Erie Wildlife Rescue

06/18/2026

Thank you to our supporters over at Feral Squares for their recent donation of paper products, and for some duck food too. Keep up the great work with the animal rescues in Windsor ON.

06/17/2026

We know many people will argue with us. This is fact.‼️ The idea that our common Ontario snapping turtle can bite off a finger and break broom handles stems from myth and information associated with a different snapping turtle species.

Should you present your finger to a snapping turtle? NEVER ❌ We are not saying you won't get bit and it won't hurt or do damage. We are just trying to extinguish unfounded fear about the severity of the damage that will be done.

Perpetuating the myth that common Ontario snapping turtles can bite off fingers means people are less willing to help these at risk species. 🐢‼️ Instead what we need to do is share the knowledge for how to STAY SAFE and help these species.

➡️ Moving Ontario snapping turtles

1️⃣Drag Method
🐢Get an item such as a shovel, car mat, or towel / blanket
🐢Grab the turtle from the back shell above the tail
🐢Gently pull the turtle onto your item and drag them across the road

2️⃣Pizza Hold Method
🐢With your non-dominant hand, firmly grasp the back of the shell between the tail and hind leg
🐢Slide your dominant hand under the turtle, so that your palm is against the underside of the turtle
🐢Anchor your elbows to your waist and gently lift the turtle

➡️Important Considerations
🐢Snapping turtles have long necks so be sure to grip them from the back half of their shells. We recommend above their hind legs or tail.
🐢Wear utility gloves to protect your hands from scratches.
🐢When you first lift a snapping turtle, it will most likely snap. When it does, it will give a strong jerk. Be prepared for this so you do not drop the turtle.

‼️Be sure to NEVER hold a turtle by their tail!!!

06/16/2026

Coming soon.....

06/16/2026

Thank you to Curtis and Brenda D. for their generous monetary donation, and for the facial tissue and paper towel which was dropped off today. Your support is greatly appreciated.

06/11/2026

Little bottoms like these nestling Grackles use lots of paper products. EWR could use some paper towel and facial tissue. Dropoff at the centre between 10am and 3pm daily, 7 days a week. Thank you.

06/10/2026

Some good ideas here....

Summer is here, and with that of course comes increased use of outdoor pools. These can be a serious hazard for wildlife.

Many animals see our pools as a cool place to get a drink or bathe during these hot summer days, but whether they enter intentionally or fall in, many cannot make it out.

Consider purchasing or making a life saving ramp or flotation device for wildlife.

For small kiddie pools, this could be as simple as adding a rock or kick board to the pool. Leaving a small water dish at the side of the pool can also be effective.

Let's make this summer safe and enjoyable for everyone - including our wild neighbors!

If you find stranded and distressed wildlife in your pool, get them out quickly, dry them if possible and get them into a box or carrier. Keep them in a warm, quiet place and use Animal Help Now's website or phone app to contact a rehabilitator.

These animals will most likely be suffering from aspiration pneumonia and will be extremely stressed. Please do not attempt to feed, and definitely do not give water.

You'll find additional guidance here: https://ahnow.org/resources.php

06/10/2026

Our local Ontario turtles are semi-aquatic freshwater turtles that spend more time on land than you think.

If you ever come across a turtle on land there is NOTHING you need to do.

If you have time you can watch the turtle and help them if they enter a dangerous situation (eg help them cross roads in the direction they were going).

Don’t move them to water and don’t ever remove a turtle from their habitat.

Thanks for being turtle warriors.

06/09/2026

Respect Boundaries: Keeping Wildlife Families, People & Dogs Safe

Spring and summer are important seasons for wildlife families raising their young. Coyote parents can become more protective around pups, especially if people or dogs get too close. Respecting boundaries helps prevent unnecessary conflict and keeps everyone safer — including pets, children, and wildlife.

Teaching children how to behave calmly and respectfully around coyotes, keeping dogs leashed, and giving wildlife families plenty of space are all simple but important ways we can support peaceful coexistence in shared environments.

6 Key Reasons to Keep Strong Boundaries with Wildlife Families

✅️ Protect young wildlife and their parents

Wild parents, including coyotes, become more protective when raising pups. Giving them space helps prevent defensive behaviour and keeps families safe.

✅️ Keep dogs safe

Off-leash or roaming dogs can unintentionally stress or provoke wildlife. Keeping dogs leashed reduces the risk of conflict or injury.

✅️ Teach children respect for wildlife

Children should learn to observe wildlife from a distance, stay calm, never approach pups, and avoid feeding or chasing animals.

✅️ Prevent wildlife from becoming conditioned to people feeding them

When wildlife becomes too comfortable around humans, it can lead to unsafe encounters for both animals and communities.

✅️ Support peaceful coexistence

Respecting boundaries helps wildlife continue natural behaviours while reducing unnecessary reactions, stress, and conflict in shared spaces.

✅️ Protect community safety

Clear boundaries such as leashing dogs, supervising children, and keeping distance from dens or pups help create safer neighbourhoods for everyone.

Respect boundaries. Keep dogs leashed. Teach children wildlife awareness. Coexist responsibly.

📷 Juha | Coyote Watch Canada, long lens/cropped