{"id":3304,"date":"2019-06-11T16:25:44","date_gmt":"2019-06-11T16:25:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=3304"},"modified":"2019-06-11T16:25:44","modified_gmt":"2019-06-11T16:25:44","slug":"pets-and-wildlife","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/pets-and-wildlife\/","title":{"rendered":"Pets and Wildlife"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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After a long winter cooped up indoors, summer means it\u2019s time to get outside with our pets in the backyard, at nearby parks, and on hiking trails. But summer is also the season for baby birds, bunnies, fox kits, coyote pups, and other young wildlife who often have protective parents nearby. Our pets encounter wildlife during the summer more often than any other season. Unfortunately, not all pet-wildlife encounters end well \u2014 for your furry companion or the wild animal. To help protect your pets and local wildlife from each other, here are some safety precautions to take:<\/p>\n

1. Know which wild animal species inhabit your area.<\/b><\/p>\n

You may be surprised to learn how many different animals we share our communities with, especially those who live outside the rural area. Beyond squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks and songbirds, our cities and suburbs are home to woodchucks, raccoons, skunks, opossums, coyotes, foxes, wild turkeys, eagles, and many others. Homeowners should know what types of wildlife may be nearby and take appropriate steps to \u201canimal-proof\u201d the yard. It\u2019s also important to learn what to do in the event you and your pet encounter wildlife while out and about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Always keep your dog on a leash<\/b> (unless they are\u00a0in a fenced yard or at an off-leash dog park).<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s tempting to let your dog run free while hiking, even a well-trained dog may not be able to resist chasing after a rabbit, squirrel, or deer. They also could encounter a potentially more dangerous animal such as a coyote or raccoon, and if your dog chases after one of these animals, it could escalate the encounter into an attack. Your dog may injure or be injured by a wild animal, and even if there isn\u2019t a direct encounter, they could damage a nest or den that results in young animals being abandoned. Keeping your dog on a leash will not only protect wildlife but will also ensure your dog\u2019s safety in the event of a wildlife encounter.<\/p>\n

3. Keep your cat indoors<\/b><\/p>\n

Many cats have a strong prey drive and, as a result, are a threat to songbirds, rabbits, chipmunks, and other small mammals. But while we tend to think of cats as predators, they\u2019re also prey for some larger species including coyotes, foxes, and even raptors. Small pets such as cats and small dogs are a major food source for urban and suburban coyotes. They see no difference between your beloved pet and a wild rabbit. Your cats aren\u2019t safe outdoors! Keep them inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Limit chances for encounters with wildlife at your home.<\/b><\/p>\n

The best approach to limiting chances for encounters between wildlife and your pets at home is to limit food sources in your yard. Wildlife will naturally be attracted to places where there is food for them. Consider these precautions:<\/p>\n