Be safe and humane with unwanted
animal visitors
The world’s population continues to expand by leaps and
bounds.
Compound that expansion with the average family’s needs in
housing, food and employment, and its
no wonder that many animals’ natural habitats are shrinking.
In this country alone, many homeowners are seeing an
influx in the number of wild animals turning up in neighborhoods and backyards.
While some may be quick to grow annoyed or frightened by
the “invasion,” you have to realize that it may be the animal’s last resort to
finding food or shelter as it is forced out of its natural habitat.
One of the best methods to keep animals at bay is to
ensure they have adequate natural areas to explore. Doing so may require some effort
on your part and that of the community.
Policy makers can be solicited to put a limit on building
expansion in rural areas and to maintain “green” areas in communities. Still,
this can prove rewarding but difficult, considering real estate can bring in a
lot of revenue to an area.
Until the needs of animals and humans are again in
balance, it is likely that you will encounter some wild animals close to home.
If you do, there are safe and humane ways to interact with
these animals and deter them from making frequent visits to your property,
particularly if they are doing damage.
Don’t handle or touch a wild animal. They can bite or
scratch (usually only as a last-ditch self-defense effort) and may carry
diseases.
Bats: These small mammals can actually be
beneficial to have around. They eat many insects that can plague yards and
gardens. It’s when bats get into the house that they can be a nuisance,
fluttering around at night. Set up a bat house on the perimeter of your
property where bats can reside. Keep them from slipping through tiny holes in
the eaves of the house by applying caulking and weather stripping. Flashing or
skirting is effective as well. Wait until nighttime to do any bat exclusion to
make sure they are out of their roosts and won’t become trapped.
Bears: These animals will eat almost
anything, which is why they often venture into neighborhoods — the lure of
garbage is too much to resist. Proper garbage disposal can keep bears at bay.
There are even bear-proof trash receptacles. If you encounter a black bear,
remain calm. If you see a cub, you will want to exit the area, because a
protective mother may be around. Avoid direct eye contact, as a bear may
perceive this as a threat, but try not to show fear. Give the bear time to
leave the area. If a bear stands upright or moves closer, it may be trying to
detect smells in the air and identify you. This is not a sign of aggression. If
a black bear attacks, you can fight it off or make a lot of noise; it may
retreat.
Coyotes: These animals can become
accustomed to living among people and be less skittish in their presence. Keep
garbage pails empty as much as possible, and secure them as you would to keep
bears out. Coyotes can become aggressive and seek out pets. So always keep dogs
and cats on leashes outdoors. Keep a safe distance from coyotes and throw a
stick or make noise to frighten them away.
Deer: These animals are growing
increasingly more abundant in neighborhoods where woodlands are receding. Deer
are generally docile and more frightened of you than you are of them. Do not
feed or handle deer. It may cause them to come back to your home repeatedly for
a free meal. Eventually deer will move on. Use caution when you’re driving if
you see a deer. Where there is one, there are likely others nearby. They’re
usually on the move at dawn and dusk.
Raccoons: Like bears and coyotes,
these wily creatures can be lured in by the smell of trash or easy-access pet
food. Keep both out of reach. Raccoons may look cuddly with their masked faces,
but they can be vicious. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so if one is seen
during the day, it could be due to illness and an expert should be called in.
Snakes: Use caution around
snakes. Most are nonvenomous, but venomous varieties
reside in many areas of the country. Snakes are masters of camouflage and
stealth. Therefore they may be hiding under piles of wood, in dark corners of a
garage or basement, in small crevices, or in small ponds. Usually a snake will
retreat or give a warning if it has plans to defend its territory. If a snake
becomes a problem, a wildlife expert may be called in to remove and relocate
it.
There are many other animals, such as squirrels, possums
and prairie dogs that may be sharing space with you.
As in other cases, being careful with garbage and food
items is a good way to keep these animals at bay.