There is more wildlife in the suburbs than in woodlands because the suburbs provide more food and can sustain a higher population. Lawns and bushes make "edge" habitat, with lots of places to hide and food to eat.
 PROBLEM: Wild animals coming too close to people and begging for food
WHY: When people feed wild animals, they lose their fear of people and expect handouts from everyone they meet. Wellesley imposes a fine up to $200 for feeding any wildlife except birds.
PROBLEM: Wild animals getting into trashcans, pet food or birdfeeders
WHY: Food is being provided unintentionally
SOLUTION: Secure trash in raccoon-proof containers. If you must put it out for collection, put ammonia, bleach or red pepper on the bag in the evening to deter animals at night. Don't feed pets outside. Don't leave snacks or leftovers on the picnic table or the barbecue grill.
Don't feed birds in the summertime. Animals are attracted to the spilled feed, and the birds should be eating bugs to help control pests in your garden. Plant fruit trees and berry bushes far enough from the house to let you watch the wildlife at a safe distance.
PROBLEM: Animals digging up lawns and gardens
WHY: Squirrels will probe for bulbs and nuts in early spring. This rarely does much permanent damage. Later in the season, raccoons and skunks may hunt for grubs. The grubs will kill the grass by eating the roots, so the problem should be treated. The biological treatment, Milky Spore disease, kills grubs and lasts several years in the soil. It helps to control Japanese beetles too.
PROBLEM: Animals living in the chimney, attic or garage
WHY: People cut down hollow trees and eliminate natural shelter for wild animals, so they move into attics, garages, toolsheds, and under decks.
To screen out wildlife, dig a trench and sink wire around toolsheds, etc. If you can't sink it, bend it outward 12" so it lies flat on the ground to prevent wildlife from digging under it. Leave one opening unsealed and staple or tape cardboard over the opening. You can place ammonia soaked rags at the entrance as an odor deterrent. (Never use mothballs/flakes outside!) You may have to replace this a few times, but once it is undisturbed for 24-48 hours, you can complete sealing the opening since the animals will have left. You can do this in attics and other areas too.
Lock sliding doors and keep garage doors closed. Put a latch on any doors that don't close securely.
It is illegal to trap and relocate wildlife. This is how the rabies epidemic started spreading up the East coast. Studies show that few animals survive relocation because they have to fight with resident animals for territory, food and shelter. After you have made repairs to keep them out, trapped animals must be released at
the site of capture or you must have them destroyed humanely.
Trapping and killing animals does not solve the problem. Instead, eliminate whatever is attracting the animals. Destroying an animal only leaves his territory open for another animal to move in.
If an animal appears sick, call Animal Control so it can be removed safely and be evaluated by a wildlife veterinarian.
If you think a young animal such as a deer, fox or raccoon may be orphaned, wait 24 hours. Leave it there even if someone has touched it. It is an old wive's tale that the mother will not take her young back after humans have handled it. Maternal instinct is strong. The mother may be nearby, so stay away. Keep the cat indoors. If after 24 hours the baby is still there and appears hungry or cold, call Animal Control. We have the equipment necessary to handle wildlife safely.
The same rules go for fledgling birds. If a baby bird still lacks flight feathers, put it back in the nest or make a nest by punching holes in the bottom of a Cool Whip container and filling it with dry grass.
 For baby bunnies, just cover them with grass and leave them strictly alone. The mother feeds them twice a day, in early morning and evening, but is easily frightened away.
Except for mothers defending their young, wild animals rarely attack. They will fight if cornered, so always leave them a clear escape route.
Rabies has moved into Massachusetts. There are things we can do now to prevent its contact with people. If we feed pets inside, vaccinate our dogs and cats, keep wildlife dens away from houses, and remember not to touch wild animals or stray dogs and cats, human-pet-wildlife contact will be reduced.
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