Gates Wildlife Control

05/29/2026

Waiting for mom!

Our release box keeps the babies safe and contained, allowing their mother to easily retrieve them once she exits the attic around dusk. Without their mother’s guidance, the babies would not know where to go and could become separated or vulnerable.

05/27/2026

Plastic roof vents are no match for squirrel and raccoon teeth!

One of the most common ways wildlife gets into your attic is through plastic roof vents. Squirrels can chew straight through them, and raccoons can easily rip or pry them open to gain access to the warm, sheltered space inside your home.

But what are roof vents for?

Roof vents play an important role in your home’s ventilation system. They allow hot, humid air to escape from the attic, especially during the summer months. Without proper ventilation, attics can trap excessive heat and moisture, which can lead to mold growth, damaged insulation, higher energy bills, and even roof deterioration over time.

It’s not just older homes that have plastic vents, most roofers install them because they’re cheaper. And while metal vents are much stronger, even some metal vents can be no match for determined wildlife.

Installing galvanized screen on top of your vents is one of the best ways to protect your home from unwanted attic visitors while still keeping your attic properly ventilated.

If you hear scratching in the attic or notice damaged vents on your roof, it’s important to address it quickly before animals cause even more damage!

05/22/2026

Three baby raccoons were found tucked away in an attic… but something didn’t add up. One of these babies is a completely different age than the others (at least 2–3 weeks older!)

In 42 years of wildlife rescue, Brad says he’s never seen this before. Watch to hear Brad’s theory on how this unusual little family ended up together!

05/21/2026

Brad and Cassandra had the incredible opportunity to communicate with this little baby raccoon

Did you know raccoons have their own special way of talking to each other? Mama raccoons will often make soft whistles, chirps, and trills to call their babies back to her. These sounds help guide the babies and reassure them that mom is nearby and it’s safe to come closer.

The babies answer back with tiny cries, chirps, and squeaks of their own, almost like saying, “I’m over here!” This back-and-forth communication helps raccoon families stay connected, especially when exploring, hiding, or moving through the neighborhood together.

Hearing this little one call out and respond was such a beautiful reminder that animals communicate with love, comfort, and connection just like we do.

05/21/2026

A polite warning before disaster!

A raised tail is one of the clearest and most undeniable warning signs in the animal world. Before a skunk ever sprays it will usually do everything possible to warn a potential threat to back away. Stomping its feet, turning its body and especially lifting its tail high are all part of that message.

Watch as this skunk displays the warning perfectly. This is not aggression for the sake of aggression. It is communication. A skunk would much rather avoid conflict than waste its valuable defense mechanism.

Wildlife are constantly communicating through body language and behaviour. The more we learn to recognize and respect those signals the more peacefully we can coexist with our wild neighbours.

05/20/2026

Class is in Session! This mother raccoon has been living at the bottom of a chimney with her babies, but because we can’t access the babies from below, we’ve been monitoring the family with our Reolink camera.

Last night, we captured something fascinating: mom carefully bringing her babies all the way to the top of the chimney!

Why? We’re curious too. Our best guess is that she may be teaching them how to climb and introducing them to the outside world, getting them ready for the day they eventually leave the den.

The babies are still far too small to climb the chimney on their own, so this definitely seems more like a training exercise than an escape attempt. Nature never stops amazing us.

05/19/2026

05/19/2026

Baby raccoons are starting to peek outside their dens this time of year!

At just 5-6 weeks old, these curious babies are beginning to explore the world under the watchful eye of their mother. While they may wander with her short distances, they are not yet fully independent or traveling far to forage with her. Mom raccoon stays close, teaching them essential survival skills like climbing, identifying food sources, and staying safe from danger.

It’s common to see young raccoons tumbling, playing, and practicing their coordination as they learn about their environment. If you spot a baby raccoon nearby, the best thing you can do is observe from a distance and give the family space to continue these important learning stages naturally.

📹:

05/18/2026

Tiny paws, curious eyes, and a little masked face full of mischief 🦝

Baby raccoons are incredibly intelligent and playful animals, staying close to their mothers while they learn how to climb, forage, and explore the world around them. This little baby looks ready for his next adventure.

05/15/2026

Cassandra shows us three baby raccoons safely removed from inside a bedroom wall during a humane wildlife removal 🦝

These little ones are only 21 days old and completely dependent on their mother at this stage. Watch to learn some incredible facts about baby raccoons, how mothers choose den sites inside homes, and the humane reunion process we use to safely keep wildlife families together.

At Gates Wildlife Control, our goal is always:

✔️ Humane removal
✔️ Safe reunions with mom
✔️ Permanent solutions for homeowners