Windsor-Essex and Sarnia-Lambton are bracing themselves as extreme cold air settles across the regions, bringing frostbite dangers for both local wildlife and residents. Environment Canada has issued severity warnings about dangerously low temperatures, with wind chill values dropping to as low as -30°C, affecting animals and humans alike.
Local wildlife specialists at the Wings Rehab Centre, situated in Amherstburg, are witnessing firsthand the winter toll on marsupials, particularly opossums. On Tuesday, they reported caring for eight opossums suffering from various stages of frostbite. Wildlife coordinator Jennifer Dalley explained, "Opossums aren’t meant to be here. They came from states much warmer than ours. They don’t have the hair on their toes, tails, or ears, which makes them susceptible to cold damage." Some animals show only minor injuries, whereas others have more severe frostbite conditions. The rehab center is monitoring their recovery, with some opossums facing potential difficulty returning to their natural habitats if they suffer significant tail loss.
Dalley elaborated on identifying frostbite, stating, "What you look for is reddening of the skin, pale color, blue color, crusty ears, and crystals on their nose. Animals will often become more vulnerable during this time of year when they are pushed out of warmer areas. If residents find wildlife suffering, they should safely contain the animal and contact the wildlife hotline for care." Specific first-responder measures include enclosing the animal with warm towels and heating pads, avoiding offering food or water, and monitoring for signs of serious skin damage.
The extreme cold doesn’t only affect wildlife; it’s also putting pets at risk. Lynette Bain, executive director of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, said: "If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. Frostbite can happen especially when we see temperatures between -15°C and -20°C." Bain's warning also extends to dog owners who need to keep their pets indoors longer. Signs of frostbite include grayish skin and swelling, which can lead local pet owners to seek veterinary care for their animals.
According to Bain, pet enrichment activities indoors are encouraged when frigid temperatures thwart outdoor activities. She suggests alternatives like indoor playtime or engaging puzzles for dogs to keep their spirits high.
Highlighting the broader complications brought on by the cold, Bryan Hazzard, owner of Absolute Comfort, noted the operational strain on home heating systems, explaining, "Furnaces are sized for expected temperatures, not extreme lows. Your furnace will run longer and with more frequency under these conditions." He encourages homeowners to avoid programming thermostats but instead to set them to maintain comfortable temperatures consistently. Customers should also keep furnace filters clean to prevent mechanical failure, as the cumulative stress from excessive use could lead to breakdowns.
Environment Canada forecasts continued dangerously low temperatures for Windsor-Essex and Sarnia-Lambton, with daytime highs around -11°C and severe wind chill lowering perceptions to around -30°C. The regional cold weather alerts ask residents to dress warmly and limit outdoor activities to prevent frostbite, as exposed skin can begin to sustain damage within minutes.
Windsor and surrounding areas are grappling with the intense cold as it affects both wildlife and the everyday lives of residents. With the community facing heightened challenges during this bitter weather, it's clear the impact extends beyond the snowfall. Residents are reminded to stay warm and look after their furry friends, ensuring everyone is safe during this harsh winter spell.
Preparedness and awareness are key. Whether caring for injured wildlife or keeping domestic animals comfortable indoors, the community continues to rally together to face the challenges winter brings.