TIPS FOR PEACEFUL HUMAN-WILDLIFE COEXISTENCE
- Wild animals are rarely a threat to humans, especially in urban environments.
- Never allow small children to go outside unattended, especially at dawn or dusk.
- Do not place garbage bags on the curb until the morning of pick-up.
- Garbage containers should be animal proof. Secure lids with bungee cords or similar devices to keep animals out.
- Remove food residue from grills.
- Secure compost piles or bins.
- Lock or remove pet doors, especially between dusk and dawn.
- Install chimney caps.
- Clear gutters and downspouts of nesting debris.
- Seal soffit, ridge, and gable vents with ½ inch hardware cloth.
- Cover roof and dryer vent pipes with proper exclusion devices.
- Secure basement vents and hatch doors.
- Understand that bird feeders and bird baths will attract wildlife.
- Fruit trees and gardens will attract wildlife.
- Dense ground cover offers shelter to wildlife. Clear shrubbery and ground cover to discourage wildlife. Open space exposes wildlife to predators and most wildlife choose to remain near areas where they can hide.
- Containers that could hold water should be turned upside down to limit water sources and remove breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Avoid use of poisonous chemicals outside. This is wise for wildlife and for your children and pets since they also play in the grass and around plants.
- Wildlife trapping is not the answer to wildlife control.
- Peaceful coexistence and responsible environmental stewardship are proven and effective techniques for wildlife control.
- There is little or no habitat left to relocate wildlife.
- Relocated wildlife has a decreased chance of survival.
- Relocation may promote disease transmission from one habitat to another.
- Relocated species disrupt the balance of other species in that habitat. If you remove a predator, its prey will flourish.
- Trapping and removal of some animals causes the remaining members of that species to over breed in order to repopulate an area. This leads to increased wildlife populations. Males of that species from neighboring areas will aggressively compete to take over the vacancy created.
- Trapping by tranquilization is typically reserved for confined animals or, in special cases, an animal deemed dangerous. There is also the potential of humans accidentally eating contaminated meat.
At AWARE, we care deeply about wildlife but we also care about your pets. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe from harm:
- Do not feed pets or stray animals outside. The smell of pet food attracts wildlife.
- Do not allow your pets to roam free. Provide a safe outdoor enclosure or keep them as inside pets.
- Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccines.
- All pets should be leash walked.
- Understand that most fences do not keep out wildlife.
- Pet birds should always be contained when outside.