Solutions for Wildlife Conflicts

Wildlife is a vital part of the Colorado ecosystem and to the health and well being of our lives. Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center encourages everyone to become environmentally responsible and appreciate the diversity of life that Colorado offers. Part of environmental responsibility is the appreciation of wildlife and the understanding that, at times, conflicts with wildlife are bound to occur. Environmental responsibility and appreciation for the diversity of life demands humane, effective solutions to conflicts with wildlife. Here are some compassionate actions you can take:

Education and tolerance. Learn more about the animals that live in your area. You may discover that what you consider a “nuisance” is an animal that provides an essential element to a healthy environment.

Change human behavior. It will be easier for you to change than to get an animal to change. For example, to discourage "garbage raiding" by raccoons or other animals, place your trash cans at the curb on the day of pick-up rather than the night before. Store cans inside a shed or garage in between pick-ups.

Change the environment. Make your home or yard less attractive to the animals you don't want there. Landscaping choices and habitat modification can encourage or discourage certain species. Deter snakes, skunks, or other animals by removing potential hiding places, such as rock and wood piles or storage sheds with space under the floor.

Keep them out. Cut off access to the places where animals enter buildings—cap chimneys and seal holes, for example. Close off potential den sites under decks, porches, steps, and crawl spaces. Fence vulnerable gardens and trees or use netting to exclude birds and other animals from plants.

Humane eviction solutions. Use devices that flash, move, make noise, or spray water to scare animals away. Chemical repellents labeled for the species you want to discourage can scare animals with their scents or make potential food unpalatable. Trapping a wild animal can often cause more trouble for you and can be dangerous for the animal. If you have tried all humane ways of removing wildlife, please call Urban Wildlife Rescue at (303) 340-4911 for assistance. Visit them online at www.UrbanWildlifeRescue.org.

Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center does NOT endorse or support wildlife trappers and extermination specialists in Colorado.

If you have questions about wildlife in your area please contact us.