Are you dealing with a wild animal causing conflict in your area? You’ve come to the right place!
WILDNorth recommends peaceful coexistence first and foremost. However, if that is not an option, deterrents, exclusion methods, and the removal of attractants are preferred over relocation.
**Note, please always check for babies if something has started to den on your property BEFORE implementing any deterrents.
Why are wild animals living in an urban environment?
Mammals like Striped Skunks, North American Porcupines, and Coyotes now have no choice but to live in urban environments alongside humans. As neighborhoods expand into previously natural areas, wildlife habitat is removed, forcing animals to adapt to life in cities. These animals can’t simply move farther out of town, those areas are already occupied by members of the same species or by predators. Additionally, did you know that animals, like Striped Skunks, play an important role in the local ecosystem? Striped Skunks even eat common “nuisance” species such as wasps, mice, and dandelions!
Why is relocation not a sustainable or humane solution?
While relocation might seem like a humane solution, it often isn’t. Being relocated is extremely stressful for wild animals and frequently leads to their death. Once moved, the animal must find new food and water sources and face competition from existing wildlife or predators in unfamiliar territory. Furthermore, relocation won’t solve your problem. Multiple studies have shown that when one wild animal is relocated, more individuals of the same species often move in to fill the vacant territory. So, not only is relocation harmful to the original animal, but it can actually exacerbate the original issue. In addition, during the spring, WILDNorth is often overwhelmed with intakes of “orphaned” babies, especially Striped Skunks, whose mothers were relocated, leaving the young unable to survive on their own.
Peaceful coexistence is not an option for me, how do I utilize humane deterrents instead?
Follow these links to view our recommended species specific humane deterrents:
How to Safely and Humanely Deter Skunks
How to Safely and Humanely Deter North American Porcupines
How to Safely and Humanely Deter Birds
We recognize that this is a lot to consider, but these creatures are making these decisions for a reason, and it is much more humane to have them choose to move on rather than trapping and relocating them.
If you need more advice on deterrents and exclusion, please call the Wildlife Helpline and speak to an advisor (780-914-4118).