Have you spotted any wildlife in your area? What’s your strangest experience with a wild animal in your city?
I’m sure many of you feel the same, but I’m enthusiastic about welcoming more wildlife into our gardens and communities! Unless you happen to be in bear territory, adding more biodiversity to our lives can brighten things up. Just the other day, I found myself at a bustling intersection, feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything on my mind. Then, I spotted a delightful woodpecker in the tree, and it instantly lifted my spirits.
Urban areas are continually expanding, so it is no surprise that encounters with wildlife have become increasingly common, even in larger cities. Coexisting with nature and creating ecosystems that include both humans and animals are transforming the landscape of modern cities into healthier, more vibrant environments that benefit both residents and the natural world.
You may not realize it, but wildlife plays a crucial role in adapting our cities to the constant environmental changes. Birds, bats, and insects can help maintain healthy green spaces by supporting pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal.
Additionally, experiencing wildlife offers residents an essential link to nature, which boosts mental well-being and helps ease everyday stress. People with access to natural spaces are often inspired to enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and birdwatching, leading to a healthier and more active lifestyle.
While all of this is wonderful, there are essential guidelines to follow when interacting with nature to ensure safety, protect wildlife, and sustain a healthy ecosystem. The key principle is to respect nature and its habitats. Try not to interfere and observe their beauty from a safe distance. Here are some practical ways to live in harmony with typical urban wildlife:
Coexisting with bird
Each year, countless birds collide with windows because the glass mirrors the surrounding plants or the sky, creating an illusion of a safe flight path. What can we do to avoid this?
To avoid bird collisions with windows, apply dense, high-contrast markings, including decals, stickers, or tape, that cover the full glass surface. Make sure there are no gaps wider than 2 inches. Each marking should be at least 1/4 inch thick to ensure maximum visibility.
External screens or netting can enhance window visibility and soften the impact of birds colliding with the glass. To be effective, these screens must be installed at least three inches from the window.
Awnings and shutters help reduce reflections and offer visual cues for our feathered friends. Planting some native vegetation close to our windows can also make a big difference. A thoughtfully placed shrub or tree encourages birds to flutter instead of heading straight for the glass.
Position bird feeders and baths near the window to minimize the risk of birds flying into it. Remember to clean them every two weeks.
Coexisting with raccoons
These intelligent creatures are often drawn to urban areas in search of food and shelter. Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids, or choose raccoon-proof bins to keep those mischievous raccoons away. Avoid leaving garbage bags outside overnight. Wait until the morning of collection to put out the garbage. Don’t forget to ensure your compost bins are secured, as they are a favorite for raccoons.
After meals, tidy up pet food dishes, clear any fallen fruits from trees, and make sure bird feeders are constructed to keep out larger animals. If you have bird feeders, consider positioning them in spots that are harder for raccoons to reach.
Create barriers to discourage raccoons from entering your garden or property. Make sure your faces are at least 3 feet high and have a deep foundation to prevent them from digging holes. Check and seal possible entry points, and watch out if you have a pet door. These cute animals are resourceful and will try different methods to get into your home.
Natural deterrents are an excellent method to deter raccoons. Applying vinegar to specific areas or opting for commercial raccoon repellents can significantly make your property less appealing to them. Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also startle them.
Living in peace with squirrels
Having squirrels in your neighborhood can be a rewarding experience. But sometimes, these tiny creatures can get in trouble, especially if they are used to receiving food from humans. To harmoniously coexist with squirrels, it is important to respect their natural behaviors and try not to interfere too much.
Squirrels thrive in an environment filled with trees and shrubs that provide shelter and good food sources. It is a good idea to plant oak, hickory, walnut, pecan, elm, maple, and mulberry trees. This will provide plenty of food without encouraging dependency on humans.
If you still want to give the squirrels a snack from time to time, place feeding stations with safe foods like unsalted nuts, seeds, and corn. Hopefully, this will keep them away from the bird feeders.
With their curious nature, squirrels can be quite a handful—especially if you love your garden. If you’d like to keep specific areas safe, consider installing barriers like fences or netting to help protect those vulnerable spots.
Living alongside foxes and coyotes
Foxes and coyotes are becoming more common in urban areas. These animals contribute to local ecosystems by controlling rodent populations and maintaining biodiversity. However, to live among them, you should take some safety precautions.
It is advisable to keep pets indoors whenever possible and to supervise them while they are outdoors, especially at night. Additionally, ensure that any outdoor enclosures are adequately secured. If you have concerns about your dog’s safety outdoors, consider using spiky vests designed to protect against predators like coyotes.
Make sure your trash cans are tightly sealed, and try not to leave pet food outside, as this can attract curious foxes and coyotes. Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers is a good way to scare these predators from your garden.
If you see a coyote, remain calm, keep a safe distance, hold your dog tightly, and slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. Please do not run, as this might provoke them to chase you. If the coyote stays close, make yourself look bigger by raising your arms and yelling or clapping forcefully.
General Urban Wildlife Conservation Tips
Wildlife can look a little different depending on the area where you live. Here is a list of general rules that apply to most wildlife we encounter in cities:
Honor wildlife boundaries: Watch animals from a secure distance and refrain from feeding them to avoid fostering dependency. If you encounter a dangerous animal, try to keep a safe distance, slowly back away, and contact the local authorities.
Pet management: Keep pets indoors and try to supervise them when they go outside. Consider putting a bell on your cat, as it can threaten birds and small mammals.
Habitat Creation: Why not transform your garden into a welcoming haven for wildlife? By using native plants, you can offer not only food and shelter but also a vibrant space for birds and bats to thrive. Consider adding birdhouses, bat boxes, and pollinator gardens to make your outdoor area a little paradise for the local wildlife.
Limit chemical use: Cut back on pesticides and herbicides to safeguard local wildlife.
Encourage green infrastructure: Advocate for the development of green roofs, wildlife corridors, and additional green spaces in cities.
If you’re passionate about wildlife and want to discover the best spots to see it, here are the 5 Best Places for Wildlife Spotting in America.
