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If you find a rabbit nest in your yard, please don't mow until the babies are grown—about three weeks. ©iStock |
It's that time again. Winter's gone, and it's time to prepare your house and garden for the new season.
But don't be surprised if you come face to face with your wild neighbors—spring means baby season in the wildlife world.
"Wild animals, particularly babies in dens and nests, can be accidentally injured or orphaned when people trim trees, mow lawns, clean chimneys, or set traps for those 'nuisance' wild animals around the house," said Laura Simon field director of urban wildlife for The Humane Society of the United States.
"Taking just a few simple precautions can prevent injuring or orphaning wildlife when you clean and make basic repairs to your house."
Lawns
Always walk over lawns before you mow to check for wildlife such as turtles and nests of baby rabbits. Turtles may be gently moved, but rabbit nests should be left alone—and the mowing near them delayed—so that the mother can come back to nurse them. Wait until they are gone to mow, or better yet, start a little meadow in that part of the lawn.
Windows
Prevent birds from hitting windows by dangling 3 foot strips of Mylar® tape or party balloons (the shinier the better) from the top of the glass outside the window.
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When you trim tree limbs, be sure you aren't cutting down someone's home. ©The HSUS |
Trees
Check for bird nests before trimming trees. If you accidentally knock a bird's nest out of a tree, retrieve it and the young, and re-nest them in the same location.
If the nest is destroyed, use a nest sized wicker basket (the kind plants come in) and secure it firmly where the original nest was. Watch for the parents to return: it's a myth that birds will reject their young if touched by humans.
Chimneys
From a wild animal's perspective, open chimneys are cozy accommodations for raising young. If you discover such guests, tolerating their presence is always the best option until they leave on their own. However, be aware that some animals (squirrels for example) may get trapped in chimneys. If you suspect an animal is trapped call your local animal control agency or a wildlife rehabilitator for advice.
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If you have a raccoon family in your chimney, don't panic. They will move out when the babies get a little older. ©The HSUS |
Never try to smoke any animal out of a chimney! The results can be disastrous, because young mammals cannot get out on their own.
Once you're absolutely sure all the animals are gone have the chimney capped to permanently prevent further problems.
Scrap the Trap
This is the time of year when wild animals den and nest around people's homes. If you're experiencing a "nuisance" wildlife conflict, resist the temptation to set a trap. Chances are you'll trap a nursing mother animal, leaving the young behind to starve.
Clean Closets
Donate fur and fur-trimmed apparel. The Humane Society of the United States's Coats for Cubs program sends donated fur items to wildlife rehabilitators, who use them as bedding and nesting material for animals. The fur becomes a "surrogate mother" to the orphaned or injured animal, reducing stress and giving comfort.
