Living with OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE URBAN WILDLIFE TIPS TO ENJOY YOUR WILDLIFE NEIGHBORS AND DEAL WITH TROUBLESOME ONES

Oregon is a special homes and territories and don’t place, known for its natural like intruders moving in. Try to imagine a stranger moving in to features and its diverse and share your home. A , for abundant wildlife. However, as example, faces a choice when human populations grow, the space forced from its home: either try to left for wildlife shrinks, especially squeeze into an area already around urban areas. When their occupied by another raccoon or move in with the new human habitat, food and water sources neighbors. This is where conflict disappear, “critters” look else- often begins. A critter takes up where for their basic needs - and residence under your deck and eats sometimes that means your yard, the pet food on the porch. Or birds decide to nest in your chimney or attic, crawlspace or garage. In attic. What can you do? urban areas, parks and green spaces provide important wildlife Critter-Proof Your habitat; but sometimes animals Home residing there are attracted to easy Plan ahead. meals or living quarters near To critter-proof a building, try human dwellings. By making a few thinking like a critter – before it moves in. The busiest time of year modifications to our behavior and for conflicts between wildlife and our homes, most conflicts can be people is the spring breeding avoided. season when animals search for dens or nest sites to raise their There are many parallels young out of the reach of preda- between wildlife needs and people tors. This begins as early as needs. To understand why wild February for some species. In the animals behave as they do, we fall, some wildlife seek places out need to see the world from their of the weather for hibernation or perspective. for winter denning. Great blue heron It’s easy to think that an animal will simply move “some- Evaluate your home, buildings Some species, like and where else” when people clear a and outdoor spaces. , live high up in trees, so piece of land to build a house, a Think like a critter as you walk your eaves and attic look good to road or a shopping mall. However, around your house and yard. You’d them. Skunks are ground dwellers like people, many species need want to be warm and dry, so look and burrow under things like their “own space” and don’t like to for snug spots out of the rain and porches and woodpiles. Look for be crowded together. They have wind that an animal can access. small openings like vents, drain

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE • 2501 SW FIRST AVENUE • P.O. BOX 59 • PORTLAND, OR 97207-0059 • WWW.DFW.STATE.OR.US ODFW: April 2002 If you already have an animal inside, see the section titled, “You’ve Got a Critter in Your House – Now What Do You Do?” on page 10 pipes, and cracks in the foundation • Cover window wells by making Avoid attracting unwanted where mice, , bats and snakes a framed cover using hardware wildlife. could enter. Even dryer vents can cloth, chicken wire or heavy wire The sound of a tipped over become nesting places for birds. mesh; or purchase commercially- garbage can or finding empty pet made grates or bubbles. food bowls could mean wildlife Take steps to prevent problems. • Screen foundation vents and visitors. It’s not healthy for ani- • Seal potential entryways with close holes around and under mals to consume food that’s not sturdy wire mesh, solid materials foundations so animals aren’t part of their normal diet, to associ- (plywood, sheet metal, bricks), tempted to enter. Bury wire mesh ate areas of human habitation with or caulk openings before animals 1–2 feet deep in places where food, or to lose their fear of move in. Choose materials that animals might gain access. people. To prevent this: best suit your situation and the • Screen chimneys, wood stove • Please DO NOT FEED WILD- type of animal. Species that pipes, and furnace, attic and LIFE. Feeding animals artifi- chew a lot, like squirrels, may dryer vents. Chimney tops cially increases wildlife popula- quickly chew through a sheet of should be screened from Febru- tions, making it difficult for them plywood, but that same plywood ary to September to prevent birds to establish territories for their would effectively keep out bats. and animals from nesting inside. other needs. Providing artificial Check first, however, with your food sources may also lead to local fire department or other unnaturally large concentrations safety source to prevent fire and of animals and increase the safety hazards. Close dampers spread of disease. When raccoon when not in use to avoid “drop- numbers are high, for example, in” guests. diseases like distemper spread more readily in the raccoon population. Some wildlife diseases can be transmitted to domestic animals, but if pet vaccina- tions are current, the risk is very low. • Feed pets indoors. If you must feed dogs or outside, bring in food dishes after pets have finished eating to prevent wildlife from eating the leftovers. Bring water bowls in before dark. • Keep your garbage can in a secure Unintended visitors to food sources. location like a closed garage or outbuilding and bring it out just 2 before garbage collection time. If include bears. Try placing you must keep it outside, tie the feeders where they are not can upright with a cord through accessible to other wildlife the handle and fasten it to species or use feeders designed something sturdy like a post. to exclude other species. Metal cans and a tight-fitting lid • To keep feathered visitors work best. Raccoons can be healthy, provide fresh seed persistent and bears sometimes without mold and clean feeders, show up in outlying areas. water containers and bird baths • Pick ripe fruit and vegetables weekly with a solution of one daily in the garden and pick up part bleach to nine parts water. fallen fruit from the ground. If An alternative to artificial you use a compost bin, choose a feeding is to provide natural food style that excludes wildlife that sources for birds and other may be attracted to vegetable wildlife. See reference to the and fruit scraps. Naturescaping book below. • If you feed birds, be aware that • Share these tips with your feeders may attract other wild- neighbors. It only takes one life. In some areas, that may household to create a problem.

Goldfinches at bird feeder.

If You Build It, you – music to some peoples’ They Will Come – ears, but not to others. If you add fish, raccoons may show up to eat Creating Wildlife- them and also disturb your Friendly Habitat carefully placed rocks and water . Check with a local pond Many people enjoy store for raccoon solutions before creating backyard you invest your time and money. habitat to attract birds, mam- Smaller water features may be a mals, reptiles and amphibians better option, depending on your by planting selected trees, situation. shrubs and food plants pre- ferred by wild creatures and Raccoon at backyard water source. A good reference for creating adding water sources such as backyard habitat to benefit ponds or basins. parents and young in the spring wildlife is Naturescaping - A Landscaping Partnership with Consider your priorities in and early summer during nesting Nature, published by Oregon landscaping your yard. Keep and rearing season. Department of Fish and Wildlife. pet areas and high-use areas for To purchase a copy, contact an children and adults separate from If you create a pond, be ODFW office or check your local the planned “wild” area of your aware that you are welcom- bookstore. yard to minimize the ing a variety of animals that will to wildlife – and be especially benefit from this new water source, sensitive to the presence of wildlife including frogs who may serenade 3 Northern flicker

from injury from cars, cat foil, or mylar around the location. fights, disease and other hazards. Owl decoys may also be effective. All native migratory birds are Provide suet away from the protected by federal law. It is pecking area as an alternative food illegal to injure, kill or possess a source, but hang it out of the direct native bird or to interfere with an sun. In areas where bears may active nest. If birds build a nest in visit, be aware that bears like suet an inconvenient place or in a also. If woodpecker damage location where birds and young continues, call for advice. will not be safe, the nest can be Hawks, owls, falcons and moved only if no or young eagles, known as raptors, hunt in are yet in the nest. Please do this fields and woods for food. Some only if necessary. raptors hunt small mammals or Flickers and other woodpeck- snakes while others prefer to hunt ers are sometimes noisy neighbors small birds. Hawks and owls are when searching for insects under beneficial in controlling rodent tree bark. They may set up shop on populations. Hawks are sometimes a new construction site and “ham- seen on the ground beside free- Managing Conflicts mer away” on the new wood, ways “mantling.” Don’t be With Urban Wildlife loudly announcing their territory or alarmed. The bird is not injured, Species trying to attract a mate during the but is covering its prey with spread Be sure to read the previous breeding season. Territorial wings to prevent other birds from sections on preventing problems “drumming” on houses may be a seeing and taking its prey. with urban wildlife. breeding season behavior or could Occasionally, a raptor may indicate an insect infestation perch in a tree or on a fence near BIRDS underneath the siding that the your home. Raptors are not a Birds sometimes fly into homeowner should investigate. danger to you or your pets and will windows resulting in injury or Because these birds are territorial, probably stay only a short time. death. To deter birds from win- it is best to take action as soon as However, if a hawk or owl shows dows, hang a silhouette of a raptor, possible. Discourage them from up in your yard and you would like strips of cloth or shiny mylar from using the site by hanging large it to leave, waving and shouting or the eaves to catch any breeze and strips of bright cloth, aluminum banging pots together, will usually create movement. Marking a window with strips of white tape can also break up the pattern of a reflected background of sky and vegetation, or of indoor plants that appear to be accessible. Placing feeders away from windows also reduces collisions with glass. Research shows that free- roaming cats kill millions of birds and small animals each year in North America. Bells on a cat’s collar have not proven effective in alerting birds to a feline’s pres- ence. Consider making your cat an indoor cat to protect birds and other wildlife – and to protect your

4 chase the bird away. It’s important to remember that all birds of prey are protected by law, so if you have a problem with a raptor, contact ODFW for advice. Swifts are fast-flying birds that nest in the spring and roost during fall migration in large-diameter hollow trees throughout Oregon. They often use older chimneys with a rough interior surface when large hollow trees are unavailable. Although they look somewhat similar to swallows, swifts have cigar-shaped bodies and fly with faster, more shallow wing beats. Because they have quick, erratic flight patterns, they are sometimes mistaken for bats when seen flying November after they’ve departed grass, because they can’t see at dusk. Like bats, they are benefi- southward so you can use your predators well. Let vegetation grow cial and consume huge quantities chimney again. Call your nearest taller and keep native vegetation of flying insects in flight. ODFW office for further advice. along pond edges. Consider alterna- Vaux’s swifts (rhymes with Waterbirds, including ducks, tives to short turf grasses. boxes) are often noticed in large geese, and great blue herons, trees and shrubs in the flight path groups during spring and fall spend most, but not all of their between ponds and lawns. Keep migration when they swirl above a time near water. Ducks sometimes backyard swimming pools covered chimney like a tornado and sud- nest in less than ideal places such to discourage geese and ducks from denly plunge into the structure as parking lots. If baby ducks fall landing in them. where they roost, clinging to the into a , call the local Herons, and sometimes osprey chimney walls for the night. They public works or road department. (a fish-eating hawk), are fond of may roost in a chimney for several Herons are sometimes seen fish in backyard ponds. To prevent weeks while pausing in an area to preying on young ducks, which is them from reaching fish, place logs feed and fuel their journey. upsetting to some people. This is or branches in the water to provide If swifts nest in your chimney part of the natural world, where cover for fish to hide. You can also during the spring breeding season, some animals are predators and screen the pond with lightweight close the flue and be patient until some are the prey. Consider it a mesh fabric or other materials. the young have left the nest in rare chance to witness this natural Herons may be seen far from water. about four weeks. Adults and drama. They sometimes hunt for field mice young are protected by the federal Geese like open landscapes on grassy strips along highways or Migratory Bird Treaty Act. If they such as golf courses, lawns and in fields. select your chimney as a mass ponds. They may feed heavily on roosting site in the autumn, enjoy lawn grasses and leave numerous MAMMALS the nightly spectacle until they droppings behind. Geese can be Bats, like snakes, can stir a lot head south after several weeks. very aggressive when young of emotion in people. However, Consider allowing them to use goslings are present. In the short- knowing a few facts about these your urban roost again next year. term, waving, shouting and other interesting and useful creatures may If, however, you decide to prevent loud noises will often cause the help. Bats are flying mammals that future roosting, cap your chimney birds to leave temporarily. How- are nocturnal (active at dawn and in March before their arrival. ever, the best remedy is to change dusk, and at night). They provide Remove the cap in late October to the landscape. Geese don’t like tall excellent insect control and can eat

5 vertically on the sides. Nutria are about 2 feet long with a round tail. Usually they are grayer than the very brown beaver or muskrat. Damage from beaver can be hard to control. If they are damag- ing trees, mix 1 tablespoon of hot sauce in a gallon of water and spray the lower portion to prevent gnawing. Re-apply regularly, especially after a rain. Hardware cloth around each tree may also help, but it must be at least 3-1/2 feet high around the trunk and buried at least a few inches below ground. Painting the lower bark with a mixture of sand and paint Roosevelt elk may also help. Live trapping is an Can you live-trap and remove an animal option, but seldom is an entire family of beaver trapped out. from your property? See the section, Trapping in summer could orphan “Wildlife and the Law” on page 11 young kits in the beaver lodge. Live trapping requires a permit, so call your local ODFW office for thousands of mosquitoes and other die, resulting in bad odors. Many more information. insects each night. They roost in people like to have bats around Muskrats, like beaver and crevices and under tree bark. When (although not in their house) and nutria, prefer to burrow into slopes these natural roosting sites are install bat boxes nearby to provide or banks. You may also see gnawed unavailable, bats look elsewhere roosting areas. In return, they are vegetation in the water or dome- for places to roost and raise their rewarded with a voracious insect like mounds in the middle of a young. Attics and eaves are prime eater and another garden friend. pond. If you can live with the alternatives. To read more about bats, contact situation, muskrats will provide To prevent bat entry, seal off your nearest ODFW office to excellent aquatic vegetation any openings (as small as a dime in request the ODFW brochure, control. However, live trapping or size) after you are sure the bats Living With Wildlife - Bats. using rock to cover the slope at the have left to hunt at night. Never Bear information is also water are alternatives. Consider seal off an area during the summer available by requesting the ODFW planting crops at least 200 yards when young bats are still in the brochure, Living With Wildlife - away from a waterway, which is nursery – they will be trapped and Black Bear, from your nearest approximately the extent of the ODFW office. territory for these mammals. Beaver, muskrats and Nutria were introduced to nutria – all three of these Oregon and are not protected by critters look alike at a law. They can eliminate certain casual glance. Pay attention species of native aquatic plants and to size and tail shape to tell also compete with native muskrats them apart. Beaver are the for food and shelter. As a non- largest, up to 30 inches native species, they cannot be long, with a broad, horizon- relocated. tally flat tail. Muskrats are smaller (10 to 14 inches), with a tail that is flattened

Nutria are nonnative. 6 Chipmunks, ground squirrels under your direct supervision, or elk. They can be dangerous and and woodrats may be a problem especially at night. The U.S. unpredictable. east of the Cascades, and to a Department of Agriculture Also keep in mind that lesser extent on the west side. To (USDA) manages coyotes. For will leave their fawns for long discourage their presence, keep more information, check with your periods of time while feeding nearest Wildlife nearby. Do not pick up deer Services office, fawns. Call ODFW before you take listed in the phone action. book under USDA. Opossums (or “possums”) are Deer and elk can nonnative and usually active at damage trees, crops night. Like raccoons, opossums and landscaping take advantage of easy living plants. Effective situations and are successful fencing must be at because they adapt to urban envi- least 7 feet high to ronments better than some native keep out both deer species. The same rules of preven- and elk. For specifics tion apply – remove opportunities on effective fencing for food and shelter as you would materials to fit your for a raccoon. Opossums negatively Opossums are not native to Oregon. site and terrain, impact native invertebrates, small contact ODFW for advice. mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and wood piles small and away from Many people prefer to use ground-nesting birds, eggs and houses. Close off all openings repellents that taste bad or give off nestlings. around buildings, decks and patios. a bad odor. They must be applied Raccoons may nest in sheltered Pets may also discourage their on a regular basis, especially after spots like your attic or crawlspace. presence. If needed, clear out it rains. These products are They are omnivores and opportu- brush piles and other cover habi- available commercially at farm and nistic, meaning they eat a wide tats. Washington ground squirrels, garden stores. You can experiment variety of foods wherever they are restricted to sage shrub-steppe with other techniques like hanging available. These black-masked habitat in Morrow, Gilliam and mirrors, strips of aluminum foil, or mammals are intelligent, curious Umatilla counties, are listed as rags soaked in ammonia. Never and learn quickly where to get an endngered under the state Endan- attempt to corner or harass a deer easy meal or a warm nap. gered Species Act. Cougar (mountain lion) information is available by request- ing the brochure, Living With Wildlife: Mountain Lion, from your nearest ODFW office. Coyotes are most active from dusk until dawn. This 25-35 pound animal typically preys on rodents, insects, amphibians, fruits, birds and their eggs, and sometimes fawns. They are opportunistic and will also raid garbage cans, outdoor pet food bowls and take livestock and untended small family pets when the opportunity arises. Prevent problems with coyotes by eliminating unnatural food sources around your home Feeding raccoons can artificially increase populations that soon cause problems and and housing pets indoors when not spread disease. 7 To keep raccoons If you see a snake and away, remove the two want it to leave, spray it most important things – lightly with a garden food and shelter. Keep hose or push it gently pet foods off the porch with a broom. and keep all garbage While most native cans securely fastened snakes will not harm or inaccessible in a humans, people who garage or shed. Close off live in rattlesnake all openings and cracks country may be con- in attics, barns and cerned about these sheds, and prevent poisonous snakes. The access under porches best control is to and decks. Don’t forget construct a snake-proof that raccoons can enter fence around areas through pet doors. Striped skunks where human activities Skunks are typically nocturnal sure no adult squirrels are spend- occur. Contact an ODFW office for and people usually smell them ing the winter inside before you more specifics on fencing out before they see them. They like to close the openings. rattlesnakes. burrow under porches and sheds Although they seldom damage Sealing openings into build- and grub around for a meal of crops or gardens, squirrels can ings, modifying habitat to elimi- insects, small animals, or fruit. It’s quickly take over any birdfeeder nate shelter, and controlling important to seal openings – even that isn’t fitted with a rodents that snakes might feed on small ones – around foundations guard. If squirrels are a problem at can also reduce their presence. and porches. Skunks can dig under your feeder, your local wild bird Problem “rattlers” can be trapped a fence, so anchor any barrier at supply store can show you feeders and relocated to areas away from least 1 foot beneath the surface. designed to discourage squirrels. homes or killed. Again, snakes are Remember that skunks are most beneficial, so the action taken active after dusk, so seal any REPTILES should reflect the seriousness of openings in the late evening to Snakes are gardeners’ friends. the situation to the property owner. prevent trapping a skunk under a They are great rodent and slug building. The only thing that eaters and are quiet guests, living AMPHIBIANS smells worse than a live skunk is a in burrows or under logs. If that Frogs - The most likely native dead skunk under your house. still doesn’t convince you to let frog to visit your pond is the Tree squirrels will take up these beneficial reptiles stay, Pacific treefrog. They are found residence in attics or under eaves. discourage them from taking up throughout Oregon in a variety of Seal openings and screen vents residence in your yard by remov- habitats, often far from water. very early in the year or during the ing debris, elevating or sealing off Treefrogs frequently “discover” winter, because the nesting season bases of woodpiles, keeping the backyard water features during for these critters can begin in lawn trimmed very short, and their wanderings and are voracious February and last until autumn. Be sealing openings under structures. insect eaters. They are green to

Left: Pacific treefrog Right: Turtles encounter many hazards in urban areas (painted turtle).

8 grey in color with a distinct black under your woodpile. They are Nonnative Species stripe running from the tip of the beneficial and eat insects and other To protect Oregon’s native snout, back through the eye, and to garden pests. wildlife, never turn nonnative the shoulder. Don’t let their small Turtles - Western pond turtles animals loose in the wild. size (up to 2 inches) fool you - and painted turtles are the only two they have loud voices, and the native to Oregon and their popula- Nonnative wildlife are some- “spring chorus” of singing males tions are declining. Most encoun- times called exotic, non-indig- may keep your neighbors awake at ters with turtles are rescue situa- enous, introduced or alien species. night. In the not-so-distant past, tions – being hit by a car, wander- Nonnatives are those species that the sound of croaking frogs was a ing across a road, or digging a nest have been introduced outside their welcome sign of spring and a in a gravel driveway. Turtles have natural or historical range of soothing sound at bedtime. Now, amazing recuperative abilities, so distribution. Many are kept as pets, some folks are more comfortable no matter how badly injured, try to like ferrets and parakeets. Many listening to urban sounds and find get the turtle to an animal care nonnative species introduced into a frog chorus irritating. facility or ODFW office. Do not Oregon compete with native If treefrogs become a noise collect uninjured turtles; just move species for food and habitat. These issue, first talk with your neigh- them gently out of harm’s way. introduced animals can also spread bors, and let them know that the ODFW can help you identify diseases for which native wildlife chorus only lasts a few weeks turtle species and has a brochure have no immunity. If you’re not (with occasional summer calls). In on how to provide habitat for sure what animals are native or the meantime, they’re munching on native turtles on your property. You nonnative, contact an ODFW mosquitoes, flies, ants and . cannot legally collect native turtles office for advice and request the If you still need to discourage to place in your pond. Creating brochure, Nonnative Wildlife in frogs, remove vegetation from good turtle habitat may draw them Oregon. your water feature if you can. in, as well as other wildlife spe- Some common nonnative Adults are difficult to catch, so cies, so nature may surprise you! species that are illegal to release draining the pond temporarily may Please obey the law. The include: encourage them to leave. release of nonnative turtles, such as Beware of the nonnative red-eared sliders and snapping • Opossum bullfrog, which preys on many turtles, is illegal and contributes to • small animals. It has a large round the decline of native turtles and • eardrum behind the eye and often other wildlife. • Eastern cottontail squeaks when jumping into the To read more about turtles, • Nutria water to avoid people. It is illegal contact your nearest ODFW office • Egyptian goose to buy, sell or own these frogs. to request the ODFW brochure, • Bullfrog Salamanders - Don’t be Living With Wildlife - Turtles. • Red-eared slider turtle surprised to find a salamander • Snapping turtle

Domestic Animals It is illegal to release domestic animals into the wild. Too often, when people tire of having a pet like a dog, cat, rabbit or pigeon, they turn it loose. These animals are not prepared to live in the wild and usually die. Those that survive may prey on or compete with native wildlife for food and habitat, eventually displacing them. Find safe and secure homes for any pet you cannot keep. Free-roaming pets can harass or kill wildlife, so keep your pets fenced in, on a leash or under voice control at all times. Make your cat an indoor cat to protect birds and small animals. By law, ODFW cannot assist you with domestic animals. Contact your local city or county government or your local animal control office. Bullfrogs are not native to Oregon. 9 You’ve Got a Critter isn’t always possible in small How to Know If The Animal in Your House - Now spaces) is not recommended, Has Left Your House because the adults may aggres- Unless you were able to trap the What Do You Do? sively defend the nest. Never attempt to handle a wild animal, determining when a critter has left your house (so that you can animal yourself. Even a small Repellents animal can be aggressive if seal up the entrances) can be a real The use of bad tasting or bad cornered or harassed. A frightened detective mystery. Use the follow- smelling repellents often encour- one can do considerable damage in ing clues to help. ages wildlife to leave the premises. a home if chased. If the animal is Rags soaked in ammonia placed loose in a room, open a window or Clue # 1 within an opening (where you can door and then leave for a while. It Time of day is important. If the reach it for later removal) will will usually take the opportunity to animal is usually nocturnal, like a often work. However, if young are exit as soon as possible. If this skunk, bat or opossum, wait until present that are not yet able to doesn’t work, other methods are the animal leaves in the late evening leave on their own, do not use this needed. to search for food, then seal any method. Try placing a battery- openings. Critters active during the operated transistor radio, set on Babies in the Nest day sometimes come back during low volume, in the vicinity of the the day to rest or to get out of bad If an animal is in an inacces- area you want the animal to leave. weather. Plan accordingly and try to sible location in a building, be Give it time to remove its young. work during the early morning or certain it and any babies are out If damage from chewing or late afternoon when the animal is before closing off its entry point. If browsing is the problem, try most likely to be out foraging. possible, please live with the spraying the area where damage is Always check for the presence of wildlife family until the young are likely to occur with a solution of young before sealing an opening. raised and gone. To seal out the hot sauce and water (1 tablespoon parents and let young animals of hot sauce to 1 gallon of water). Clue #2 dehydrate and starve is inhumane Be careful not to place these items Look for footprints. When you’re and can result in a bad odor. where children or pets can reach ready to seal the openings, use Attempting to handle the young, them. animal tracks as a clue. If more than even if you can reach them (which one opening exists, close up all but one, using sheet metal, plywood or other sturdy materials. At the one remaining opening, sprinkle flour or talcum powder at the entrance. Check frequently for tracks leading out of the opening. When tracks show the animal has left, close up the access. If tracks show the animal has re-entered, you missed your chance and should re-apply fresh powder and try again the next day.

Clue #3 Listen for sounds. You may hear an animal leaving, especially if it’s in your attic or under the porch. Careful listening may also give you a hint whether young animals are present in a nest.

An uninvited opossum. 10 Removing Problem Injured or Orphaned Wildlife Wildlife Permits from ODFW are If you find injured, sick or required to capture and relocate possibly orphaned wildlife, call a native wildlife. Live-trapping licensed wildlife rehabilitation should be done as a last resort. center or ODFW for advice Relocation sites must be chosen before taking action. Proper care carefully, because many animals and handling will increase the do not survive relocation. Relo- animal’s chance for recovery; your cated animals may also spread safety in handling injured wildlife disease and disrupt wildlife is also important. populations in the areas where they Most baby animals are not are relocated. ODFW does not really abandoned or orphaned. Blacktail deer fawn advocate live-trapping wildlife Either the wildlife parent left to when young are in the nest. forage for food and will return or Nonnative wildlife may not be is out of site nearby, waiting for Wildlife and the Law relocated and should be you to leave. Do not pick up euthanized. Call ODFW for fawns, seal pups, baby birds and It’s important to know what advice. other wildlife babies unless you Oregon law says about Some ODFW offices have live- are certain it is injured or you handling wild animals. traps for loan. Others can refer you witnessed the death or injury of the to vendors who rent live-traps or parent. If needed, keep an eye on • Only licensed wildlife companies authorized to capture the situation to keep pets and rehabilitators may care for injured and relocate problem wildlife – or people from bothering the animal. wildlife. look in the telephone directory If a young bird on the ground is in • Permits are required from ODFW under Animal Control. Contact harm’s way, place it back in the to live-trap and release protected Wildlife Services, listed under nest or in a nearby shrub; or use a wildlife. Permits are issued with USDA, for assistance with coyotes small basket and hang it in a tree live-traps. If you are unsure or cougar preying on livestock. by the handle. Otherwise, the best whether a species is protected, policy is to leave wildlife young call for advice. alone. • All birds – except starlings, house sparrows and rock doves ( pigeons) – are protected by law. • It is illegal to release domestic and nonnative animals into the wild. Many nonnative species are illegal to sell, purchase or own. • In general, protected species may not be captured from the wild A permit from ODFW is required to live-trap and release protected wildlife. under any circumstances. Permits are issued for only a few pro- tected species. Call ODFW for more information. • Poison may not be used to remove most native wildlife. Poison may be used for mice, rats, moles and gophers. Remem- ber that these species may be eaten by other domestic and wild animals which could harm them.

11 Living with Wildlife OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

What You Can Do to Help Wildlife • Keep the “wild” in wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance and don’t feed them or encourage them to approach you. Do not expect them to behave like domestic pets; they can become aggressive when approached or if they feel threatened. • Help prevent injuries to wildlife by picking up litter, especially six-pack holders that may get caught around a neck or wing. Pack out fishing debris such as fishing line, lures and hooks that could get caught in a bill or foot. • Help wildlife by providing for Wildlife friendly backyard. their basic needs – food, water and space. Turn part of your yard WHO TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE into wildlife habitat. Include NATIVE WILDLIFE: For information and referrals on problems, contact water features and plant native your local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife office. For emergen- vegetation to provide natural food cies or after business hours, contact your local police department or and shelter. Oregon State Police. • Pick up some field guides and books on wildlife to learn more INJURED NATIVE WILDLIFE: Contact Oregon Department of Fish and about animals in nearby natural Wildlife or a local wildlife rehabilitation center. areas or those visiting your yard. DOMESTIC OR NONNATIVE ANIMALS: Contact your city or county animal • Support funding for nongame and control program. urban wildlife programs. • Donate to wildlife rehabilitation ROAD-KILLED DEER: Contact the city, county or state highway depart- centers. ment with jurisdiction for the road. WILDLIFE VIOLATIONS: Call the Oregon State Police.

COYOTES: Look for Wildlife Services in your phone book under U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and services on the DEPARTMENT OFFICES basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe that you have been discrimi- REGION ADDRESS TELEPHONE nated against as described above in any program, Northwest ...... 17330 SE Evelyn Street, Clackamas, OR 97015 ...... 503-657-2000 activity, or facility, please contact the ADA Coordinator, Southwest ...... 4192 N Umpqua Hwy, Roseburg, OR 97470 ...... 541-440-3353 P.O. Box 59, Portland, OR 97207, 503-872-5262. High Desert ...... 61374 Parrell Road, Bend, OR 97702 ...... 541-388-6363 Northeast ...... 107 20th Street, La Grande, OR 97850 ...... 541-963-2138 This material will be furnished in alternate format for Salem HQ ...... 3406 NE Cherry Avenue, Salem, OR 97303 ...... 503-947-6000 people with disabilities if needed. Please call 503-872- 5264 (voice) or 503-872-5259 (Portland TTY) to This publication is also available on our website at: www.dfw.state.or.us request. ODFW: April 2002 12