Date: 9/5/07
Contact: C. Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

WILDLIFE PUSHED OVER THE URBAN EDGE

Everybody wants to help wildlife, but how much help is too much? In recent weeks, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has received noticed a significant increase in the number of calls coming in through its urban wildlife help line. Many of the calls come from people who are concerned about wild animals they have seen coming into close contact with humans and pets, especially where the urban sprawl meets the desert.

“These encounters have increased, and probably will continue to do so, primarily because of two factors. Human development is pushing farther and farther into the desert, and prolonged drought conditions are driving wild animals into town as they search for food,” said Margie Klein, wildlife education coordinator for NDOW.

What can be done to assist these wild animals, and who is responsible for doing it? In most situations, said Klein, the best choice is to let nature take its course. These animals are not dependent on humans and can usually find their way out of a tree, or across a street, and they live in the desert all their lives. Because people tend to think of wild animals in the same way they perceive their pets, they sometimes think an animal is in danger when it truly is not. However, predatory wildlife can pose a risk to domestic dogs and cats.

To a hungry coyote or other predator, a cat or small dog is a meal waiting to happen. Large dogs can keep coyotes at bay, but smaller pets should be monitored closely when they are outdoors and no pet food should be stored outside where it is accessible to wild animals.

NDOW Game Warden David Pfiffner said, “There is little solution to the problem. Coyotes can be legally trapped, but walk-in traps are usually unsuccessful with coyotes and other means of removing them are not generally an option in the city limits.”

“We live in unique situation where we can see coyotes and bobcats, but that means we have to learn to live with them. As they lose their habitat to development, they have to adapt. We have to adapt as well,” Klein said.

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.