When you invite wildlife to your backyard, you may occasionally
invite a few undesirables that overstay their welcome. It is
important to remember that wildlife do not intentionally try to
annoy people, and many times, nuisance animals have been taught
their “bad manners” by people.
Feeding wildlife is not illegal in Maryland, unless you are baiting
certain game species while hunting (see Maryland Hunting and
Trapping Guide for regulations). Putting out bird feeders rarely
causes wildlife conflicts. Bird feeders should be regularly cleaned
and maintained to prevent the possible spread of disease as well as
to continue enticing your feathery patrons. However, mammals such as
bears, deer, raccoons and squirrels may frequent your feeder and
cause problems.
Bear-essentials
If you live in a rural area, particularly in western Maryland, then
there is a good chance you have a black bear or two as neighbors.
Generally, black bears are shy and avoid people. However, black
bears are also opportunists and rarely pass up the prospect of a
free and easy meal. During the spring and summer, it is best to
remove bird feeders of all types. Generally, many birds have
sufficient food supply during this time. If you would like to place
food out for the birds, then do so away from your home and try to
bring feeders and food inside during the evenings. Feeders and suet
can be left outside during the winter when bears are hibernating and
birds have the fewest food resources. Do not feed bears as they can
easily become nuisance animals when they associate people with food.
Deer
Much like bears, it is not advisable to feed deer. Feeding deer,
even during the winter, can actually be worse for the deer than
having limited natural food resources. One of the problems with
feeding deer is due to the makeup of their digestive tract. Deer use
beneficial bacterial to digest their food and rapid diet changes can
disrupt these bacteria and the deer’s ability to digest its food
properly.
To prevent deer from frequenting your bird feeder, take your feeders
in at dusk and replace them in the morning. Another option would be
to place your feeder up high or placing large-mesh fencing around it
to allow birds in but to keep deer out. Spraying deer repellent
around your feeder and yard can also provide temporary relief from
visiting deer, however, be careful not to use repellants with pepper
in them because they can have a negative effect on birds. Flood
lights, noisemakers, sprays and/or deer resistant plants can also
make a backyard less inviting for a hoofed mammal.
Raccoon raiders
Raccoons, much like bears, are opportunists and are very clever!
Raccoons are responsible for most of the human-wildlife conflicts in
Maryland and, in 2010, were accountable for over 60% of the rabies
cases in the state. Raccoons also won’t pass up a free meal from a
bird feeder, so if you see one visiting your feeder then take the
feeder down for at least a week. If you want to keep your feeders
up, then place them on thin cast iron poles (no greater than 1/2
inch thick). These types of poles are difficult for raccoons to
climb, but do make sure the pole is secure in the ground so a
rambunctious raccoon doesn’t tip it over. Another alternative would
be to hang your feeder on a thin wire strung between two trees. This
method will deter raccoons, but squirrels can sometimes walk the
wires and access your feeder. Much like bears, feeding raccoons is
discouraged, especially given the high percentage of rabies cases
from raccoons.
Squirrely ninjas
Squirrels are akin to ninjas as they are cunning and nimble
creatures. Squirrels also are very persistent! Squirrels can be
quite entertaining to watch and to feed. There are several squirrel
feeders available for sale that encourage all sorts of squirrel
antics in order for them to grab a meal. However, not everyone
appreciates the presence of squirrels. To prevent squirrels from
going after your feeder, then place the feeder well away from trees,
fences or wires. If you have to hang your feeder on wire between
trees, then attach two-foot sections of lightweight 2 to 3 inch
diameter plastic pipe. Slit the pipe lengthwise and put it over the
wire. It will rotate on the wire, causing the traveling squirrel to
fall. Another method is to purchase feeders designed to baffle
squirrels. Or mount your feeder on a PVC pipe which is difficult for
squirrels to climb. A final method is just to accept squirrels and
offer them a low platform with cracked corn. Squirrels often will
opt for the easiest food source, and cracked corn is much more
desirable to them than bird seed in a feeder.
Other Ways to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflicts
- Never leave pet food outside, unattended
- Seal all cracks and crevices that may be used by animals to enter
your home. Any size opening can be used by wildlife to enter. If a
crack is too small for a mouse or squirrel, it can often be made
wider with a little application of rodent teeth! Be sure the animals
have left before you seal their exits.
- Screen your chimney and all outside vents in your home. Use ¼”
size hardware cloth, not window screens.
- Stack firewood away from your home. Stacked firewood is a favorite
hiding place for mice and snakes.
- Fence off small vegetable gardens with chicken wire buried about
five inches below ground and extending to about two feet above
ground. This will help prevent invasion by rabbits and woodchucks.
- Secure all garbage cans. Do not simply leave a lid on the can.
Devise a latch or buy garbage cans with latches - the more difficult
to open, the better. Secure your garbage cans to a railing so that
they are difficult to tip over.
- Screen all basement window wells so that small animals do not get
trapped inside of them. Also, screen off the small spaces that
sometimes exist between first floor porches and the ground. Skunks,
snakes, groundhogs and other animals find these spaces attractive
homes.
- Keep bird feeders and feeding areas clean. If you ever see rats
eating left over seeds, then immediately stop putting out bird feed.
The birds will adjust; for your sake and for the sake of your
neighbors, you need to discourage the rats.
- If a cardinal or other bird is beating itself against one of your
windows or a car mirror, you will need to cover the glass so that
the bird can no longer see its reflection. This should discourage
the offender.
Need More Information? Call 1 (877) 463-6497
There are as many potential wildlife situations that can occur in
your backyard or home, as there are species of animals in the world!
This sheet is meant to provide very general information to you about
preventing wildlife conflicts and its focus is on the typical
suburban backyard.
However, these tips can work in any type of area.
It is not possible to predict any animal’s behavior, so wildlife
conflicts that occur are best handled when they arise. If you find
yourself in conflict with one of your wildlife visitors, you should
call the Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 1-877-463-6497.
An operator there will help you with any particular problem which
may arise. If they can not immediately help you, then they will let
you know whom to contact. The Hotline is available Monday through
Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Don’t let potential wildlife conflicts discourage you from providing
wildlife habitat in your backyard. Most wildlife/human conflicts are
not dangerous to either party and only need a cool head and some
basic information to solve. Use these tips to help avoid potential
conflicts and call the experts if you do have a problem. In most
cases, you’ll be able to solve the problem yourself!
Invite Wildlife to Your Backyard!
For Additional Information, Contact:
Kerry Wixted
Wildlife and Heritage Service
580 Taylor Ave, E-1
Annapolis, MD 21401
kerry.wixted@maryland.gov
Phone: 410-260-8566
Fax: 410-260-8596
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