Urban Wildlife and You!

We receive vector related requests for service (RFS) from the public daily, and rodents are the most common reason for a RFS, followed by wildlife, but every year is different depending on the weather. In 2017, we received 1,926 requests for service (RFS) relating to wildlife—the three animals of most concern are; raccoons (701), skunks (571), and opossums (190). Compare this to the request for services for rodents—totaling 3,092; rats (2,226) and mice (635)—we find wildlife nearly on par with rodents as a concern of residents.

When urban wildlife populations increase, this contributes to the potential of negative interaction with humans and our pets. The primary contributing factor for a wildlife population increase is food availability. Living in close proximity to people in urban areas provides ample food availability—combine this to our managed landscaping and protected gardens—we have a feast for foraging animals. Garden food availability is seasonal, with periodic variations, which do not always promote a prolonged wildlife population growth in any focal point. The animals still have to take extensive foraging forays throughout a neighborhood for their sustenance. The real problems arise when we provide a steady supply of pet food to an outdoor dog, cat, birds, or squirrels! This is a rich diet for a skunk, raccoon or opossum (or rodents), and they will plan a daily return; possibly taking up residence in close proximity to this feedings area.

Seasonality of wildlife problems is real. In the winter, we have skunk-mating season with male skunks marking their territory (smelly thiols in their spray), and then we transition into spring with female raccoons seeking a suitable place to have her pups, and raise them. Both of these animals will readily enter sub-areas of homes to nest, and for this reason alone, it is prudent to seal these openings while no animals are in evidence. You can make a request for service to Alameda County Vector Control Services District, have one of our Biologists meet with you, and evaluate your homes' pest access vulnerability (www.acvcsd.org, or 510-567-6700). During the summer months, we experience all the young animals learning about their environment, often travelling in groups or pairs, exploring their environment, causing a commotion.

What can we do to avoid problems?

It is not a good idea to feed pets outdoors, but if you must, train your outdoor cat or dog to eat a mid-day meal. Dogs readily adapt, though some cats may take time to get used to this idea. Cats really like to snack throughout the day or night, but by necessity, we can change their habits. There should be no pet food dishes left out at night, and do not give your pet more than they can eat at one setting. Just the smell of pet food on their dishes will provide an attraction, and hope to the skunk or raccoon, that with persistence and periodic checking—they will find some food in the dish. Feeding early in the morning or evening is too close to nocturnal animals’ regular hours, and they may flex their schedule to be available for feeding time!

Pet doors should be closed and locked during the hours of darkness, or use the electric pet doors that only allow your sensored pet indoors. Most pets will adapt to this situation, and you will greatly reduce the likelihood of your dog barking all night, or an injured or skunk sprayed pet. Rabies is still a disease of great concern, and keeping your pets' vaccinations up-to-date will help avoid lengthy rabies quarantine, illness, or death.

Remember, a neighborhood is like a delicatessen, and is full of the smells of food that will attract wildlife, but it is our job to deny them these easy pickings. It is not a natural situation for wildlife to be fed, and not healthy for them to build unnaturally large populations, that may lead to disease transmission. Care should also be practiced with garbage receptacles (keeping the lid closed) and remember bird/squirrel feeders will attract foraging animals, rats and mice.

We are here to help, and feel free to call us for assistance and advice. ACVCSD 510-567-6700