Community Guide 2017
Living with Wildlife Neighbors by Megan Isadore and Jean Berensmeier
until the babies are old enough to leave with the moth- er before closing off the entrance to her home. If you must evict a mother and babies consider WildCare’s
Despite being on the edge of Marin’s western urban cor- ridor, the Valley enjoys a wealth of native and non-native wildlife in magnificent, forested lands. Raccoons, skunks, squirrels, deer and birds are seen frequently. Bobcats and mountain lions are seen—but rarely. Coyotes are making a strong comeback and the non-native but wild turkey is frequently seen in large groups in meadows on the Val- ley floor. One of our greatest gifts is the coho salmon and steelhead trout that spawn annually in San Geronimo Creek and its tributaries. Living peaceably with some of these wild neighbors can be a challenge. Most human/wildlife conflicts involve keeping wildlife from dining on and inhabiting our gardens and build- ings. Many wildlife issues can be solved by (1) not feeding ani- mals outside, (2) not leaving water dripping or standing, and (3) closing off entry points to structures. Remember, if you’re leaving out food for one cute raccoon or feral cat you’re ask- ing for trouble. You’ll soon have local wildlife lining up for a handout. If a coyote joins the parade to your food dish—keep in mind they are predators and your pet cat or dog may look like better food prospects. Mountain lions are also called cougars or pumas and live in remote wilderness areas, like the Mt. Tamalpais MMWD property on the other side of San Geronimo ridge or the north end of Devil’s Gulch just below Mt. Barnabe. The problem is cougars wander, are curious and sometimes end up in town or on your favorite trail. If you encounter a mountain lion here are six tips: (1) Don’t run! (2) Give it a chance to leave. (3) Back up slow- ly. (4) Make yourself big by waving your arms or holding your jacket above your head. (5) If you have a small child with you protect them by putting them on your shoulders. (6) If the cougar acts aggressively and approaches or attacks—yell, keep on yelling and fight back. Aim for the eyes and face. Following are a few of the most tried-and-true methods and tips of keeping your home and garden comfortable for you and considerate of our wildlife. • The only method that keeps deer out of your garden permanently is fencing, unless you have time to spray deer repellant every week and after each rain. Try leav- ing a corridor unfenced, so deer can pass by, instead of through, your vegetables and ornamentals. • To protect fruit trees from furred marauders, either cov- er trunks with a 3-foot high smooth material unsuit- able for claw holds, or try hanging sponges soaked in predator scent from branches. • Animals nesting in your house in spring and summer are almost always nursing mothers. Consider waiting
exclusion service (information below), rather than using an old-fashioned pest control company who will trap and kill the offending animal. By law, pest control companies who live trap on your property must either kill the animal or release it on the same property. • Raccoons, skunks, and opossums eat rats and mice! Skunks can clear your garden of slugs in a night! • Yellow jacket wasps seek protein foods for the first part of the summer and sweet foods during the latter part. Eating outdoors can attract them. Avoid swatting at them, as when squashed they emit pheromones that attract and incite other wasps. Cover or remove picnic scraps, drink containers, compost heaps, and fallen fruit. Health issues • Backyard wildlife will not attack you or your pets unless provoked. Clap, stamp, or make other noise before letting your dog into the yard at night, so wildlife will have a chance to scamper. • California rabies vectors are skunks, bats, and foxes. There is very little raccoon rabies in California. Rac- coons sometimes appear “rabid” when sick with canine distemper. Generally, a healthy-looking raccoon out in the daytime is looking for a snack and not in need of help. Note: Wildcare offers a wildlife exclusion service for a fee. 415-453-1000 x 23, and a free online “24-point Do It Yourself Home Inspection Checklist.” (http://wc.convio. net/site/PageServer?pagename=Animal_Emails_24point_ Inspection_January2013)
(Photo by Megan Isadore)
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