How Canada’s 2026 Wildfires Are Affecting Wildlife Activity in Communities
Wildfires can force animals to leave damaged habitats and search for food, water, and shelter elsewhere. For communities near forests and recently affected areas, that can mean more wildlife appearing around homes, businesses, and other buildings.
Here’s how Canada’s 2026 wildfires are affecting wildlife activity in communities, and how the experts at Rentokil Terminix can help protect properties for home and business owners across the affected areas.
The 2026 Wildfire Season and Canadian Wildlife
Canada’s 2026 wildfire season has affected forests across several provinces and territories. As of this article’s publication, more than 3.7 million hectares have burned, with hundreds of fires still active across the country. Wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems and can support forest renewal. Large or severe fires, however, can quickly remove nesting areas, dens, food sources, water access, and protective cover. Animals that escape the immediate fire may move into neighbouring forests or travel closer to developed areas in search of suitable habitat. Homes and businesses near forests, parks, ravines, conservation areas, and recently burned regions may notice changes in wildlife activity as a result.How Wildfires Disrupt Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife reacts to forest fires in different ways. Birds and larger mammals may be able to move away from approaching flames. Some smaller animals shelter underground, beneath logs, or in protected spaces until the immediate danger passes. Escaping the fire does not always solve the problem. Animals may return to find that the area no longer provides what they need. A wildfire can affect:- Nests, dens, burrows, roosts, and tree cavities
- Vegetation used for food and shelter
- Access to streams, ponds, and other water sources
- Normal feeding and travel routes
- Protection from predators
- Nearby territory that has not already been claimed by other animals
Wild Animals May Be Forced Into Communities
Most displaced wild animals are not looking for contact with people. They are searching for basic resources. Developed properties can provide those resources through:- Unsecured garbage and compost
- Bird feeders and spilled seed
- Outdoor pet food
- Gardens and fallen fruit
- Swimming pools, ponds, and other water sources
- Attics, sheds, garages, and crawl spaces
- Protected areas beneath decks and porches
Wildlife Activity To Watch For After a Wildfire
The animals appearing near a property will depend on the region, surrounding habitat, and distance from the affected area. Several adaptable species may move closer to homes and businesses when their normal food or shelter is disrupted.Bats
Bats may lose tree roosts and feeding areas after a wildfire. They may begin using attics, roof gaps, chimneys, or wall cavities for shelter. Watch for droppings beneath openings, scratching around dusk, or bats repeatedly leaving the same part of a building. Never handle a bat with bare hands. Rentokil Terminix’s bat removal experts are trained to safely remove them, so leave it to the professionals.Birds
Birds can usually escape an approaching fire, but they may lose nests, feeding areas, and resting sites. Some may begin nesting around vents, chimneys, signs, warehouses, or rooflines. Bird pest control professionals look for nesting material, repeated activity near openings, or droppings on ledges and equipment. Active nests may be protected and should not be removed without checking local requirements.
Opossums
Opossums may move into developed areas when nearby shelter is disturbed. They often use spaces beneath decks and porches, as well as sheds, woodpiles, and brush.
A single nighttime sighting may mean the animal is passing through. Repeated activity, droppings, or disturbed garbage is likely a sign that professional opossum removal should be considered.
Raccoons
Raccoons may travel farther in search of food, water, and denning sites. Garbage, compost, pet food, attics, chimneys, and sheds can all attract them.
Scattered garbage, roof damage, droppings, or attic noise may indicate activity. Rentokil Terminix technicians can inspect the property and provide humane raccoon removal while helping prevent future entry.
Skunks
Skunks often shelter beneath decks, porches, sheds, and additions. They may also be drawn to garbage, pet food, and grubs.
A recurring odour, lawn damage, or movement beneath a structure may point to activity. Professional skunk removal can address the animal safely and identify conditions attracting it.
Mice, Rats, and Squirrels
Rodents may move toward buildings when fire removes food and shelter. Mice and rats often use foundation gaps, while squirrels enter through roofs, soffits, and vents.
Droppings, gnaw marks, scratching sounds, and nesting material are common signs. Rentokil Terminix provides professional rodent control and can recommend steps to reduce future entry.
How Long Can Wildfire-Related Wildlife Movement Last?
Wildlife movement and activity in our communities may continue even after the fire is controlled.
During and Immediately After the Fire
Animals may travel quickly away from flames, heat, and smoke. Wildlife may appear in unfamiliar areas or be active at unusual times.
Some animals will continue moving rather than settle in the first place they reach.
Over the Following Weeks and Months
Food and shelter shortages may continue long after the immediate danger passes. Animals that find reliable resources around a property may begin returning regularly.
This is when a temporary sighting can develop into nesting, denning, or entry into a building.
During Long-Term Habitat Recovery
Forests recover gradually. New plants can eventually provide food and cover for some species, while animals that depend on mature trees or established forest structure may take longer to return.
Wildlife patterns can continue changing for several seasons, particularly where severe fires have affected large connected areas.
How To Make Your Property Less Attractive to Wildlife
The most effective approach to wildlife-proof your home or business is to remove access to food and shelter before an animal becomes established.
- Secure garbage and compost. Use containers with tight-fitting lids and store them inside a secured area when possible.
- Remove outdoor food. Bring pet food indoors, clean beneath bird feeders, and collect fallen fruit.
- Inspect the building exterior. Look for gaps around foundations, roofs, soffits, vents, chimneys, doors, pipes, and utility connections.
- Check ground-level shelter. Inspect beneath decks, porches, sheds, stairs, and additions.
- Reduce roof access. Trim branches that touch or overhang the building.
- Clear unnecessary debris. Remove unused materials, dense brush, and clutter that can provide cover.
- Maintain sheds and garages. Repair damaged doors, screens, siding, and vents.
- Inspect less-used properties. Check cottages, vacant units, warehouses, barns, and seasonal buildings for signs of entry.
It’s important to never seal an opening until you know that no animal or dependent young remain inside. Trapping wildlife within a structure can create additional damage and welfare concerns.
When To Contact Rentokil Terminix for Professional Wildlife Control
With licensed technicians, local service teams, and more than 90 years of experience, Rentokil Terminix provides practical wildlife control, removal and exclusion for homes and businesses across the country.
Professional support may be needed when wildlife enters a building, repeatedly returns, causes damage, or nests beneath a structure.
A Rentokil Terminix technician can:
- Identify the animal and signs of activity
- Locate entry points and nesting areas
- Recommend safe removal or exclusion
- Help reduce food, water, and shelter sources
- Suggest steps to prevent future activity
Stay Alert to Changes Around Your Property and Contact the Experts
A single sighting may mean an animal is passing through. Repeated noises, droppings, odours, property damage, or nesting activity may indicate a larger issue.
Remove attractants and address accessible openings early. Contact Rentokil Terminix to schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate.
FAQs
Which animals move into communities after a wildfire?
Bats, birds, raccoons, skunks, opossums, rodents, and other wildlife may move into unfamiliar areas. The species involved will depend on the region and surrounding habitat.
Can wildfires cause wildlife to enter homes?
Habitat loss can push animals toward attics, chimneys, crawl spaces, sheds, and areas beneath decks. Properties with accessible openings face a greater risk.
What should I do if I find a bat inside?
Keep people and pets away and never touch it with bare hands. Contact public health authorities if contact with a person or pet may have occurred.
Should I feed displaced wildlife?
No. Feeding can encourage animals to remain near the property and return regularly. Secure garbage, pet food, and other attractants instead.
Can I seal a wildlife entry point myself?
Only after confirming that no animal or young remain inside. Sealing the wrong opening may trap wildlife within the structure.
What should I do if a raccoon or skunk is under my deck?
Keep people and pets away and do not block the opening. A wildlife control professional can check for young and recommend safe removal.
Are bird nests protected in Canada?
Many native birds, active nests, and eggs are protected. Check the applicable federal and provincial requirements before disturbing a nest.
How can I tell whether wildlife is only passing through?
A single sighting may be temporary. Repeated noises, droppings, digging, odours, nesting material, or damage suggest the animal may be staying nearby.