As urban development increases rapidly in the United States, wild animals are frequently sighted right on our doorsteps.  As their habitat is destroyed or altered, animals use their resourcefulness to survive as best they can, which may involve living in or under houses or in backyards.  It is inevitable that some conflict will occur between animals and humans when living in close quarters, and we understand that even the most animal-loving among us can be frustrated by unwanted animals in and around our homes. 

Sometimes animals do have to be removed, but it is important to realize that simply removing the animal will not solve the problem.  If your home or yard provides cozy shelter or a food source, more animals will inevitably come and take the place of the ones you remove.  Also bear in mind that humane and environmentally-responsible methods of removal are a safer and more effective option for you, your family, and the animals themselves. 

Below you will find some tips for preventing and dealing with human-animal conflicts.

Prevention

• Never handle or attempt to feed wildlife.
• Keep trash cans secure and, if possible, in a closed shed or garage.
• Cap chimneys and ensure that clapboards are not rotting, loose, or broken.
• Clean up spilled bird seed so as not to attract unwanted wildlife.
• To protect vegetable and flower gardens, erect chicken-wire fencing (2-3 feet high) around them. Fencing should be at least 6 inches deep.
• Trim back long tree branches that are close to your rooftop, to help prevent animals getting into your attic.
• Wrap trees with hardware cloth to protect them from rabbits.
• Research any new plants that you plan to purchase.  Some will attract unwanted visitors.
• Use humane controls such as motion activation sprinklers, scarecrows, alarms, lights, or shiny objects like pinwheels or balloons (this works well for raccoons and skunks).

Action

Always examine the credentials of any animal control officers you employ.  Ensure that they will abide by the laws in your state, and employ somebody who is professional, knowledgeable, uses humane control methods, and does not make false promises (for example, in some states it is illegal to relocate animals, and yet some animal control officers will claim to do so).  Make sure their work is guaranteed.

• For smaller pests in your home such as rats or mice, be careful about the kind of method you employ to remove them.  Sticky traps, snap traps and poisons cause terrible suffering to the animal.  Instead, block off entrances, maintain a clean home, and use humane deterrents such as cat hair or peppermint oil.  As a last resort, use live traps (these are not recommended unless absolutely necessary because they split up family groups).
• If animals such as squirrels have set up residence in your house, try mild harassment techniques to remove them, such as playing a radio, using strobe lights, or placing an ammonia soaked rag near (but not across) their entrance.  If they leave, be sure to block off the entrance immediately.  If they will not leave voluntarily, find out where they are entering and exiting, and – when they have gone out to seek food – close off any openings using mesh, hardware cloth, netting, or straw.  If you are dealing with skunks or raccoons, it is best to block off the entrance at night when they are outside.  Alternatively, install a one-way door so that they can leave but cannot re-enter.  Before doing so, make sure there are no babies left behind – listen for squeaking or rustling sounds.  If babies are present, sounds or lights may encourage mothers to relocate their families.
• Humane live traps can also be used, but the animal must be relocated away from your home but in the same general area. 

Caring for your pets

Keep pets inside.  Not only are cats and dogs predatory and will kill many wild species if given the chance, but they are also themselves prey to coyotes and other wildlife.

• Ensure that your dogs and cats have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
• Avoid feeding your pets outside.  If you must do so, be sure to cleanup after them.
• Do not allow your pets to chase wildlife.