Sharing Space with Wildlife

Some advice from the MSPCA:  (Check their website www.livingwithwildlife.org for accurate, thorough information on city wildlife, including how to recognize wildlife by their tracks and scat):

  • Enjoy wildlife from a distance. Never handle or attempt to pet or feed wildlife.
  • Even though young wild animals seem more approachable than adults, do not touch or approach a young wild animal, as your scent will often deter a parent from returning or accepting their offspring and may attract predators.
  • In the springtime, concerned people often think young animals left alone are orphaned--but actually it is quite common for the young of many mammals and birds to be temporarily left by their parents while the parents are out foraging. If you find a young wild animal that does not appear to be injured, it’s best to watch from a safe distance until its parent returns, which could take several hours.
  • Birds do not have scent glands, so touching a baby bird will not orphan the bird. But remember - it still may attract predators. Only return a baby bird to its nest if the baby bird is in a dangerous situation. Otherwise, watch the baby bird from a safe distance and remember - part of learning to fly comes with being on the ground!
  • Remember that most wild animals are more afraid of us than we are of them. If a wild animal does try to intimidate or approach you, yelling or making a loud noise will usually scare them away.
  • An injured or sick animal can be very dangerous--even an animal that is usually gentle in disposition can act differently when in pain. So do not approach a sick/injured animal or try to move it. Instead, report any injured or sick wild animals you see to Animal Control (635-5348) and wait from a safe distance until the authorities arrive to help.
  • Spring and fall are the busiest times for wildlife, as many animals are actively foraging for food and shelter. During these seasons, animals are on the move, so it is important to drive with caution in and around the park.
  • Keep your backyard trash securely covered and try to only put your trash out the morning of trash collection, rather than the night before, so that wildlife will not venture out of the park seeking out your free hand-outs.
  • Supervise your dog in the park at all times. Make sure any dogs you bring into the park are up to date on vaccinations.