As people move out to the edges of the wild places, they have more encounters with wild critters. Not just hiking, biking and camping, but in the construction and maintenace of homes.
Many homes built during fall and winter are right on top of hibernating snakes and tortoises. Bulldozers are digging up squirrel burrows and bunny nests. As trees and cactus are trimmed or cut down, bird nests are being destroyed.

Dealing with wildlife situations does not have to be a problem.

Do not reach for snakes, even with an implement, if you are not experienced in handling them.

If you have a "pest" problem, remember that poisons do not always affect the animal you intend it for...it could be your pet, or a hawk that eats the critter that has been poisoned.

Just filling in holes may not deter the animal. Many burrowing critters have multiple entrances. Placing ammonia soaked rags at one of the entrances will usually drive the animal away.

If you have critters under your house/deck you can use the above technique or try leaving a light on or playing a radio all day and night. If the critters cannot sleep, they usually move away.

Once the critters are out from under there, close up the area. If you use metal skirting the animals cannot chew it, but they may dig under, so bury it a few inches.

The biggest mistake people make is leaving food outside for their pets. It only serves as a free buffet for wildlife. It is best to feed your pets and then remove uneaten food when they are done.

Close "doggie doors" and garages completely - especially at night. If your pet can come in...so can a wild critter.

***Cats should not be allowed to roam free at any time. They are responsible for more than 75% of the injuries we receive and countless dead animals that never make it to us. It is also very dangerous for the cat. They are often eaten by coyotes or bobcats, or hit by cars. They also become a source of contamination by bringing fleas and disease into your home.***

 

When hiring a tree trimmer or lawn maintenance company, PLEASE instruct them to look for nests before they start and be sure that they will handle the following situations humanely:

Nesting birds are protected under state and federal laws. Nests should not be disturbed, moved or destroyed.

Before clearing shrubs or mowing lawns, check for ground nests (bunnies, quail, ducks.)

When using irrigation, check the canal for small animals that may have fallen in and cannot climb out.

 

If you have a pool or large windows, take these precautions to avoid wildlife injuries:

Birds can not see glass. They will fly into it. Hang something in or outside of windows.

Wild animals see water, especially at night, as something solid. Check your pool often for possible drowning victims and consider a cover that will protect not only the critters, but your young children as well.

Keep in mind that wildlife prefers to avoid humans, but nature is being pushed to the wall, and they do not have much choice.

Desert Cry can assist with additional advice or referrals to humane, ethical removal services should you have nuisance wildlife.

When people, or their pets, encounter wildlife, the wildlife usually loses. Please follow these guidelines and HELP SAVE A WILD LIFE!

Keep voices quiet, your presence will disturb and scare off wild animals. Remaining quiet, still and patient is the only way to see wild animals.

Do not sit on or reach under logs and rocks. There could be a rattlesnake or some other venomous creature sleeping there.

Do not leave trash or food along the way. This will teach wildlife to associate with humans, which is dangerous to us AND them.

Do not pick up any animal just because it is alone.

If a cat or dog has been in contact with the animal, even if you do not see an injury, IT IS SERIOUS!

Follow these steps:

Put the animal in a covered box and keep it warm and quiet.

DO NOT give any food or water to any wild animal.

Call a wildlife rehabilitator (or click here) and get the animal to them immediately!

Although it may seem like the best thing to do...DO NOT take a wild animal to a veterinary clinic. Many veterinarians are not usually knowledgable about wildlife. They are likely to call one of us anyway. This will delay the critical care needed.

DESERT CRY is funded only by donations. Even a small one makes a big difference in helping save wild lives. Please make a tax deductible donation. We are all volunteers and depend on your donations to SAVE WILD LIVES

THANK YOU