Skunks

Not all Spring babies are welcome

It’s wildlife reproduction time, and depending on the species, that can mean problems for some homeowners.

Skunks and raccoons are the most common “nuisances” as they find crawl spaces, outbuildings, and other nooks and crannies to set up housekeeping for their babies to come.

Squirrels, rabbits, moles, marmots, snakes and bats are among the other species preparing to raise families that are potential nuisances around human homes.

If some of these new families are not what you had in mind for your Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary, think about what’s attracting them and remove those attractants as soon as possible to avoid problems.

The number one attraction for females of many species at this time of year is a warm, dry, easily defended area that makes a good den or nest. Close up spaces, including basement window wells, areas under porches and decks, garage and shed entries of even the smallest dimensions, roofing gaps, uncapped chimneys and vents, and attic rafters.

A close second for lots of wildlife is an easy food source.

• Keep pet food and water and garbage inside. 
• Fence gardens and secure compost piles.
• Clean up feed spilled on the ground from bird feeders, or discontinue feeding altogether for now.

If it’s too late for these preventive steps and animals are already in place and causing problems, you may need to remove them. If you want to attempt it yourself, check out “Evicting Animals from Buildings” in WDFW’s “Living With Wildlife” series on the website at  http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/evicting.htm.

If you’d rather hire someone to take care of the problem, any WDFW office can refer you to a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). Although they must be licensed through WDFW, and conform to its regulations, they are not state employees. They operate as private enterprises and set their own fees. Under the authority of their permit, NWCOs can trap, capture, and transport raccoons, opossums, skunks, and other wildlife year-round. For more information, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living/hiring.htm .