Waukesha County is a great spot for wildlife. The presence of lakes and greenspaces provide nature’s creatures with good natural habitats. Plants, trees, flowers, seeds, insects and other animals offer food, shelter and competition that keeps species in check. Then, there are the humans. Our presence not only alters ecosystems, but it can also change animal behavior.
Where the Waukesha Wild Things Are
Wild animals that become habituated to humans no longer fear them, especially if the animals think that they’re going to receive a handout or have access to easy food that doesn’t require any work. Many of the wild animals you encounter might not seem wild at all because we’ve grown as accustomed to their presence as they are to ours.
The most common types of wild animals in Waukesha are squirrels, raccoons, birds and mice. Perhaps the last one on that list causes you to give a little shiver, but the others are often seen in such abundance and seem so tame that we sometimes forget that they are wild. Who doesn’t think that a squirrel who scampers right up to you begging for food is absolutely adorable?
What Feeding the Wildlife Does to Them
We understand how tempting it can be to feed the furry little critters in your yard or out on the trail, but doing so can endanger the animal and create a nuisance for people. When wildlife starts getting their food from human sources, it leads them to depend on people for sustenance. This creates problems. A human-fed animal is apt to encroach on human spaces, including our homes, and may also have trouble finding food on their own when we are no longer willing to share.
Once these animals set up residence, they don’t tend to leave of their own volition. When this happens, it’s important that you not attempt removal on your own. Calling in our professionals in humane wildlife control in Waukesha maintains the animal’s safety and your own. Our technicians are trained in wildlife behavior and life cycles so that they can ensure removal happens in a way that is truly humane.
There are additional dangers in feeding wild animals. When they are fed human food, they do not get the nutrients they need. While they might like the bread you feed them, it can actually cause them harm as their digestive systems are not built for it.
If they discover the wonders of your garbage bin, as many raccoons are prone to do, they run the risk of physical harm as well. Raccoons can get their heads stuck in jars, causing them to starve to death. Birds and squirrels can become entangled and choke on plastic rings. Rinsing containers and cutting your plastic rings are two steps you can take to reduce the likelihood your garbage becomes a danger to wildlife, and securing your trash bins prevents them from becoming a free buffet.
Ways Wildlife Can Be Enjoyed
Have no fear, animal lovers. You can still enjoy the wildlife, even those that scamper about your yard. Watching a squirrel bury or dig up a nut or a robin tug a worm-free from the dirt can be highly entertaining, and you can enjoy it knowing that the animal is doing exactly what it’s supposed to be doing.
A great place to enjoy the wildlife in Waukesha County is in its many parks and open spaces. Here, it’s possible to see these animals in a natural environment and keep your distance. These spaces are safe places for wildlife, providing them room to roam, forage and reproduce with less human contact.
Humane Animal Control Services in Waukesha
Even the greatest care in keeping wild animals wild does not always prevent them from making your home their own. If you discover uninvited guests, such as raccoons, squirrels, mice, birds or bats, in your living space, contact our Skedaddle team in Milwaukee. We serve the greater Milwaukee area, and we will ensure safe and humane wildlife removal from your home or business.
