Living with Wildlife

Need help with a specific wildlife related issue? We might be able to help!

Coexistence

DCF 1.0

We are lucky to live in an area where wildlife is abundant.  For many people, being able to watch an eagle fly over or catch a glimpse of an otter is a big part of their reason for living here. However, there are times when wild animals can cause problems for people, e.g. by taking up residence under a house, or eating the cat’s food.

At Wolf Hollow we receive many calls about “nuisance wildlife” and do our best to help by providing information about the behavior of the animal and giving practical advice on steps that can be taken to resolve or reduce the problem. Our intention is to help people solve some of these problems, while allowing the wild creatures to continue living in their own home area.

Relocation

Raccoon kits HC July 2010

Often people’s first idea is to trap and relocate an animal.  This is not an ideal option because:-

  • Relocation is not the “gentle” option people think. Dependent youngsters could be left behind to starve. The relocated animal is unlikely to survive because it does not know where food, water and shelter are in its new area, and it is being moved into another animal’s territory.
  • Relocation doesn’t solve the problem long term, because another animal of the same species is highly likely to move into the vacant territory.
  • Only certain licensed individuals can trap and relocate wildlife.Most pest control or “nuisance wildlife operatives” are required to kill common species rather than relocating them.

In most cases it is better to take a long term approach by making changes that will prevent the problem, rather than “getting rid of” an individual wild animal.

Helpful Hints

If you are having a problem involving wildlife, here are some general suggestions that may help:

Issue – there is a wild creature in my yard!

Some things to consider –

  • Wildlife lives all over, including our housing areas. You would be amazed how many possums, foxes or raccoons pass through your yard each night!
  • Not long ago the area was woodland or pasture, where a lot of wild animals made their homes.
  • The animal is unlikely to cause you any problems, so take the opportunity to enjoy watching it.

Issue – the animals is a perceived threat to people or pets.

Many “nuisance” animals are simply looking for food, water, or shelter and eliminating access to man-made sources of these can lead to peaceful co-existence.

Suggestions-

  • Take measures to discourage the animal from lingering
  • Feed pets indoors
  • Don’t leave human or animal food out.
  • Secure garbage cans
  • Cover compost
  • Block access under the house or deck.