Wildlife & Stray Animal Concerns

Active Months

 About Foxes

• Red foxes are solitary creatures during the fall and early winter. Their range is one to two miles, but if food supplies dwindle within this area, the animals will extend their normal range to search for food
• In the fall, it’s normal for adult foxes to hunt and remain active during the daytime.
• From late mid-May through July, juvenile foxes will be active during the day and even be seen hanging out or playing in yards, on porches, or about anywhere in the neighborhood. These foxes may not readily run away when approached.  It is likely they were raised nearby and do not know to be fearful of humans yet.

DIY Deterrents

• If you've seen a fox near your property, and want to keep it away, a barrier is quite effective in keeping them off your land.  For example, burying chicken wire at least 12 inches under a fence or using electric fencing.
• Use motion-activated lighting and sprinklers.
• Keep pets fenced in or otherwise safely contained.
• Natural methods can create deterrents such as hot chili peppers, garlic, and capsaicin.   

 Encountering a Fox

• NEVER feed a fox
• HAZE THEM if foxes come near, wave your arms, and shout and make them unwelcome
• Do not keep pet food outside
• Clean your grill after use or store it in the garage
• Cover and secure your trash and put it out the morning of pick up
• Pick up any fallen fruit from trees daily

Active Months

About Coyotes

• Coyotes that live in urban and suburban environments do not typically travel in packs.
• Coyotes are shy and cautious animals and will avoid people whenever possible. Coyotes that approach homes tend to do so because they are being fed; the only recorded coyote bites in Ohio have been conditioned/habituated coyotes.
• The Ohio Wildlife Center discourages trapping and relocating coyotes. In areas where humans have tried to reduce coyote populations, coyotes have naturally increased their litter size. In addition, empty territories attract migrating coyotes that then choose to settle in the voided areas.

DIY Deterrents

• Keep outdoor grills clean.
• Use motion-activated lighting and sprinklers.
• Keep pets fenced in or otherwise safely contained.
• If necessary, use electric fencing.

Encountering a Coyote

• DO NOT feed or attempt to tame a coyote.
• DO NOT turn your back on a coyote.
• DO NOT run from a coyote.
• DO be big and loud.
• DO move toward active or populated areas.

Active Months

Signs You May Have Skunks

• You find small, shallow holes in your lawn. Skunks foraging for grubs often leave these holes.
• You find small plants and garden crops knocked over or damaged. Skunks like to target the bottom leaves of crops and especially corn.

DIY Deterrents

• Skunks like to den in warm, dry areas, such as garages, sheds, wood and rock piles, and under concrete slabs and porches. To prevent this from happening be sure to close off all potential access points.
• Bury quarter-inch mesh hardware cloth one to two feet into the ground in places where animals might gain access to garages, sheds, or underneath porches through digging.

DIY Removal

• If you suspect you’ve found a skunk den, proceed with caution. To determine if the skunk is present, fill the hole with a wad of newspaper. Check back daily to see if the newspaper has been displaced.
• If several days have gone by without the newspaper being disturbed, the skunk should no longer be present, and you can proceed with filling the hole or closing off the skunk’s point of entry to its den.
• If a skunk is present, harassment can be effective. Repeatedly cover the access point to its den with straw or newspaper to see if it gets the message. Make the den less attractive by adding light and noise (i.e. turning on a radio). Motion-activated sprinklers can also scare skunks.
• Keep in mind that skunks can spray over 10 feet. If you feel ill-equipped to harass or take steps to remove the skunk, refer to the pest removal companies provided for assistance.

Active Months

Signs You May Have Squirrels and/or Raccoons

• You notice chewed-up shingles or boards.

DIY Deterrents

• Remove branches that extend over your roof that can provide an easy access point.
• Bury quarter-inch mesh hardware cloth one to two feet into the ground in places where animals might gain access to garages, sheds, or underneath porches through digging.
• If you have one or more chimneys, install guards that prevent wildlife from gaining access.

DIY Removal

• If you have a squirrel or raccoon in your home, open windows and doors to provide an exit, then leave it alone to allow it time to figure out how to escape.
• You may also try trapping it with a large enough container. Once captured, slide a piece of cardboard between the container and the wall or floor and take the animal back outside to be released.
• If an animal is caught down a chimney, try hanging a rope from the top into the chimney to give it something to help climb back out.

Signs You May Have Rats or Mice

• You find small droppings, approximately the size of a grain of rice.
• You find gnawed holes, up to two inches wide, in baseboards or doorframes. This is a sign the rodent has been present for an extended period of time.
• You find smudge marks from the rodent’s body oils on the lower portions of your walls.
• You hear unidentifiable movement in your walls or attic.
• Your family pet becomes fixated with what should otherwise be a blank wall or floorboard.

DIY Deterrents

• Rats and mice can squeeze through even the smallest of holes (the size of a quarter). Prevent rodents from entering your home by sealing off holes. Heavyweight material, such as quarter-inch hardware cloth is recommended.
• Gaps often occur near electrical conduits, utility or air conditioning lines, or water pipes that enter your home or drain exiting your home. Finish openings with caulking or foam insulation. Because rats can chew through insulation, combine it with wire mesh.

DIY Removal

• While lethal control is legal for rodents, the need to control rats is largely a direct result of a lack of cleanliness so environmental changes are recommended first.
• The least inhumane methods for killing rats and mice include the traditional snap trap and newer traps that use an electrical charge to stun and kill the rodent. Rodent bait laced with poison is another option.
• IMPORTANT: These traps can be harmful to humans and pets. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully and to check the traps frequently. Wear rubber gloves when handling dead animals, traps, and rodent bait. Place dead animals in sealed plastic bags and dispose of them in trash receptacles that are regularly collected.