Born to be wild, but can survive with a little help from their friends

There’s a housing crisis on Long Island. Increasing development and clearing of woodlands and fields is robbing wildlife of habitat, and with it space to safely raise their young.

Common to all forms of life is the will to survive, including the desire to reproduce and continue the species. We also share basic needs for food, water and shelter. Birthing and reproduction often mean a risk to both parent and offspring. And for wildlife in suburbia, those risks are many.

But sometimes, there’s a neighbor you wish would go away and leave you alone. It could be one with a black mask and a fluffy ringed tail. Or a penchant for raiding your birdfeeders or eating your garden.

For many, the first thought is to call an exterminator. But as we’re increasingly reminded, our environment is at risk, too, and the benefits of conserving and learning to live within nature is beneficial to all concerned.

Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center’s Jessica Chiarello has some suggestions to make our co-existence with wildlife safer.

It is easier to ask the mother to move her babies than it is to move them and expect her to find them after you’ve moved them.  Instead, aggravate the nesting space and she’ll move them herself.  Do this with a little bit of Pine Sol dabbed onto some cotton balls or a rag, and leave them about the area, or play loud music or leave on a bright light to create a sense that the nest is not safe.

Do not close up holes on your property or in your home or shed during springtime when it’s likely there are babies inside. 

It’s never a good time to trim trees because it’s a major disturbance for wildlife, but spring is the worst time to trim since birds and small mammals are likely to be nesting in them.

Have patience, especially when dealing with raccoons and squirrels. Both have secondary nests. Taking steps that are non-toxic, but discouraging them to remain where you don’t want them, is the best solution for all concerned.

Mother raccoons will leave the nest to forage for food when there is opportunity, including during daylight hours. Unless a raccoon is showing signs of illness like wobbling, lethargy, disorientation, do not presume it is sick if seen during the day.

Most baby animals found in spring are not truly orphaned. Their best chance for survival is to remain with the mother.

Certain species, like cottontail rabbits and deer, leave their babies for long periods during the day, returning to feed their young twice daily, at sunrise and dusk. Do Not assume the young are abandoned because they are alone.

Songbirds, especially fledglings that have fallen or are found out of their nests, can be put back safely. For assistance, contact the front desk at EAWRC (631) 728-WILD for help.

No matter what you’ve read online, never feed wildlife. Aspiration—inhalation of food into the lungs causing pneumonia or suffocation—bloat and metabolic bone disease are just some of the potentially fatal consequences.

Unless it is in immediate danger, if you find an animal that appears to be displaced, call EAWRC at (631) 728-WILD before you attempt to touch or handle it.

Some species will accept orphaned young into their flock. This is especially true of Canada geese and wild turkeys. Wildlife rescues like EAWRC, STAR and Sweetbriar Nature Center are important resources to help evaluate and assist the animal if you believe it is truly orphaned.

Remember that housing development, deforestation, and climate change mean that wildlife is being displaced at an alarming rate. We need to respect wild animals, admire them from a distance, allow nature to be nature and understand that we’re all neighbors, sharing Long Island’s beauty and resources together.

With a little time, patience and knowledge, we can all live happily ever after.