As wild animals attempt to survive and thrive in an increasingly human-dominated landscape, the possibilities for conflict with humans are endless. The PAWS Wildlife staff can help you learn about the root causes of human/wildlife conflicts and how to avoid them.
Common conflicts include:
- Raccoons or squirrels in attics or crawlspaces.
- Birds nesting in dryer vents.
- Birds striking or attacking windows.
- Raccoons or opossums eating pet food.
- Herons, otters or raccoons eating fish in decorative ponds.
- Pigeons roosting in areas where they are not wanted.
- Mountain Beavers eating decorative plants.
- Moles burrowing in yards.
- Deer or rabbits eating garden plants.
- Woodpeckers pecking on wood siding or metal flashing.
If you are experiencing a wildlife conflict, call the PAWS Wildlife Center at 425.412.4040 for humane, effective solutions or check out our common problems page.
Why humane solutions work
Humane solutions involve determining what is attracting an animal to an area and then removing or closing off access to that attractant. While these solutions may require a bit of ingenuity as well as flexibility, they tend to be more effective over the long term than simply removing the wild animal. Trapping and relocating an animal is not as humane as you might think and is often illegal. Furthermore, removing an animal instead of eliminating the attractant, will result in reoccurring conflict.
Find a solution
Check out the Wildlife Resource Library for fact sheets on wild animals most commonly involved in conflicts, how to address conflicts between pets and wildlife, and other tips for living in harmony with your wild neighbors.