Wildlife Conflicts

Many of North Carolina's wild species thrive around people, even in cities. Wildlife seek out places that offer food, shelter and safety. When conflicts arise, remove one or more of these resources to make the area less attractive to wild animals. Follow these tips to prevent conflicts and promote healthy coexistence with local wildlife.

• Do not feed wildlife. Putting food out for wildlife can feel like a good deed, but it causes more harm than good. Feeding can increase animal populations beyond what the area can support. This can lead to disease outbreaks and conflicts with humans, among other problems. Fed wildlife may become bold or aggressive, putting people at risk. Encourage healthy wildlife behavior by allowing them to seek out natural foods in the environment.
• Feed pets inside. Outdoor pet food attracts predators, rodents, and pest insects. If you must feed your pets outside, remove any leftovers when your pet has finished eating. Store pet food inside or in an animal-proof container.
• Feed birds naturally. Bird feeders don’t just feed birds; raccoons, squirrels, bears, rodents, and predators will hang around bird feeders to take advantage of the free food. Feeders can also spread harmful diseases like avian conjunctivitis, pox, and salmonellosis. Instead of a feeder, add native plants to your property to provide natural food and shelter for birds year-round. Remove feeders immediately if a bear has visited them. Learn how to Feed Birds, Not Bears.
• Block access to crawlspaces and attics. Close off crawl spaces and openings under buildings, porches, and decks. Wild animals can use these spaces to hide or raise their young. Trim tree limbs away from buildings to prevent wild animals from access the roof or attic. Use metal screens to cover attic vents, chimneys, and other access points into buildings.
• Keep wildlife out with fencing. Fence in areas you don’t want wildlife to enter. Wire mesh buried along the ground with an outward bend can prevent animals from burrowing underneath. A line of electric wire or rolling bars along the top of fencing prevents animals from climbing over. Predator proof chicken coops and runs to protect them from wild predators. Protect beehives from bears with electric fencing.
• Supervise outdoor pets. Keep pets inside a fence, leashed or supervised when outside. Letting pets roam outside can put them at risk from wild predators, moving vehicles, diseased animals, or fights over territory. Protect vulnerable pets by being present when they’re outside.
• Assert yourself. Wild animals can lose their fear of people if regularly ignored or fed, but most respond well to hazing. Show an animal it’s not welcome by being loud and threatening toward it. Use a water hose to spray animals away from a safe distance. Always make sure the animal has a clear escape route. Be aware that it might stand its ground if it has young nearby.
• Talk to your neighbors. If one person in the community is feeding wildlife, even accidentally, it can cause problems for everyone. Share this information with your neighbors and work together as a community to find ways to prevent wildlife conflicts.