|
|
Wild Animals in the City
 On occasion wild animals wander into the wheat city and this can pose threats to both humans and to the wildlife. In June 2005, a black bear was spotted roaming the area of Whillier St & Princess Avenue. Wild animals in general are not aggressive unless they are approached or cornered. In this particular instance animal control was contacted and the bear left the city peacefully. What should you do if you spot a wild animal in Brandon? First call the Brandon Police service at 729-2345 and they will dispatch an Animal Control Officer. Note the time and location that you spotted the animal and what direction it appeared to be going. NEVER approach any wildlife as animals may interpret this as a threat to their safety, and will defend themselves. The Westman area has a very high population of wildlife such as deer, skunks, jackrabbits, beavers.
Living with Crows
Because of their taste of corn and other agricultural crops, because they occasionally raid the nests of other birds, and because they are often accused of damage caused by other animals, crows have long endured persecution by humans. They have been poisoned, and bombed while roosting, but they persist by adapting to novel circumstances and expanding their range. Crows actually have proven themselves to be beneficial by eating insects and larvae that damage crops.
If you are having problems with crows in your yard, there are several things that can be done. Crows are attracted to food scraps in garbage and compost piles. Dispose of trash in secure cans, and make the lids fit tightly. Do not put food of any kind in open compost piles. Instead, bury food in underground composts or use a lidded worm box instead. To prevent crows from scavenging pet food, it is best not to feed cats and dogs outdoors. If you have no other alternative, pick up food and water bowls, as well as leftovers and spilled food as soon as your pets are finished eating.
Vegetable gardens and fruit trees can be protected until crops are ready for harvest by following these procedures:
· Protect trees and shrubs with bird netting which can be purchased in a variety of lengths and widths at garden and hardware stores. Tie the netting securely at the base of the plant or on the trunk of the tree to prevent birds from gaining access from below. Harvest crops immediately as they ripen.
· Crows are particularly fond of young corn plants. As soon as corn has been planted, protect germinating plants with row cover until they are about 8" tall.
While crows have young in the nest and on the ground learning to fly, they may defend adjoining territory by dive-bombing other animals and people. If possible, it is best to stay away from nesting territories until young have fledged and the parents are no longer as protective.
Living with Raccoons
Raccoons are found in all types of habitats. We usually associate them with riparian or wetland regions. But over the years, we have changed their habitats into our living spaces and they have had no problem adapting to our lifestyles ad do not fear people like many other wild animals.
Being nocturnal animals, raccoons roam properties at night, looking for insects, fruits, vegetables, acorns, seeds, fish, and small mammals.
 How can you discourage Raccoons from coming onto your property?
It is important that you check your property regularly to ensure that screens, barring entrance into your home or basement, are intact. Make sure there are no holes in your eaves for access into the attic. Close the areas around decks, hot tubs, and shed. Raccoons are great rodent predators and often follow mice and rats into these kinds of areas.
Place ammonia stations around your yard wherever the raccoons frequent. To do this, take a shallow dish or bowl, place a rag in it and pour ammonia over the rag until completely saturated. Place enough ammonia in the dish so the rag will continue to wick it up throughout the night. Avoid lawn areas, as the ammonia will burn the lawn.
Pick up all of your outdoor pet’s food dishes before it gets dark. Replace them with an ammonia station. Lock dog and cat doors to keep raccoons from entering your garage or home, and place an ammonia station in front of the locked door.
Raccoons will push garbage cans over to pop the lids off, especially the plastic trash cans. Use a metal can and secure the top with a thick rubber strap with hooks on the end, available at most hardware stores. You can also secure the can to a fence.
|
