PAWS Academy: Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors
July 13, 2029
Written by Madi Cook, PAWS Education Intern
Wild Animals in Wild Places!
Explore the many fascinating wild animals near your home and the ways to help them in the third wildlife series episode.
Stewardship and Sharing Habitats
Many wild animals live in the same neighborhood as you, whether you notice them or not. Wildlife share habitats with humans so it is important to remember to share back. In the area surrounding PAWS, there are around 220 species of bird, 12 species of amphibians, 8 species of reptiles, and 75 mammals sharing habitat. Consideration, courtesy and care for those sharing habitat with us is necessary for wildlife survival. Therefore, being a steward of wildlife, or looking after the wellbeing of wildlife, is a way we can ensure that wild animals and plants are getting their best chance to thrive.
While wild animals are able to take care of themselves, humans can infringe on the ease or ability of wildlife to fulfill basic needs. Part of being a steward is maintaining shared habitat in a way that benefits all life. If you have a yard, making this area wildlife friendly is one great way of being a wildlife steward. If you do not have a yard, talking to friends, family or your local school or park about these strategies is another great way of being a wildlife steward.
Ways to Help Wildlife Thrive
Grow native plants in your neighborhood to give wild animals a food source. Salal, Western Salmonberry, Pacific Bleeding-Heart, and Red Huckleberry are all plants that are native to the Pacific Northwest. If you live in a different area, with a trusted adult, research what native plants provide food for the nearby wildlife.
Create a water source to help wild neighbors. A birdbath, garden pond or any dish could be used to provide water. Although, it is vital to keep this water clean and free of bacteria which can be harmful to wild animals. Changing this water daily will prevent it from becoming dangerous.
Wild animals also benefit from shelter which protects them from weather, predators, and acts as a rest place. Dense shrubs, log piles, trees and snags all can be utilized by wild animals so keeping these in your neighborhood is an awesome way to provide for your wild neighbors.
Important Dos and Don’ts of Being a Neighbor to Wildlife
Do keep trash in secure containers with lids that are sealable or can be tied or weighed down to prevent access to wild animals.
Don’t feed wildlife as it can be harmful to them, cause them to become aggressive and decrease their healthy fear of humans.
Do encourage adults in your life to be cautious while driving on dark roads as automobile-related injuries are one of the main reasons animals are admitted to PAWS Wildlife Center.
Don’t assume that animals on their own need help. Many wild animal mothers, like Harbor Seals, will leave their young alone for long periods of time. If you are unsure, you can always call PAWS for advice.
Do advise your family and friends to keep their cats indoors, especially during spring and summer when baby birds are on the ground learning to fly.
This Week’s Activities
Visit paws.org/PAWSAcademy and you will find two sets of activities at different difficulty levels along with a word search and coloring sheet all about this week’s topic! Discover your own wild neighbors by completing this week’s activities.
Continue To Learn With Us!
If you missed last week’s episode on habitats or are unaware of our pet series, you can learn more at paws.org/PAWSAcademy. Check back next Wednesday to learn about how PAWS Wildlife Center helps animals in the fourth episode of PAWS Academy wildlife series and continue to unveil how you can make a difference in animals’ lives!
If you have any questions or suggestions you can reach us at [email protected].