Five Ways to Be a Friend to Wild Animals
There are lots of ways you can be a good neighbor to the wildlife who share our home! Here are five tips based on common reasons animals are brought into Project Wildlife for care.
Trim Trees in Fall
The best time to trim trees is when they are dormant, or not actively growing. During the warmer months, local wildlife begin building their nests in trees. Trimming in spring and summer can lead to the destruction of bird’s nests and wildlife habitats, causing baby wildlife to become injured or orphaned. It’s also important to keep in mind that it is against the law to disturb active bird nests. A nest is considered active if it contains eggs or chicks or if it is being used by birds for breeding.
Don’t Use Rat Poison
Young raptors (hawks, falcons, eagles, owls, etc.) will often eat dead mice and other rodents and will become ill if the rodent ate poison. Instead of poison, encourage owls to live in your yard by installing an owl box — owls are a great source of natural rodent control.
Cover Reflective Windows
Because birds see the reflection of the sky, trees or other features of their natural surroundings in windows, they can become confused and fly into the window. Use non-reflective cellophane, UV window clings, a screen or a similar material to prevent birds from flying into windows and becoming injured.
Watch Your Pets
Accompany pets outdoors to avoid potential interactions with wild animals such as coyotes or raptors. Keep your pet cat indoors to prevent them from catching and injuring songbirds and small animals such as squirrels, gophers and bunnies.
Feeding Birds Naturally
Most people enjoy watching songbirds — but when it comes to caring for wild birds, consider swapping out bird feeders for native plants! Adding native plants like alder, chamise or California lilac to your yard or garden is a great way to attract birds while encouraging them to feed on natural resources. These plants also protect songbirds from other animals and prevent the spread of diseases.