Spring is here, and in many areas it is the height of baby season. Wildlife rehab centres and wildlife removal businesses are seeing an increase in distress calls, but you can easily help mitigate some of these concerns by following some of these helpful tips:
1. Don’t panic if an animal is taking up residence near your home. If you find a wildlife family living under your deck or on your roof, remember, this is a temporary situation. The best thing you can do is to leave the animals alone. Once the babies are weaned, and are able to travel with their mother, they will naturally relocate themselves.
2. Keep wild families together. Orphans are created when people trap and relocate a nursing mother, or block her access to her babies. It’s best to leave wild families alone. If you must remove the wild family, beware that some wildlife removal companies are not who they seem. The word “humane” can be misleading and is not a regulated term. Do your research before you hire a wildlife removal company – follow these important tips from our friends at the BC SPCA!
3. Remove all attractants for wildlife and crush and cut up recyclables. Old wood piles, unsecured garbage and pet food left outside will easily bring wild visitors into your yard. Tidy up these areas and make sure all of your recyclables are rinsed and clean too. Another suggestion: after washing your tin cans to recycle, squash the top opening closed; many skunks get their heads trapped in them when sniffing for food. Cut up 6 pack rings, the straps on masks and frappucino/slurpy dome lids for the same reason.
4. Keep kitty inside and dogs under control. Sadly many wild newborns won’t make it this season because they will be attacked by pets. It’s a very sensitive time that requires extra care. Please keep your curious cat inside and your dog on leash and under control. If you see a wild animal in distress, please contact your local wildlife rehabilitator.
