Cape Wildlife Center Offers New Year's Resolutions for the Birds—and Mammals, Too!

WEST BARNSTABLE, Mass.—Simple changes in your daily life can make a difference for your wild neighbors, says the Cape Wildlife Center. The center, based in West Barnstable, treats nearly 2,000 injured, orphaned and ill wild animals each year, many of whose conditions could have been prevented by following these resolutions.

Homeowners:

1. Cap your chimney. This may be the best single action you can take to prevent conflicts with wildlife. Chimney caps allow smoke to leave, but keep animals out. They can be purchased at hardware stores and online retailers—or you can have one installed by a professional chimney sweep.

2. Avoid feeding pets outdoors. Food can attract wild animals. Even if you're a fan of having raccoons close to your house, it's better for the animals (and your neighbors) if they retain a healthy respect for people.

3. Keep your bird feeder clean. Immerse your feeder in a 5–10 percent solution of chlorine bleach and warm water for two or three minutes. Scrub with a stiff brush or a scouring pad, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry completely before refilling. Rake up spilled seeds, hulls, and feces at least once a week.

4. Clean your recyclables. Keep recyclables clean and secure to prevent injuries to animals. Even remnants of food can be a treat for wildlife, sometimes resulting in animals getting caught in cans and jars.

Drivers:

1. Dim your dashboard lights when driving at night. Keep an eye out for animals in the road and your headlights reflected in their eyes. Assume animals don't know how to get out of your way.

2. Use non-toxic antifreeze. Many wild animals and pets are attracted to antifreeze's sweet taste, even though it's poisonous. Use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; in small amounts, it won't hurt animals.

3. Slow down! Driving at a reasonable pace can prevent collisions with wildlife. Remember, animals often follow each other across the road– young animals follow mothers and male animals pursue mates.

Computer Users:

1. Learn more about wind energy's effect on wildlife. Visit SafeWind.Info to read news articles, access research, and make up your own mind about offshore wind energy.

2. Join the Humane Action Network. Visit The Humane Society of the United States online at https://community.hsus.org/humane/join to sign up for news, alerts and updates.

3. Make every online purchase count by helping the Cape Wildlife Center through iGive.com. Sign up for free at iGive.com, designate the Cape Wildlife Center as your charity, and rack up donations for wildlife with every purchase you make at top retailers—including Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, and Office Max.