Cities are home to more wildlife than we notice. Most of these animals are harmless — and many are useful, eating insects and pests. Conflict usually starts with food, rubbish or an open entry point.
Prevent problems humanely
- Secure rubbish: use bins with lids and don't leave food scraps outside.
- Feed pets indoors or pick up bowls after meals.
- Close entry points to roofs and attics — but only after making sure no animal (or babies) is inside.
- Keep cats indoors at night to protect birds and small wildlife, and your cat.
- Avoid glue traps and poisons: they cause slow, painful deaths and often kill non-target animals, pets and the predators that eat poisoned prey.
Bats
Bats eat huge numbers of mosquitoes. Never touch a bat with bare hands; if one is on the ground or inside your home, call a wildlife professional.
Don't feed wild animals
Feeding wildlife makes them lose their fear of people, which often ends badly for the animal. Plant native trees and flowers instead — they provide natural food and shelter.