Spring is the time for flowers, showers, and surprise encounters. With the change in season, wildlife is in search of easy shelter and food sources for their newborns.
For a raccoon, a tool shed may seem like an excellent place to raise a family.
Skunks, opossums, chipmunks, groundhogs, and mice are also commonly seen rooting around human structures. Oftentimes, these critters find shelter in and around sheds, garages, attics, decks, car covers and even in houses!
Surprise run-ins with wildlife can result in harm to humans, pets, the critters, and property. Avoid such encounters by watching pets around sunrise and sunset. No one wants a dog that smells like skunk!
Despite occasional issues, most wildlife provides benefits to our ecosystem. Skunks eat grubs and ground pests, while opossums eat ticks.
Living in Mentor, run-ins with wildlife are almost guaranteed. We must be good stewards of our land by reducing attractants, such as food and shelter, that lure in nuisance animals.
To help prevent furry unwanted guests, make sure to seal all entrances and gaps in structures with chicken wire. Deterrents such as motion-detecting lights can be useful. Avoid feeding wildlife intentionally and secure garbage cans and compost bins. Trimming low hanging tree limbs can help prevent critters on the roof or in the attic.
For animals that have made it in the house, contact a professional wildlife trapper to ensure the safety of your family and the animal. For more information, browse the tab “Nuisance Wildlife” on the Natural Resources page.
To learn more about how we can be better stewards for wildlife, attend one of the many events provided by the Natural Resources Division.