How to Avoid Common Issues – Tips & Deterrents

Whether or not you realize it, we are living with wildlife on a daily basis. Wildlife is all around us, from the microscopic bugs we can't even see, to the birds flying in our backyard. Most likely there are many other critters with whom you share your environment (squirrels,raccoons, rabbits, snakes, bears and many more!). Just like we have adapted to our surrounding, wildlife does the same, whether it is in an city or rural setting.

While the majority of time, humans and wildlife can coexist peacefully, there may be times when you encounter wildlife when their interests conflict with your own or cause a nuisance. Often times, there are a number of different steps you can take to avoid such conflicts.

If you are faced with a public safety issue call NDOW’s Dispatch Center in Reno at (775) 688-1331.

The following tips may help you avoid potential conflicts with wildlife near your home:

• Do not feed wildlife.
  Feeding wild animals makes them dependent, and can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans. It can also be potentially dangerous and place you in a greater risk to be bitten. The feeding of any wildlife, including birds, may inadvertently attract unwanted animals, which then attract other animals to prey on them. Bird seed and hummingbird feeders are known to attract bears.
  
  
• Keep pet food out of their reach and secure garbage cans.
  Many wild animals are opportunistic and will make a meal of pet food or table scraps that are left in unsecured containers. If a dog or cat is fed outside, bring uneaten food inside as soon as the pet has finished eating. Place trash in a secure container so that it is unavailable. Some wild animals have even been known to use “doggie doors” to get food inside. If this is a problem, block the door for a week or two, if possible, until the wild animal learns it cannot get inside.
  
  
• Work with your neighbors on making your neighborhood undesirable to wildlife.
  If wildlife is frequenting your neighborhood, you can be certain that it is finding food there. Work with your neighbors to eliminate food sources that are bringing the animals into the neighborhood. Prevention is far better than dealing with a conflict later on.
  
  
• Leave wildlife alone.
  Often times, you may see young wildlife, like baby birds or fawns all alone. It is not lost or abandoned. Most likely, the parents are nearby and may be feeding, or watching their young from afar. Baby birds in this situation are often learning to fly, and will be fine if left alone to discover their wings on their own. Wildlife is best tended to by its natural parents.
  
  
• Contact a wildlife rehabilitator with injured wildlife.
  Even with the best intentions, it is against the law to try and rehabilitate injured wildlife yourself, unless you are licensed by the state. If you come in contact with injured wildlife that needs assistance contact a licensed rehabilitator.
  
  
• Leave snakes alone.
  Most snake bites occur when the victim tries to capture or kill the snake. Even dead snakes have been known to bite by reflex action. Non-venomous snakes often carry the salmonella bacteria in their mouths and should be avoided as well. Bird feeders attract rodents, and rodents attract snakes. According to Geist, snakes are more visible in the fall and spring during the middle of the day, when the ambient temperature is more comfortable. In the summertime, they tend to emerge in the early morning or evening hours after it has cooled off. Learn more about Snakes.
  
  
• Landscape accordingly.
  Homeowners should be aware that a beautifully landscaped backyard may create the perfect habitat for wildlife of all sorts.
  
  Ponds stocked with fish may lure birds, raccoons or other wildlife. Bodies of water also attract nesting birds and other animals search for water in times of drought.
  
  Be aware of your landscaping, and enjoy the wildlife that it attracts. Know that predators follow prey. Landscape or remove vegetation to eliminate hiding places for wildlife like mountain lions.
  
  If wildlife is disturbing your landscaping or garden, visit your local garden shop to learn about vegetation that may help avoid these problems.
  
  
• Keep your yard clean and neat.
  This will help prevent rattlesnakes and other critters from taking up residence too close to your home or garden. Wildlife often looks for places to take cover and find shade.
  
  
• Do not allow waterfowl to nest.
  Scare waterfowl away from bushes or bodies of water before they nest and lay their eggs. You cannot, legally disturb them once eggs are laid.
  
  
• Avoid letting dogs and cats roam freely.
  Coyotes kill and eat small dogs and house cats.
  
  
• Be Bear Aware if you live in bear country.
  Nevada’s black bears are primarily found in the Carson front and Tahoe area of Nevada. If you live in bear country, don’t be surprised to see a bear passing by. Maintain a safe distance, and never approach or feed a bear. Use bear-proof garbage containers available through commercial dealers.
  
  
• Seal off entry points to your home.
  This includes crawl spaces, attics, eves, and chimneys. Wildlife may use these points to find a suitable nesting spot within your home. However, be sure not to trap wildlife inside your home.
  
  
• Slow down when you see road kill.
  Many birds of prey, like the rough-legged hawk may not move out of the way from road kill if a car is coming. Slow down to avoid injuries to these birds.
  
  
• Learn to live with and enjoy the wildlife in the area – but from a distance. Binoculars are great ways to keep a safe distance from wildlife and yet enjoy all they have to offer.
  

Specific Situations

The following information provides some steps you may take if confronted with a specific wildlife situation.

"Abandoned" Fawns Like Deer, Antelope, Elk or Bighorn Sheep

Most likely, if you see a fawn by itself, the mother is probably feeding or has been scared off by human presence. It is completely natural for the mother to leave the fawn while it goes to eat. If you leave the area, the mother is almost guaranteed to return and will resume caring for the fawn, however, if you stay in the area, most likely the mother will not return.

Attacks / Dive Bombings by Mockingbirds

Mockingbirds are grayish birds with conspicuous white patches on their wings and tail while in flight. This type of aggressive activity by mockingbirds is seasonal and should last only a couple of weeks. Avoid the nest area as much as possible during that time, or, if that is not possible, carry an open umbrella to protect them while passing nearby.

Baby Bird Falling from a Nest

It is part of the natural process that a certain percentage of baby birds will fall out of their nests and become injured, or not survive. If you wish to assist with an injured bird, place the bird back in the nest if it can be located. Do not take unnecessary personal risks in this process. It is a myth that birds will not continue to care for their young once a human has handled them. If the nest cannot be found, place the bird in a shady place above the ground in hopes that the mother may continue to care for it. Nature will take its course. There are Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators in the area that may assist you.

More on Injured Birds

White Mountain Audubon - Caring for Injured Birds or Wildlife

How to Help an Injured Bird - Advise from WildBirds.org

Orphaned & Injured Birds - Frequently Asked Questions

Bird Injuries

Bears

Please see our Bear Aware section.

Chipmunks, Ground Squirrels, Marmots, or Rabbits

You can try to exclude these small mammals from damaging shrubs and plants by putting up light-weight fencing. Approved repellents like Naphthalen crystals (moth balls or Ro-Pel, may help keep unwanted rodents out of the area. Live traps are available to individuals for "loan" by NDOW, USDA or the Humane Society.

Coyote

View our coyote safety precautions. City limits throughout Nevada are expanding rapidly, and coyotes sightings are more and more common. NDOW does not relocate coyotes that are found in urban areas. If a dangerous situation is identified, NDOW will take appropriate steps as necessary. Do not feed or provide water to a coyote. Keep pet food, and feed pets indoors. Keep garbage cans covered and keep an eye on small pets while outside at night.

Ducks, Geese or other Waterfowl Landing in Pools

Scare the ducks off the pool immediately the first time you encounter them. Don't feed the ducks or other waterfowl. Pool covers are often useful to avoid such problems.

Desert Tortoise

In Northern Nevada, for adoption or lost and found information, call Darlene Pond at (775) 972-8532. In Southern Nevada, contact the Clark County Desert Conservation Program at (702) 383-TORT. For adoptions and care in southern Nevada, call (702) 730-7113.

Mountain Lions

Please see our Mountain Lion Safety section.

Pigeons

In Nevada, pigeons are considered to be an introduced, feral, domestic species, and thus are not considered "wildlife." As such, NDOW will be unable to respond if a pigeon is hurt or injured, or if they are causing a nuisance. If you are concerned for the welfare of a pigeon, you may try to tend to it yourself, or call your local Humane Society.

Raccoons

Raccoons (PDF) Wildlife Damage Management Series Figure

Raccoon Roundworm (PDF)

Raccoons and Rabies (PDF)