Where Compassion Meets Conservation
Inside the World of Jessica Burns & JB Wildlife Management Services
In communities across New Brunswick, there are people quietly making a difference every single day — not for recognition, but because they genuinely care about the world around them. One of those people is Jessica Burns, owner of JB Wild Services, whose work blends wildlife education, humane animal control, environmental stewardship, and community care into a mission-driven business rooted in compassion. For Jessica, the work is not simply about wildlife removal or rescue calls. It is about coexistence. It is about understanding the ripple effect our actions have on the environment, the animals around us, and ultimately each other.
And before she is a business owner, Jessica is something else first. “Primarily, first and foremost, I am a mother.” That grounding influence is at the heart of everything she does. Jessica shared that her daughter — now a teenager with a passion for storytelling and writing — has been one of the driving inspirations behind building JB Wildlife Management Services into what it is today. “She’s the reason I started it. I wanted to build something after losing all my savings. I wanted to build something that I can give to her.”
A Childhood Rooted in Nature
Growing up in Riverview, Jessica spent much of her childhood outdoors exploring the undeveloped woods behind her home alongside her brothers and friends. The area became known simply as “the back dirt.”
It was there that her connection to wildlife truly began.
From catching frogs and turtles to observing snakes and reptiles, the outdoors became both playground and classroom. Her mother’s compassion for animals also played a major role, often helping rescue reptiles and injured wildlife.
Those early experiences planted the foundation for what would later become a professional calling.
Jessica eventually returned to school during the pandemic period to formally study wildlife management and forest conservation — education that ultimately led to the creation of JB Wild Services.
Building a Different Kind of Wildlife Management Service
While many wildlife-related companies focus strictly on extermination, Jessica saw a gap in humane and educational wildlife solutions within the community. Her business originally began by helping homeowners struggling with rodent issues — particularly rats and mice — but quickly evolved into something much larger.
“A lot of animal lovers don’t necessarily want somebody coming in and killing the animals. I wanted to make sure the community had access to a professional who could help them with that.” That philosophy has become one of the defining characteristics of JB Wildlife Management Services:
professional wildlife assistance grounded in humane practices, education, and coexistence. Jessica explained that one of the biggest misconceptions people have is believing wildlife always has to be destroyed or eliminated. “Everybody thinks they have to be destroyed, and that’s just not the case.”
The Rescue That Stayed With Her
When asked about one of her most rewarding wildlife experiences, Jessica immediately recalled rescuing a baby skunk trapped in chicken wire on a hobby farm. The skunk was alone, freezing in the rain, and only a couple weeks old — its eyes not yet open. Jessica carefully freed the animal, warmed and hydrated it, and worked with the Atlantic Wildlife Institute to ensure it received proper rehabilitation. The skunk eventually made a full recovery and was later released back into the wild. “To see it survive and then thrive was just so worth it.”
It is moments like these that reveal the deeper emotional side of wildlife work — a side many people may never see.
Education, Conservation, and the Ripple Effect
One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was education. For Jessica, wildlife conservation is not separate from community life — it is deeply connected to it.
“Everything’s connected. The animals are connected to the land, the water, the air. They all play a part.”
Every human interaction with wildlife leaves an impact — positive or negative. That is why JB Wildlife Management Services focuses heavily on helping people understand how to minimize harm, coexist responsibly, and make informed choices when interacting with nature. Jessica believes awareness creates better outcomes not only for wildlife, but for communities as a whole.
The Intelligence and Resilience of Wildlife
When discussing animals that have personally impacted her perspective, Jessica pointed to raccoons — creatures she describes as incredibly intelligent and remarkably resilient. She shared stories about orphaned baby raccoons being adopted by other adult raccoons in the wild and explained how adaptable these animals can be, even while dealing with injuries and environmental challenges.
It is clear that for Jessica, wildlife is not viewed as a nuisance to eliminate, but as living creatures worthy of understanding and respect.
Looking Toward the Future
The long-term vision for JB Wild Services extends well beyond wildlife rescue calls.
Jessica hopes to continue expanding the business into a broader environmental enterprise offering services such as:
- Humane wildlife solutions
- Pest control and relocation
- Backyard habitat development
- Environmental guidance for land development projects
- Wildlife impact reduction planning
Ultimately, her goal is simple but meaningful:
“Contributing to a healthier environment and more stable wildlife populations.”
Harbour Wave’s Rapid Fire with Jessica Burns
Coffee or Tea?
Tea.
Early Mornings or Late Nights?
Early mornings.
Favourite Animal to Work With?
Raccoons.
Most Misunderstood Animal?
Wood turtles.
Forest Trail or Beach Walk?
Forest trail.
One Thing Always in Your Vehicle?
Wire mesh.
Favourite Way to Recharge?
Hiking.
If You Weren’t Doing This Career?
Probably bartending.
Rescue Call at Midnight or Paperwork All Day?
Rescue call at midnight.
To our readers, with the passion and commitment Jessica demonstrates, I think we could have guessed that answer!
Advice to Young Women Starting a Business
Before wrapping up the interview, Jessica shared one final message for aspiring young women considering entrepreneurship: “Never give up. Life is going to hit you hard, especially as a woman. There’s still systemic and societal issues to overcome. But no matter what — keep going through it. You will get there.”
Interviewed by Chuck Bates Founder of Harbour Wave Communications
Through Harbour Wave Communications and community platforms such as RiverviewNB.com, our mission is to highlight the people, businesses, and stories creating positive ripples throughout Atlantic Canada. Jessica Burns and JB Wild Services represent exactly that spirit — compassion, resilience, education, and a commitment to community and environment alike.
To learn more about JB Wild Services, visit JBWild.ca and follow along on social media through JB Wild Official.