Watching wildlife is fun and interesting but it’s best done when critters are in the wild. Seeing them in the woods and fields is a special treat but finding them in your own back yard, in your trash or fighting with your pets can be disturbing and even dangerous.

There are things you can do to safeguard your home and yard from intruding wildlife.  A few simple precautions can avoid a lot of headache and reduce the possibility of expensive repair bills, veterinarian visits and wildlife removal fees.

Follow these recommendations and you can keep Mother Nature at bay just beyond your property lines:

1)     Fences make great neighbors. A good fence around your back yard will turn many wild critters.

2)    Keep your yard well maintained. Low cut grass, uncluttered areas and well-trimmed shrubs and trees give wild animals little cover to hide.

3)    Cut tree limbs and bushes back from your house or other structures. Squirrels use branches as travel ways and can gain entry from roof vents, boxing and facial boards from close hanging tree branches. Shrubs next to the house will give cover for snakes and other critters to hide and hunt.

4)    Underpin out buildings. The shop or garage where you keep the riding mower is low to the ground and a perfect place for snakes, opossums, raccoons or a variety of other critters to hide and make a home. Seal them out with a good underpinning.

5)    Haul away clutter. Old building materials, children’s yard toys and play sets give critters great cover when discarded and abandoned.

6)    Keep garbage cans closed tight. Make sure they are emptied regularly and clean them on a regular basis to keep them smelling nice. The smells of garbage, however faint, can attract critters from great distances.

7)    If you must feed your pets outside then only feed them what they will eat at the time. Leftover dog and cat food may attract wild animals such as raccoon, opossum, fox and even coyote and bobcat.

These are the basics. Following these tips should help reduce the chances of unwanted guests. However, even in the best of conditions, there’s still no guarantee that animals will obey the rules. When Mother Nature crosses that fine line between you and the wilderness remember to call  Call of the Wild   Wildlife Services at 919 735-3942 to set things right again.