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Animals
find niche in urban settings
August 7,
2008
When dealing with wildlife in our neighborhoods and backyards, the
first step is to recognize that humans created a situation where we
have to find positive solutions to co-exist. Almost every community
resulted from urban sprawl. Our backyards at one time were more than
likely their front yards.
When you consider that much of the New Orleans area was swamp not
that very long ago, it's not hard to imagine how much we have
encroached upon the environment of creatures such as opossums,
raccoons, snakes, nutria, rabbits and squirrels.
Some of the things we have in our yards can unwittingly be an open
invitation to wildlife. Wood piles and excessive debris in yards are
great hiding places for critters, who also are drawn to backyard
decks, outdoor spas and other dark, cool places where they can nest.
Closing gaps and eaves with screens are a great away to prevent them
from entering those hiding places.
Thick vegetation can also be a draw, and if you're a gardener who
likes to create your own compost definitely have it in a container
with a tight cover to keep the compost out of their reach. The same
holds true for garbage containers, which should be tightly sealed.
Metal containers work much better than plastic containers.
Raccoons are common in our area and like other wildlife critters
they are drawn to pet food that may be left in the yard. They also
are drawn to enclosed spaces, such as attics, so blocking their
ability to enter such places is important. Especially in the spring
and summer, mother raccoons may be drawn to dark, cool enclosures as
safe places to care for newborns, so again it's important not to
provide them with opportunities and invitations to use our yards as
a nesting ground.
Although it may be tempting for soft-hearted folks, leaving food out
for critters -- as you would for a stray dog or cat -- will only
encourage them to live in our environment, which is unsafe for them,
especially because they will lose their natural fear of humans.
Rather than getting frustrated with a wildlife issue, employ some
humane ways to keep them free of your environment, and also develop
a sense of tolerance and an understanding that wildlife is not
something we can just remove and eradicate, but rather another
living creature with whom we share the earth.
-
Gloria Dauphin
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