OPP ‘inundated’ with phone calls about raccoons, skunks and bats

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Norfolk County is reminding residents not to call 911 to complain about animals on residential properties.

OPP says officers have been inundated with phone calls from homeowners who spotted raccoons during the daytime hours.

“The OPP does not have the equipment to trap and house live animals or transport wild animals. Calling the police to deal with a nuisance animal, ties up the phone lines at the communications center and ties up law enforcement officers when they could be focusing on other issues in the community,” said Inspector Joseph Varga, Detachment Commander, Norfolk County OPP in a news release.

Police say anyone who has issues with raccoons, skunks, or bats on their property should call a private animal removal service.