Living with Wildlife

HOW CAN I PREVENT WILD ANIMALS FROM FORAGING FOR FOOD IN MY YARD?:

• Skunks, raccoons, and opossums are nocturnal or nighttime active animals and are often attracted to residential areas by the availability of food, water and shelter.

• Removing or eliminating the availability of these elements will often encourage these wild animals to leave.

• Remove unused pet food and water bowls at night.

• Keep tight fitting lids on garbage cans or store garbage inside a secure area. Do not store trash in trash bags.

• Keep pet access doors locked.

• Seal up entry holes in and under buildings, eaves, air ducts and decks. Slotted metal vent covers are preferable to screen wire in keeping wild animals from entering houses through foundation vents. Backyard decks have proven to be extremely attractive shelters for wild animals. They may be excluded by using 1/4" grid screening or solid metal flashing. Trench around the perimeter of the deck a minimum of 12 inches deep, insert screening in trench and backfill. Attach top of screening to facade of deck with nails or fence post staples. This technique may also be used along fence lines to prevent wild animals from entering yards or gardens. Before completing final seal on the last entry point on a building or deck, it is wise to make sure no animals are trapped inside. Sprinkle flour around the entrance holes and check for tracks the following morning. If no tracks are evident for 3 consecutive nights, no animals are likely present.

• Environmentally sound repellents and habitat modification are all viable, nonlethal strategies in dealing with wild animals.

• Wild animals may be kept away from roof areas by pruning tree branches 10 feet from roof and by keeping climbing plants cut away from roof area and eaves.

• Food and water should never be intentionally left out for wild animals.

• Leave wildlife alone when encountering an animal on the property.  A healthy animal will normally avoid people.

• Never attempt to help an injured animal.  You may be bitten.

• Leave all fawns alone.  They may appear to be abandoned by mother.  However, mother reappears at night for feeding.  The fawn usually disappears from the yard within days.

• It is not unusual to see wildlife during daylight hours.  They are usually foraging for food for their young.  Any wildlife found alive in trash cans can be released by simply turning the can on its side with the top open or off.