Wildlife

The Township is full of a variety of wildlife, and it's important to observe all wildlife from safe distances. If you have questions or complaints regarding wildlife, please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Don't feed Wildlife! 

The the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry recommends not to feed wild animals, including birds. Animals can become dependent on artificial food sources that are not healthy for wildlife. Feeding wildlife can attract 'unwanted' animals to your property and become a nuisance to your home and neighbours. Learn more about feeding wildlife's dos and don'ts on the Ministry's website. 

In Ramara, feeding wildlife is prohibited under the Feeding of Wildlife Bylaw. 

Prohibitions of Feeding

• No Person shall feed or permit or cause the feeding of wildlife;
• No person shall throw or place, or permit to be thrown or placed any type of feed in a yard for the purposes of feeding birds or wildlife.
• Property owners have a duty to remove food placed on the owner's property.
• Person shall maintain the ground underneath the bird feeder by regularly removing and disposing of the bird food/birdseeds. 

Exemptions

• Persons who are legal owners of wildlife and the wildlife is kept under a valid certificate or permit.
• Bird feeders that are suspended of the ground and dispense commercially available food such as seeds and nectars for song birds. 
• Persons who are baiting for a lawful hunt.

Wildlife in Distress

Shades of Hope is a registered charity based in Georgina, Ontario, Canada. Licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Fisheries as well as Canadian Wildlife Services, Shades of Hope serves the Greater Toronto Area and various municipalities throughout the South Central Ontario Corridor. Their mission is to nurture, treat, and rehabilitate injured and orphaned native wildlife, aiming to release healthy animals back into their natural habitats.

If you find wildlife in distress, please reach out to this organization who can treat and rehabilitate the animals back to health.

Learn more

Bears Wise Program 

Not every bear sighting is an emergency situation. Here is who to call if you encounter a bear.

Non-emergency encounters

Call the Bear Wise reporting line if a bear:

• Roams around or checks garbage cans
• Breaks into a shed where garbage or food is stored
• Is in a tree
• Pulls down a bird feeder or knocks over a barbeque
• Moves through a backyard or field but does not linger

This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from April 1 to November 30.

Emergency situation

Call 9-1-1 if a bear is creating immediate danger to personal safety and displaying threatening or aggressive behaviour such as:

• Stalks people and lingers at the site
• Enters or tries to enter a house or cottage
• Kills livestock or pets and lingers at the site

For more information on bears and the Bear Wise Program, visit the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) Bear Wise Website.

Reporting an Issue

It is always best if neighbours, residents and visitors can respectfully resolve their issues without the need for Bylaw Enforcement. If possible, discuss the problem with your neighbour. Remember to focus on the issue, listen to their concerns, and look for mutually beneficial solutions.

Submit your complaint

To file a formal complaint with the By-Law Enforcement Officer, please use one of the following methods.