Conservation Corner

Managing The Guests

Thu, January 26, 2012

Perhaps you may have attempted to provide habitat that invites wildlife close to your home only to discover that you have been unintentionally feeding creatures that you really don’t want so close to your house.

What to do when the wrong species shows up hungry is the subject of an article, “Uninvited Dinner Guests,” written by Joe McFarland in the February 2004 issue of Outdoor Life, published by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

When you put food out to attract songbirds, you need to remember the fact that “opportunistic wildlife doesn’t weigh intentions when it comes to snatching an easy meal.”  The simple act of feeding birds often attracts unintended freeloaders. Greedy squirrels, although fascinating to watch, can consume more than their share. McFarland suggests that “a sprinkle of red pepper in the bird seed truly works to deter squirrels. Birds don’t notice the taste, yet squirrels can’t stand it.”

Squirrels are good at finding a way into your attic if trees are very close to your house.  I can remember Kurtis breaking out in laughter when his sister called telling him that there was a squirrel in our house.  Seems Kole had forgotten to close the door after letting the dog in downstairs.  Keely had an adventure getting that squirrel out of the house being home alone.  She had been wondering why the dog was barking up a fit downstairs that day.

About raccoons, masked bandits of the night with their brawn and safe-cracking skills, McFarland suggests that you “try switching to safflower seed instead of sunflower seeds.  Birds still flock to safflower seeds but raccoons don’t care much for it.” Grounded wildlife like to eat the scattered seed around the birdfeeder. Be aware that, if mice are attracted, they in turn can attract snakes. Just as you appreciate the shelter and shade provided by trees and bushes close to the house, animals and insects appreciate these benefits also.

Perhaps you are fascinated by any kind of wildlife and seek to attract more than songbirds onto your property or onto your deck. This may give you viewing pleasure but can make potential problems. IDNR Biologist, Bob Bluett, points out that food put out to attract wildlife may bring unwanted visitors, such as coyotes who may eat a neighbor’s pet terrier in addition to the dog food set out on the porch.  Or maybe you do want that constantly barking pet terrier gone.  Is that why you are trying to attract the coyotes?

Intentionally feeding wildlife, other than birds, has other problems. Deer, rabbits, and squirrels attracted to your property can destroy plants in the name of fine dining. Be suspicious when a wild animal becomes too friendly – this may indicate that the animal is not healthy.

“Don’t forget that any food source – even if you don’t call it food – might attract uninvited dinner guests,” reminds McFarland. “Compost piles, a bag of grass seed in the shed, the old steak bones around your dog house…anything a creature in the wild might enjoy in the woods is also fair game in your backyard.”

Feeding wildlife and providing habitat is a good thing. However, be sure to manage your guest list carefully.

Information is adapted from an article by the Della Moen Earth Team Volunteer, NRCS/Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation.

Comments