Today is #NationalGoodNeighborDay! Are you being a good neighbor to local wildlife?
This time of year many animals are on the move, whether to find food, head back to hibernation areas, or both. This increase in movement can cause wildlife to come into conflict with us if we don't do our part to coexist in peace. Fall wildlife encounters often involve bears searching for food, snakes returning to a den, or male deer that are acting aggressively while in rut.
-To be a good wildlife neighbor to bears, always make sure to secure or remove potential food source from your yard. This includes things like fallen fruit, bird feeders, pet food and garbage. If you see a bear, make your presence known with a loud voice and raised arms. Keep pets close by when hiking and camping so they don't bother a feeding bear.
-Being a good neighbor to local snakes usually means just leaving them alone. Most of the time if a snake is in your yard, it is just moving through while hunting or while moving back to a den. If there is a rattlesnake in an unsafe area such as a doorway, open stairs, or other high-traffic areas, you can call a Conservation Officer at 1-877-952-7277
-When male deer are in rut, they can become very bold in their search for mates. While practicing their charging and headbutting, they can get caught up in nets, string lights or clothes on clotheslines. This isn't very neighborly of them, but you can help prevent the situation by temporarily putting tangle-able things away if you often see bucks in your yard.
For more information on wildlife and wildlife conflict, check out WildsafeBC!