Lake Metroparks
  • Parks & Trails
  • Events
  • Activities
  • Register & Reserve
  • About Us
  • News & Updates
  • Contact
  • Golf
  • Teachers & Schools
  • Get Involved
  • Webcams
  • Blogs
Carolyn Lingenfelter Wild & Free: Let it Be!

  • Homepage
  • Along the Trail
  • April 2018
  • Wild & Free: Let it Be!

Wild & Free: Let it Be!

  • ​Posted April 02, 2018

By Tammy O'Neil, Wildlife Care Manager

Watching our native wildlife is a treat even in our own backyard! Springtime is the best time to watch for nest building and the arrival of young.

Backyard wildlife needs very little from us, as long as we remember to give them the peace and quiet they need to successfully raise their young.

The most important thing to remember is that wild parents know what’s best for their young. We don’t need to get involved! Young animals don’t have a scent. If the parents have hidden them in the grass or elsewhere, predators will not be attracted to them.

Here are some suggestions for a wildlife-friendly backyard:

  • Check for nests before cutting down a tree or clearing brush. 
  • Place caps on chimneys, vents and window wells to prevent wildlife from falling in or nesting there.
  • Keep pets under control so that they don’t injure or eat backyard wildlife.
  • Demonstrate respect for wildlife and their homes; teach children not to catch or harass them.
  • Exercise caution when driving and watch the roadsides for wild animals, especially at dawn and dusk. When at home or visiting the parks, remember to keep animals wild and healthy by not feeding them.

Feeding wildlife creates unhealthy conditions. Many people find it enjoyable to go to a park to feed the animals. Animals congregate in areas where they are fed, causing several problems. They exceed the carrying capacity of their habitats and become overcrowded. High levels of fecal matter are concentrated in one area, which causes unsanitary conditions for animals and people. Diseases can be passed from one animal to another when areas are overcrowded.

Processed foods such as bread, popcorn and cereal are “junk food” to wild animals. They lack many of the nutrients the animals need in order to stay healthy.

Feeding wildlife causes loss of wild instincts. Wild animals that are hand-fed can lose their natural instincts to migrate and search for food. They become dependent on humans for food and lose their healthy fear of them. Hand-fed animals lose their ability to care for themselves.

photo by greennite

Share this post
Search Blog
Categories
Archive
  • Previous PostGetting to Know Turkey Vultures
  • Next PostGetting to Know Small-mouthed Salamanders
Lake Metroparks
  • Parks & Trails
  • Events
  • Activities
  • Register & Reserve
  • About Us
  • News & Updates

Get In Touch

11211 Spear Rd., Concord Twp., Ohio 44077
  • Local Phone: 440-639-7275
  • Visitor Services: 440-358-7275
info@lakemetroparks.com

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Flickr
  • Pinterest
Copyright 2021, Lake Metroparks
  • Rules & Regulations
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sign up for e-newsletter