Do the raccoons rumbling around in your attic sound large enough that they ought to be helping with your mortgage? Are those raccoons chattering in your chimney a family you didn’t know you had agreed to take onboard? Or, maybe you’ve noticed that a bit of corn harvesting seems to take place overnight in your garden? Situations like these may have you searching for a way to repel raccoons, so let’s talk about how you may be unintentionally … [Read more...]
Think you have a Raccoon Infestation?
What is it about raccoons? On the one hand (or one little hand-like paw!) they’re incredibly fascinating. Yet, on the other, their clever and resourceful ways often get them into trouble. We also unwittingly contribute to their opportunities for mischief. In reality, there's no such thing as a raccoon infestation. But if you’ve got raccoons or even one raccoon where you don’t want one to be inside your house (attic, chimney, HVAC ducts, crawl … [Read more...]
Raccoons: Resourceful Masked Bandits
Do you live in a rural area? A suburb? The city? Almost anywhere you live in the 48 contiguous states, you probably have raccoons living near you. Although they’re active mostly at night, it’s not uncommon to see them out in daylight hours—especially if they’re working hard to find food for their young. Maybe you’ve become interested in raccoons because you catch a glimpse of one meandering across your yard every night and you’re curious what he … [Read more...]
Baby Raccoons: Word to the Wise
Baby raccoons have been found guilty in numerous towns across the U.S. for stealing the hearts of unsuspecting homeowners. It seems the crime begins as a simple case of being born in a chimney or attic—something over which baby raccoons obviously have no control. Sometimes raccoon mothers choose to raise their young in our homes because we’ve given them easy access in the form of broken gutters, a damaged soffit, rotting wood, or an uncapped … [Read more...]
Feeding Wildlife – Tips for Those Who Love Wildlife
Feeding wild animals seems like a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. It’s a chance to get outside, appreciate nature, and give wildlife a helping hand. You may be wondering about when the best wildlife feeding times are. Or, maybe you’re trying to figure out, “What do raccoons eat?” But maybe you’ve also noticed some warning signs posted at your local parks, ponds, or other natural areas that say, “Don’t feed the animals.” What’s up with … [Read more...]
Racoon a.k.a. Raccoon
You’ve got a problem with a racoon… or maybe a whole family or pack of racoons? If you’re referring to those mischievous nighttime visitors—or unwanted attic or chimney dwellers—with striped tails, eye masks, and human-like little hands, then you’ve also got a problem with spelling. Don’t be embarrassed, because it’s totally not your fault. It’s actually an epidemic, unleashed upon humanity by a vast conspiracy among these crafty woodland … [Read more...]
How to Keep Wildlife Out this Winter
As temperatures drop and winds pick up, it’s easy to understand why raccoons, skunks, squirrels, bats, mice, and other small creatures are looking for safety and warmth. But, why, you may ask, must it be in your attic, chimney, or basement? Or, perhaps, someone’s decided to make the space under your porch or deck their winter home. If you want to know how to keep wildlife out this winter, this article is just what you’re searching for. You’ll … [Read more...]
Safe Driving Tips to Avoid Collisions with Wildlife
It’s autumn, a time when animals are on the move and the days are growing shorter. When wildlife is moving it means they are crossing roads, so you’re right to be concerned about accidentally hitting an animal. You’re ahead of most drivers, simply by being aware of the need to be watchful to avoid collisions with wildlife. But here are more tips to keep both you and wildlife safe—at all times, and especially during the shift in seasons and … [Read more...]
Feed Wild Birds & Avoid Wildlife Conflicts
Most of us feed birds because we enjoy bird-watching and want to help wildlife in some way. But did you know that feeding wild birds may actually create conflicts with other wild animals or perhaps even harm the birds? Here are a few things to consider when feeding wild birds to avoid conflicts and unintended harm. Avoid the bird seed buffet Let’s face it - birds are not the tidiest eaters. Some rake through what is being offered to find … [Read more...]
Baby Wild Animals on the Move
Just like our own kids, baby wild animals ultimately are compelled to strike out on their own. Occasionally they may hang around a little longer than expected, but parents eventually give them a good-natured nudge to find their own turf. Either way, you may see these animals—foxes, raccoons, skunks, armadillos, black bears, mountain lions, or others native to your area—in your yard as they look for a suitable place to live. Usually, they continue … [Read more...]