Keep your cats indoors, obey leash laws, and have all of your pets spayed or neutered. Animals bitten by cats require immediate treatment.
Try to minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides in your yard and find natural solutions.
Plant wildlife-friendly plants. A few wildlife-friendly resources:
When safe, leave dead trees (snags) for wildlife. Many animals rely on tree holes for nesting and raising young. Consult a licensed arborist for guidance on tree safety.
If trees must be cut down, check to ensure that animals aren't nesting there and are safely removed by a qualified wildlife removal company first.
Advocate for land conservation and assistance to wildlife and organizations that help wildlife. Habitat loss negatively impacts wildlife and creates more opportunities for wildlife/human conflicts.
Educate children to value wildlife, pets, and the environment.
Do not try to make pets from orphaned wildlife! They are cute, but as they grow, their behaviors change and they become unsuitable as pets. Call a wildlife rescue or rehabilitation center in your area so the animal can be properly rehabilitated and returned to the wild.
Do not buy birds captured from the wild sold as pets. Many are later euthanized,
abandoned, or surrendered to shelters because they are difficult to care for.
Make sure you are ready for the commitment of a pet BEFORE adopting. Some species of birds can live for up to 70 years.
Don't litter! Pick up trash and be mindful when throwing things away. Trash can be lethal to wildlife.
Some Tips:
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Animals are attracted to the food residue or salt in plastic containers, and frequently get their heads stuck, causing starvation. Wash and dispose of or recycle plastic containers with lids on when possible.
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Take a moment to rinse and step on cans to crush them before throwing them away or recycling them. Cans often get stuck on animal's heads too, and crushing takes up less space.
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When buying six-packs, cut up the six-pack plastic holders. Animals frequently get tangled up in them.
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Before disposing of plastic grocery bags, cut the handles and the bag to minimize danger of animals becoming entangled in them.
Keep bird feeders and birdbaths clean. Bird feeders should be cleaned every three weeks and hummingbird feeders should be cleaned every 3 days during hot months. Use diluted bleach or white vinegar and rinse thoroughly before refilling. Keeping feeders and baths clean minimizes risk of disease and fungus transmission.
