What Can I Do about Wild Animals?

Tips for Co-existing with wildlife

Wild animals contribute to our enjoyment of nature and outdoor recreation, but they can also damage property, agriculture, natural resources, threaten human health and safely.

Equipped with the right information and tools, most homeowners can solve their own problems and learn to live with wildlife. For example, trimming trees and shrubbery are ways of changing a habitat to make it less attractive to unwanted flocks of birds or even snakes.

The following information may assist in keeping those curious raccoons out of the garbage can. That persistent rabbit or deer out of the garden. That goose or duck out of the backyard pool. The woodpecker off the siding and the swooping bat out of the attic. Caution should always be taken to avoid overly aggressive animals.

Some wildlife is protected by Federal or State laws and regulations. For more information about protected and endangered species and trapping and relocation regulations, contact your state wildlife agency Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Do Not Interfere

Try not to interfere with the animal. In many cases the animal may be passing through the area and if left alone, will move on its own time, usually after sundown.

Keep Accesses Closed

If a makes its nest in a house or garage the best thing to do is to locate the opening(s) through which the animal  entered and wait until it leaves to gather food. This will usually happen in the late afternoon or early evening. Before the animal returns, close off the entrance opening(s) using heavy gauge sheet metal or a similar strong material. If it cannot access the nest, the animal will usually look for another place. Make sure that the young have not been accidentally trapped in the nest.