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Marmots, skunks, rats, pigeons, many are the wild animals present in Quebec. Whether in the cities or in the countryside, many species come to find a refuge and food to live and reproduce in peace.

If they do not necessarily seek to disturb your daily life, it can happen that they approach your home too closely. In this article, discover the most disturbing species of wildlife in Quebec.

A wide variety of wildlife species

Although cities may seem hostile to wildlife, there are still a few species that infiltrate our homes.

Among the wildlife most represented in Quebec cities, we find a wide variety of species, larger or smaller, which are primarily looking for food or shelter.

If you keep in mind rats and mice, what about raccoons, skunks or foxes? Let’s look at this in more detail.

1. Marmots

In Quebec, marmots are a species of animal particularly present. You will surely come across them in public parks or gardens where they do not hesitate to enter in order to build a cozy burrow.

2. Mice and rats

True intruders, mice and rats represent a real threat to Quebec residents. Whether in cities or outside, these rodents infiltrate the smallest spaces to find shelter and food. If you see one or more of these pests in your home, don’t let it happen and take action before you have a rodent invasion in your homes.

3. Skunks

For several years, skunks have been invading cities in search of food of all kinds to satiate their hunger. They are easily recognizable thanks to their black and white fur or their very particular smell when they try to protect themselves.

A solitary animal and non-aggressive in case of threat, the skunk can react by emitting grunts and a foul-smelling spray.

This wild animal is very well adapted to urban life and is not afraid to go through your garbage or dig holes in your lawn. Being a protected species in Quebec, you cannot kill or harm it. However, if you are looking for ways to get rid of skunks, call a pest management professional.

4. Raccoons

Raccoons also come to make their homes in Quebec cities and are not shy about coming to take food from the residents.  In addition, these wild animals leave behind excrement that can deteriorate the insulation of your home while damaging its structure. If you are dealing with a raccoon, contact us now!

5. The gray fox

The fox is a carnivorous mammal represented in Canada by four species: the red fox, the arctic fox, the gray fox and the swift fox. Among these four species, the gray fox is the most present in Quebec. This animal is not endangered, but may become so in the coming years.

The gray fox is not dangerous for humans. However, it is recommended not to approach it, it remains a wild animal. If during your walks in the forest you see a grey fox injured or caught in a trap, call a wildlife protection officer as soon as possible.

Do you have a question? Take advantage of a free consultation with our experts!

6. The Coyote

The coyote is an animal that frequents almost all regions of the United States and Canada. The fur of this wild animal is mostly yellowish gray. The coyote often has a black tail tip and a white belly and throat. Often mistaken for the gray wolf, the coyote is smaller and has more pointed ears.

Coyotes are found in rural areas and near cities. They live mainly in fields, marshes and brushy areas. These animals are active year-round, from dawn to dusk. They feed primarily on small rodents, but also eat birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and dead animals.

7. The rabbit and the hare

The hare is a small mammal that is usually gray-brown in color. It is thinner than the rabbit and has longer ears. Hares like to live alone or with a female near their territory. They are most active at night and sleep during the day under stumps, bushes and logs.

Like hares, rabbits are grayish-brown mammals. Unlike their counterparts, they live in groups with other members of their species. If they feel threatened, they quickly hide in their burrows instead of using their speed to flee like hares do. The cottontail rabbit is the cousin of the snowshoe hare and can often be seen near homes and green spaces in the greater Montreal area.

8. White-tailed deer

The white-tailed deer lives mainly at the edge of forests, as well as in fields and orchards. This animal present in Quebec moves mostly at dawn and early night. During the day, they rest or lie down by chewing on leaves, grass or snow. In summer, white-tailed deer feed on leaves, fruit and mushrooms. That’s why some Quebecers may see them on their property!

9. Starlings

Starlings are birds that can become particularly harmful. Although birds of prey such as hawks and falcons hunt starlings, they reproduce so quickly that raptors cannot reduce their population. In North America, there are approximately 200 million starlings.

These wild animals are opportunistic, and when they arrive in groups at farmers’ homes, they can plunder vegetable crops and orchards in no time. They then leave their droppings, often infected with viruses, and contaminate the feed of farm animals, which become ill.

10. Bats

Having bats around doesn’t seem like a bad thing since they are usually very quiet. In fact, if there’s one animal that doesn’t want to hurt you, it’s the bat.

However, bat guano carries diseases and can damage your home. These animals may choose to hibernate in your garage or attic. This means they will stay in your home for a long time. Humans don’t always notice the damage that bats can cause, such as surface corrosion and hard-to-remove stains, not to mention the bad smell that will be felt in your home.

What should you do about wildlife in Quebec?

Some wild animals enjoy many advantages of living in our Quebec cities rather than returning to their natural environment. In the event that you find yourself in the presence of a wild animal and it seems to want to approach you, we advise you to walk away and not take any chances.

If you are faced with an infestation problem, do not hesitate to contact a team of specialists to get rid of it. Our exterminators in Montreal will be pleased to help you

Pascal Rock
Pascal Rock  
Director, Elite Pest Control
Founder and mainstay of Elite Pest Control, Pascal Rock has embodied expertise and dedication for over a decade. His training, acquired with expert mentors in extermination and pest decontamination, has shaped an outstanding professional. Under his leadership, a team of six seasoned technicians deploys the very best pest control strategies. Together, they ensure the peace of mind and safety of residents and professionals from Montreal to Quebec City, by offering fast, effective interventions, available at all times.