|
Humans are fascinated with wildlife. We hang out birdfeeders, take
children to the zoo - even drive long distances to catch a glimpse of a
strutting prairie chicken or a bugling elk. Yet, though most
Coloradoans would enjoy watching a red fox run along a creek bank,
they'd be aghast to discover a skunk burrowing under their backyard
deck.
With more people moving to rural and mountain areas, and city dwellers
demanding more open space, urban trails, greenbelts, and wildlife
sanctuaries, we're interfacing with wild animals more than ever. What
happens when wildlife and humans live in close proximity? Will there
be conflict or harmony?
The answer depends upon the individual or community tolerance for wild
animals and the quality of the habitat in the area. People's attitudes
and past experiences vary considerably. Some, like the storybook
character, Dr. Doolittle, like to "speak and squeak and squawk with the
animals." They value the preservation and expansion of natural areas.
They enjoy wildlife nearby, and tolerate moderate to extensive
interaction with wild animals. This works if their neighbors share
similar values. But, more often than not, the wildlife enthusiast lives
near someone who wouldn't care if every wild animal within a five-mile
radius were exterminated! Interpersonal conflicts arise when one
neighbor, by providing food, shelter and nesting sites, invites animals
into their yard, while neighbors on the other side of the fence are
figuring ways to keep them out.
Wildlife and people can dwell harmoniously when animals feel safe from
human threat, and if the animals are not causing property damage or
public health concerns. When this balance is upset due to loss of
suitable habitat, disease, or intolerable damage from critters,
conflicts emerge and people seek solutions.
Happily, solutions do exist, but options often are limited. For
example, one can't just trap or shoot woodpeckers that are drilling
holes in the house, because federal law protects these birds. But, you
can use scare tactics or exclude them from an area via screening
devices, noisemakers or repellents.
One key to managing conflict is a thorough knowledge of wildlife
biology, behavior and habitats. The more you understand the habits of
the raccoon, squirrel or woodpecker, the better able you are to avoid a
problem. For instance, if you know that raccoons give birth in early
spring, and your fireplace chimney is an attractive nesting site, you
may be motivated to install a chimney cap this November, rather than
having to call a professional to remove the coons next April when your
family starts noticing the new and noisy family you've acquired.
For more suggestions, fact sheets and helpful answers to dozens of
wildlife questions, visit www.coopext.colostate.edu/wildlife/. You'll
find in-depth research-based analysis of numerous species, tips and
advice for living with wildlife, ideas for altering habitats to avoid
conflict, strategies for resolving issues, and lists of vendors who can
help if a problem develops.
|
