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Living with Wildlife
Many wild animals have adapted well to living in our neighborhoods. By remembering some key factors about living with wildlife, we can learn how to avoid potential problems and enjoy the peace and serenity that these animals can bring to our backyards and communities.
Sometimes, the best way to help wildlife is to just let nature take its course. Human intervention is not always the answer. Before taking action on your own, you should first contact a wildlife rehabilitator or care center. Communicate the situation clearly and follow the guidance of these licensed professionals. A list of wildlife rehabilitators and care centers in northeastern Illinois is available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
Follow the links below or in the menus to learn more about living with wildlife.
- Assessing whether or not the baby is really an orphan. Making sure it needs rescuing.
- Taking the proper measures when dealing with infant wildlife to not only help the infant, but also protect the entire local habitat.
- Recognizing common (orphaned) infant wildlife: birds, cottontail rabbits, raccoons, fawns, opossums, skunks, foxes and squirrels.
- Knowing steps to take if a REAL orphaned or injured baby is found that will limit the amount of stress and risk put on the animal.
photo: (c) Forest Preserve District of DuPage County |
- Making sure the animal really needs your help before intervening.
- Understanding local, state and regional laws and rules against keeping wildlife.
- Keeping in mind that the number one threat or killer to injured wildlife is SHOCK; the animal will not understand that you are trying to help so if you must intervene then do so with care.
- Assuming the animal is in shock, eliminate extra stressors.
- Alleviating shock with a step-by-step approach on how to handle an injured animal and how to transport one.
- Calling for help! There are a number of licensed rehabilitators throughout Illinois. Ask for their qualifications and specialties.
photo: (c) Forest Preserve District of DuPage County |
- Recognizing troublesome wildlife: skunks, raccoons, bats, opossums, deer, coyotes, Canada geese, woodpeckers, crows and pigeons.
- Preventing animals from getting into unsuitable habitats such as garbage cans and flowerbeds.
- Knowing recommended deterrents to prevent problems from occurring or to deal with already troublesome situations.
photo: (c) Carol Freeman |
- Inviting wildlife into your backyard is beneficial and enjoyable.
- Attracting an array of wildlife into your yard, such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Planning your backyard landscape.
- Caring for and feeding wildlife consistently will keep critters coming back into your view.
photo: (c) Forest Preserve District of DuPage County |
- Recognizing endangered and threatened species and knowing how you can help protect them.
- Recognizing wildlife common to the area and learning how to preserve their life.
- Implementing natural resource management tools to return once endangered and threatened species to Illinois.
- Taking the proper measures to maintain and promote the return of native species and continue their progress.
Content in the "Living with Wildlife" section of this web site was created through a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Forest Preserve Districts of DuPage County and Lake County, Illinois, as well as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service provided additional technical support.
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