While humans may have developed and displaced their natural habitats, wild animals like black bears, foxes, and bobcats still remain outside of the city limits. But that doesn't mean an animal won't find its way into our neighborhoods—it may be on the hunt for food and find garbage cans, open compost, or bird feeders that are abundant and easy to access. So, what should you do if one ambles into your yard?
"If you bump into wildlife from a distance, quietly go in the other direction," says Marlo Perdicas, a biologist for Ohio's Summit County Metro Parks. "In the rare instance of an attack from [bears, bobcats or coyotes], you would want to put up a fight." But your goal is to avoid getting into a confrontation with one of these animals. Instead, you can often scare them away by waving your arms, swinging sticks, or making lots of noise to deter them from approaching, as she suggests. "With wildlife, it's best to take a preventative approach when possible," explains Perdicas. "Always remember to stay on a designated trail, never feed wildlife, and keep your pet on a leash."
Never run away from a black bear—this gives it the cue that you are prey. Bears are known to break into places where they can get food, like grocery stores, and will loiter around in your backyard if there's a source of food readily available. Instead of turning your back on a bear, face it and be as outwardly calm as possible. Try to make yourself look bigger by spreading a coat or your arms very wide. You can also scare off a bear just by showing confidence and making loud noises. In the rare instance that a bear attacks you, fight back (don't play dead). Once the bear leaves, remove that attractants that were in your yard to reduce the risk that the bear will come back.
Lynx, Bobcats, and Cougars
When encountering a wild cat, back away slowly and deliberately from the animal. The more distance between you and the cat, the better. Do not run away as that could trigger the feline's hunting instincts. You can scare it away by spraying water or making noise. Bobcats in particular usually do not attack humans; however, if one does attack you, your best chance of survival is to defend yourself and call for emergency medical care as the animal may have rabies. Call animal control if you spot one prowling in your yard or your neighborhood and stay indoors until the coast is clear.
Coyote
The good thing is that coyotes are generally fearful of humans, but they may be interested in your dog or any food that you have available in your yard. If your children and pets are outdoors with you when you spot a coyote, usher them inside as soon as possible. You can scare coyotes away by making noise from a distance; it will startle them and usually send them running. Carry a noisemaker with you if you live in an area prone to coyote sightings and always make sure to keep your animals leashed and close to you.
Fox
According to the Humane Society, foxes are not much to worry about (unless it is clearly rabid) if you happen to see them in your neighborhood. These sly animals are afraid of humans and will usually steer clear of you. You may need to begin better securing your fruit garden or backyard chicken coop to keep the foxes from scavenging or hunting on your property. Loud noises and water sprays, though, can make a fox leave you alone if one decides to get too close.
to report the issue, and they will advise you on the best course of action. Additionally, attempting to rehabilitate a wild animal without the proper license may get you into legal trouble.
Maintain your distance. The majority of wild animals will not attack unless provoked or threatened in some way. Avoid approaching or petting the animal, and give it plenty of space to avoid an attack or aggressive behavior. Never feed wild animals and dispose of all waste properly.
If the animal displays aggressive behavior, shout, wave your arms and throw rocks. If the cougar attacks, stay on your feet. If you go down, you're in trouble. Fight back aggressively with anything you can get your hands on (knife, club, backpack, rocks, etc.)
Stay a safe distance from wild animals. If an animal changes its behavior, you're too close. Don't pet or feed wildlife (feeding songbirds in your backyard is okay), even if they come close to you. Slowly back away if a wild animal approaches you, even if it seems friendly.
Essential oils of lavender, mint, pyrethrum, geranium and paste of garlic can be sprinkled or sprayed around plant bases to keep problem animals at bay. Planting Geranium, rue, basil, sage, pyrethrum, garlic and onions near doorways can discourage insects and rodents from entering the house.
A basic tenet of attracting wildlife is diversity. Maximize the number of plant species in your yard. Favor a mixture of plants with varying timing of blooms and fruit, height and structure. Intersperse wildlife-friendly trees with other habitat components like shrubs, wildflowers, vines and water sources.
There is evidence that some species can recognize individual humans. For example, northern mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) become more inclined to mob people who have disturbed their nests [15], while feral pigeons (Columba livia) preferentially approach people who provide food rewards [16].
Disease Transmitted from Animals to Humans. A zoonosis (zoonotic disease or zoonoses -plural) is an infectious disease that is transmitted between species from animals to humans (or from humans to animals).
(1) A person is legally justified in killing or seriously injuring a threatening wild animal when the person reasonably believes such action is necessary to protect them self, another person, or a domestic animal against an imminent attack by the wild animal that will likely result in severe bodily injury or death to ...
Wild animals enjoy few legal protections under either state or local laws. At both the state and federal level, the key laws protecting wildlife are those governing when and where hunting is permitted. Some states have also begun to prosecute people who commit acts of cruelty against wild animals.
Make yourself look as big and intimidating as possible, and make eye contact. You can hold your hands over your head, spread your coat, and use big sticks. Be loud, throw rocks and other objects, and show it you're not going to retreat without a fight.
Sometimes wildlife can get sick with diseases that are dangerous (sometimes even deadly) to humans. Illnesses that humans can get from wildlife include rabies, plague, and Lyme disease. People can catch these diseases from the droppings of infected animals, by touching or feeding wildlife, or by getting bitten.
If approached, stay calm, avoid eye contact and absolutely do not run away. Back away slowly, but if unable, stay still and wait. In the event of an attack, do not run or turn your back. Hold your ground, make lots of noise and even make intentional movements toward the charging cat to frighten it.
If approached by an elk, visitors should slowly back away to put distance between the animal and themselves creating space for the animal to pass. If elk are near the roadways, remain in or next to your vehicle at a safe distance from the animal.
Introduction: My name is Jeremiah Abshire, I am a outstanding, kind, clever, hilarious, curious, hilarious, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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