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Excerpt from Chicago Tribune - Earl Swift |
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Never feed them
Putting out food is "opening
Pandora's Box," says Georgia wildlife biologist Chuck Waters.
Predators especially become more of a problem when feeding has made them
"habituated," or unafraid of man. |
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Police your garbage
Once critters associate your garbage
with an easy meal, they'll be back. make sure your garbage cans have
tight fitting lids and consider lashing them with bungee cords. |
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Ride herd on your pets
...Coyotes snack on house cats. keep an eye on your pets and bring
them inside at night. If coyotes have been seen, keep your cat in at
all times. |
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Bring in those bowls
Wild animals are keen on dog and cat food - and even water bowls - left
outside on the porch or deck. Once they know it's there, they'll be
regulars. |
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Pick up fallen fruit
Animal pests will frequent your yard for apples, peaches, pears and
avocados, particularly if they're in easy reach. Coyotes even have a
yen for watermelon! |
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Cap your chimney
Raccoons often use open, uncapped chimneys as nests. From there they
can steal into your house while you're away and do surprising - and costly -
damage. |
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Check your shed
Skunks and other animals often hole up under out buildings that lack
foundations. Take steps to keep them out. They not only stink up
the place but also can transmit disease. |
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Clear out the yard
"Make your yard as park like as possible," says wildlife biologist
Susan Langlois. Keep it free of brush and low branches that create
good hiding spots. |
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Enlist the neighbors
Keeping wild animals wild is a community effort. If even one resident
decides to feed deer or coyotes, the neighborhood will have a problem. |
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Additional
Resources: |
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When Raccoons Fall through Your Ceiling
The Handbook for Coexisting with
Wildlife
http://www.tamu.edu/upress/BOOKS/2002/lopez.htm
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