It is always easier and less stressful to prevent conflict with wildlife before it occurs. You may unknowingly attract wildlife by not cleaning up properly after a barbecue, leaving your bird feeder out during the summer months or even by letting your pets roam outside unsupervised. Animals are very sensitive to scent and will be attracted to any lingering smells from food that you may have left behind. They may also mistake your pets for prey, or your pets may initiate attack on these wild creatures. Follow these short tips and you should be able to avoid conflict with wildlife.

1. Enjoy wild animals and birds from a distance.

2. Never handle or attempt to pet or feed wildlife. Human food can sometimes make animals very sick and feeding them encourages them to approach more humans in the future.

3. Do not try to keep wild animals as pets. They may be cute and friendly as babies but as they grow to be adults their animal instincts will kick in.

4. Use secure-fitting lids on garbage cans that are outside. Keep your trashcans in a closed garage or shed. This contains lingering smells that may attract wildlife.

5. Supervise outdoor feedings of pets, and clean the area well afterward. If possible, do not feed pets outside.

6. Keep cats indoors and supervise domesticated pets when outside at all times.

7. Make sure your dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.

8. Regularly clean outdoor grills.

9. If you keep a bird feeder, clean up spilled seed to avoid attracting other forms of wildlife. If you have had problems with squirrels, for example, it may be better not to keep a birdfeeder in the spring or summer months at all. There is plenty of food available for birds this time of the year.

10. Keep your home in good repair.

11. Secure chimneys with a chimney cap and cover dryer vents. Check your home for any other points of entry and block them before animals can move in. Do not cap chimneys from May-September. If there are baby squirrels or bats in these areas they won’t be able to escape and may die.

12. If you think a wild animal may be sick or injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or call GAN.