This weekend kicks off gardening, picnicking and barbequing season. That usually means the beginning of a battle between humans and their wild neighbors. While skunk, raccoons, squirrels, coyotes, bears and other critters are challenged by residential development taking over their natural habitats, they do get rather excited about warm weather perks from humans. Unfortunately, most people are not happy when wildlife come knocking at their door or their picnic table and their approach to the conflict is often counterproductive and inhumane.

According to John Hadidian, wildlife biologist and director of urban wildlife programs for The Humane Society of the United States, “Instead of viewing wildlife as nuisances that must be ‘removed,’ people can make some simple adjustments around their home and garden now that will prevent conflicts this summer. Humans and wildlife can co-exist easily if people are willing to take a few pro-active and preventative measures.”

The HSUS offers this advice for avoiding wildlife conflict this season:

• Waste management: Garbage “raiding” is the leading attraction for wildlife large and small, and the summer brings a feast for animals. The best way to safely keep wildlife out of your yard is to better manage your trash. Store cans inside a shed or garage in-between pick-ups and secure lids with bungee cords or use a twist-on lid. Place cans at the curb on the day of trash collection, not the night before.

• Remove temptation: Besides easily-tipped trash cans, there may be other food sources luring wildlife to your door. Make your yard unattractive to hungry raccoons, coyotes, bears, and others by removing bird feeders during the summer, feeding pets indoors, and keeping barbecue grills clean. Even non-food products such as candles, sunscreen and insect repellent may attract some animals, so keep those items indoors when not in use.

• No hiding: Remove potential hiding spots such as rock and wood piles, and seal off access to areas under decks and storage sheds. Be sure to cut off access to attics by sealing potential entry holes. Pay particular attention to screening on attic ventilation - the insect screens typically installed in these areas are easily penetrated by wild animals.

• A little fear: Safely scare wildlife away with devices that move, make noise or spray water. Try hanging aluminum pans and foil, Mylar party balloons, or plastic streamers.

• Clear the roof: Trim branches away from your house to limit access for climbing wildlife and be sure to keep the foundation of your home clear of debris. Check all limbs for bird and squirrel nests before trimming.

• Lawn patrol: Always walk over lawns before mowing to check for wildlife, especially turtles and nests of baby rabbits. Turtles may be gently moved, but baby rabbits should be left alone so that the mother can find her babies when she returns to feed them.

• Window safety: Keep birds from hitting windows by placing plants or other visuals inside or dangling strips of reflective tape or foil from the top of the glass outside the window.

• Flue season: An uncapped chimney is an open invitation to raccoons or squirrels looking for a snug place to raise their young. Install an appropriate chimney cap after inspecting the flue to make sure no animals are nesting inside.

The HSUS Wild Neighbors Program promotes non-lethal means for resolving conflicts between people and wildlife and cultivates understanding and appreciation for wild animals commonly found in cities and towns. On the web at www.wildneighbors.org.

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