Raccoon Takes Us Into The Eglinton Crosstown LRT Tunnel! Raccoon Trap Set in Toronto

Our job takes us to some pretty interesting places due to the curiosity and adventurousness of raccoons. The latest location we were called out to was a Crosslinx tunnel that is under-construction. The workers could not continue with their work until the raccoon was removed because he was up amongst the rebar where the cement had to be filled in (Upper Right Corner of the Arc).

Crosslinx Transit Solutions (CTS) is currently building the largest transit expansion in Canada. CTS is a design and construction association established to deliver and maintain the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. The Eglinton Crosstown will change how you get around Toronto with over 19km of new light rail (10 underground) that starts in the West end and travels right through the city to the East end. The main goal is to provide shorter commutes, reliable and convenient transit, and cleaner air.

Gates Wildlife Technician Blake responded to the call and was lifted up to where the raccoon was, with the use of the worker’s boom. Once he got closer to the raccoon he quickly realized that much of the rebar protruded too far from the concrete, prohibiting Blake from reaching the raccoon with his catch pole. To avoid Blake, the raccoon quickly began to travel across a single strand of rebar. While on the boom, Blake was concerned that he might startle the raccoon causing him to loose his grip and fall.

Blake decided to resort to the safest option for the raccoon, which was to set a trap in the tunnel at ground level. Whenever we set a trap, we require the occupants (in this case the workers) to check on the trap at least twice a day to see if the raccoon was caught. As soon as the raccoon is in the trap, they will call us and we will return to release the raccoon within 1km away from the tunnel.

We have been called out to Crosslinx to remove raccoons on a few occasions. It is likely the raccoons are venturing into the tunnel for shelter and food left by the construction crew.

By Brad Gates, B.Sc.

Brad Gates is the owner and president of AAA Gates Wildlife Control. He has over 35 years experience in the humane wildlife removal and prevention industry.