Tips to Avoid Wildlife Conflicts

Ever had a wildlife conflict? 

Whether it is landscape snacking animal or a critter coming too close for comfort, many people have had some sort of human-wildlife conflict issue. 

But why are wildlife, such as deer, coyotes, bears, raccoons, foxes and skunks, near your home in the first place? 

It is most commonly because of easy access to “food,” according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

Kaitlin Goode, Urban Wildlife Program Manager for the Wildlife Resources Division said wildlife can, and will, take advantage of ‘easy food’ opportunities.  

She said it is our job, as homeowners to ensure that we are keeping these non-natural foods away from wildlife – for our safety, the protection of our homes, and for wildlife. 

Here are some things you can do to keep wildlife out of your life.

 

Don’t feed wildlife. 

 

Keep items such as grills and pet food off-limits and clean and store grills when not in use.

 

Keep pet food indoors and feed pets indoors.

 

Refill bird feeders infrequently and in small amounts.

 

Make trash cans inaccessible. Keep lids securely fastened or store trash cans in a secured location until the morning of trash pick-up.

 

You can find other options for resolving human-wildlife conflict online at   https://georgiawildlife.com/living-with-wildlife.  The site includes a list of professional nuisance trappers, fact sheets, wildlife rehabilitator information, tips on managing land for wildlife, and much more.