August 01, 2008 05:29 pm
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As Parker County continues to grow with more and more city folk moving west to experience “country life,” calls to Animal Control about various wildlife they bump into have escalated. This hot, dry summer has also caused many of the animals to come closer to urban areas in search of food and water.
While most people call for general information about wildlife, in many cases the calls are from people who are experiencing a conflict with a wild animal and are seeking a way to remedy the problem.
The Animal Control Officers (ACO) I spoke with personally, asked me to pass on basic information to the public about some of the wildlife we coexist with in Parker County.
Snakes — Texas is home to a wider diversity of snakes and lizards than any other state in the union. None of our native lizards are venomous, and most of our snakes are also non-venomous. Dangerous snakes in our area are rattle snakes, copperheads and cotton mouths. Be sure that you know what they look like. Leave non-venomous snakes alone and they will go away, but if you do encounter a poisonous reptile, please do not go near it unless you are skilled in killing a snake. If not, call an ACO. If a snake bite occurs get to the hospital immediately. If you’re unsure of the type of snake it’s best to take it with you so the doctor will know what antibiotic to treat you with. Many dogs and cats are snake bitten in the summer as well. If this happens, take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Deer — Deer need to be left alone in their environment. If you find a baby fawn, please do not approach it. The mother often makes it a nest and leaves it for a few hours so she can feed. She never goes far. If the fawn is left alone for more then 24 hours, then you should call for help, but never approach it on your own. If it is truly an orphan then an ACO will come and get it place it in a proper habitat. Also, when you are driving please slow down when you see a deer crossing sign.
Foxes — A friendly fox is a deadly fox. They may look cute and cuddly but they are not pets. A fox is one of the top five carriers of rabies. Leave it alone or call an ACO for help.
Skunks — Ever been sprayed by a skunk? It is something you will never forget. Skunks can also carry rabies and contrary to belief, they do come out during daylight. Don’t leave any cat or dog food out because it will attract skunks when they are looking for something to eat. Call an ACO if you have a frequent visitor.
Pigs — Pigs are the most destructible of animals. They will destroy landscape and yards and wild pigs are dangerous and will attack. You won’t see them unless you live away from the city.
Bats — NEVER TOUCH A BAT!!! Bats have very small teeth and you could be bitten by a bat and never know it. They are also in the top five carriers of rabies. Please educate your children about bats.
Baby birds — Contrary to the myth, baby birds can be picked up and put back in their nest. If you see a baby bird on the ground, please leave it alone as the mother is probably near by. If she does not show up for hours you can then put it in a box and bring it in to the animal shelter. Be sure it’s a harmless bird and not a bat though.
Possum & Armadillos — These creatures are not a threat but often seen as pests. When you water your lawn or garden they will come to get the nice, juicy grubs in the earth. They are also attracted to cat and dog food left outside. If you have frequent visitors call an ACO officer to have them removed.
Coyotes — Coyotes are curious but timid animals and will generally run away if encountered. But remember, any wild animal will attack to protect itself or its young so never instigate a close encounter. If you see a den of puppies do not go near them no matter how cute they look. Also, keep your small pets in at night because coyotes will hunt them for food. As with all wildlife, if they are becoming a problem, call an Animal Control Officer.
Raccoons — Raccoons are also attracted to bird seed and pet food. They are very curious animals and will come very close to your home with no fear. Do not try to pet a raccoon as they will bite and they can carry rabies. And, by the way, it is illegal to have a raccoon as a pet.
If an animal looks rabid call an ACO immediately. Animals with rabies will probably act differently from healthy animals. Wild animals may move more slowly or may even act as if they are tame. A pet that is usually friendly may snap at you or try to bite. In general, watch for changes in an animal’s behavior, general sickness, problems swallowing, increased drooling and aggression.
If you choose to trap a wild animal it’s important to know that it can be dangerous for the animal in this heat. Be sure to set up the trap in a shady place and put a bowl of water in the trap. Many people do not realize that it is against the law to let a wild animal die of hunger, thirst or heat in a trap. It is considered animal cruelty. Once you have trapped an animal, call an ACO and they will either euthanize it humanely or relocate the animal.
It is important to note that not all wildlife create conflicts. Although it may not appear so at the time, animals which are often referred to as a nuisance are innocent. After all, they were here long before we moved into their habitat and are a very important part of the earth’s eco system. When a conflict exists between humans and animals it is usually because the animal is only doing what it needs to in order to survive by following its own instincts. Educate yourself and your family about the wildlife that surrounds you. Work with your neighbors and community to ensure you we can all coexist safely and happily together.
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Denise Cook is a lifetime pet owner, freelance writer/photographer for the Weatherford Democrat, and co-founder of Parker Paws, a non-profit in support of the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter. Contact Denise at denise@parkerpaws.org, or visit www.parkerpaws.org.
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