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Other Helpful Hints for Living with Wildlife

If an animal has made a home in your attic, It is important to first find the point of entry. Wait for the animal to leave to seek food and block the entry. Be absolutely sure there are no babies left behind before doing this. If you are not sure, call The ARK for advice. If babies are present, wait until they are weaned and able to leave on their own before blocking the hole.

If a bat or bird enters your house, open a window or an outside door. It will fly toward the air current and leave. Do not stand in the doorway.

Cap your chimney to prevent wood ducks, swallows, squirrels, and raccoons from entering your chimney. If a female raccoon does nest in your chimney, she will relocate her babies at weaning time (approximately 6 weeks after birth). When she leaves, cap your chimney so she won't return next spring.

Food attracts wildlife. Keep waste bins securely fastened.

If you really must have an animal removed from your home or property, use a live trap method of removal. If you call a professional removal service, ask them about their methods and where they relocate the animal. Most services kill the animals using substances that may be dangerous to your family and pets. Call The ARK for professional referrals if needed. Most hardware stores sell live traps.

Keep pets under control. Millions of wild animals die each year from attacks by domestic animals.

Teach children to respect and care about all creatures and their habitats.

Consider leaving dead trees standing, as they provide homes for many types of wildlife. If you must cut a tree down, check for babies in nests first.

Before mowing or rototilling, check your lawn for rabbit nests and birds that nest in the ground.

Do not release balloons outside!!!  Birds get tangled in the strings, and some animals choke on the balloon strings. Any string more than an inch long, including fish line, should be picked up and disposed of properly.

Motor oil should not be left unattended in oil pans. Many birds thinks it is water and become trapped in the oil.

Be alert when driving to avoid hitting wildlife. Move dead animals off the road to prevent other animals who feed on the carcasses from being hit as well.