturnal animals.
“The OPP does not have the equipment to trap and house live animals or transport wild animals. Calling 9-1-1 for raccoons, tie up the phone lines at the communications center, waste taxpayer money and tie up law enforcement officers. A private animal removal service should be contacted instead of calling 9-1-1.” – Constable Ed Sanchuk, Norfolk County OPP.