Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan has announced the establishment of a toll-free number Islanders can call with wildlife concerns.
"The number was set up primarily to receive complaints from people who are experiencing problems with coyotes," the Minister said. "However, we are making the toll-free service available to Islanders who have problems with other 'nuisance' wildlife such as raccoons, skunks or foxes. And, people are free to call in with other wildlife concerns including injured wildlife."
Calls to the toll-free line will be handled the same as other calls to the Department. Employees in the Fish and Wildlife Division will provide information and advice on how best to handle a problem, and where necessary, staff will further investigate a situation.
"Staff will provide the same excellent advice and service as they have done in the past. But the toll-free line will mean that expertise is available to all Islanders at no charge," said Minister Gillan.
A database has been set up to track the volume of calls as well as the nature of the complaints. The Minister said that information will be made available to the public.
Islanders living within the Charlottetown calling area who are phoning the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment with a wildlife concern are asked to use the local number, 368-4683. Anyone calling long distance with a wildlife concern can call 1-866-368-4683.