Date: 6/12/08
Contact: C. Douglas Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

KEEP BACKYARD WILDLIFE HABITATS SAFE

Between the ongoing drought and Southern Nevada’s continued population growth, the natural habitat surrounding the Las Vegas Valley is becoming increasingly limited in its ability to sustain wildlife. Because of these limitations, sightings of predatory wildlife in our urban areas are becoming more common. Does that mean backyard wildlife habitats are a bad idea? Not necessarily.

The National Wildlife Federation has certified over 70,000 yards as backyard wildlife habitats. NDOW wildlife educator Margie Klein said it’s important to keep vegetation trimmed and plant litter cleaned up – this will limit hiding places for predators. The selection of plant material can help as well. Dense foliage will attract prey species looking for cover or shade. There are a number of plants that deter wildlife, either with smell or with thorns. If you live where deer are a problem, ask your nursery for deer resistant plants.

“The key is education. Of course it’s great to enjoy the innocuous species of wildlife in one’s own backyard, but it pays to be smart when creating wildlife habitat in your yard,” said Klein, whose own backyard is a certified wildlife habitat.

“There’s no problem with planting flowers to attract hummingbirds and butterflies and putting a few bird feeders up,” she said. But when you do you may also witness nature’s food chain at work when you see a feral cat pouncing on feeding birds. In a similar fashion, landscaping to attract wildlife means their natural predators may follow. However, landscaping to attract wildlife can be done in a manner that attracts species like birds and lizards but will be inhospitable to larger mammals, especially predators, Klein said.

The most important thing to do is avoid feeding pets outside. In addition, small pets should not be left unattended outside, as they are attractive to predators like coyotes, bobcats, or even mountain lions.

A fresh source of water may be irresistible to parched predators so be careful leaving open and flowing sources of water accessible to wandering animals. Ponds and pools are also attractive to waterfowl, especially if you live near a golf course. While ducks and geese are pretty to look at they can create quite a mess and quickly become a nuisance. Keep that in mind before you install a water feature in your yard. If waterfowl start hanging around your yard or pond, you can gently haze them away before they set up housekeeping or are spotted by a passing predator.

Once a duck or goose begins nesting there is nothing you can legally do until the young of the year are have fledged. The birds are protected by both state and federal law.

Koi ponds are beautiful to look at but also have been known to draw in avian predators like great blue herons that prey on fish. Herons are a beautiful sight, but some koi cost hundreds of dollars. Flash tape or wire around the pond can deter these birds.

“People often start out landscaping their yards for wildlife without thinking about what that could mean as the years go by and the wildlife comes for a prolonged visit. People who want to attract wildlife need to understand that wildlife will come. They just have to be prepared for what happens when the critters get here,” said Doug Nielsen, conservation educator for NDOW.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.