Co-existing With Wildlife

We at the CMPD Animal Care & Control Bureau respond to hundreds of calls involving wildlife.  As Charlotte grows and the wildlife habitat is destroyed  conditions are perfect for more human and wild animal interactions as well as pet and wild animal interactions.

 

Do Not Feed Your Pet Outside

  • If you must feed your animal outside, remove any food that is left after your pet has finished eating.
  • Bird feeders often attract small animals such as squirrels and small rodents.  Larger animals will then prey on these squirrels and rodents thus attracting them to your property.

Do Not Leave Your Pets Outdoors Unattended

  • Dogs taken outdoors by their owners should always be leashed unless in a fenced yard, where they should still be supervised and checked regularly.
  • Dogs should not be tied outdoors, unfenced or unsupervised in areas where wildlife and rabies are prevalent.
  • Cats should be kept indoors unless trained to remain at home
  • Dogs and cats should not be left outside for any period of time unsupervised especially at night, even in a fenced enclosure.
  • Invisible fences do not protect your pets from predators.

Protect Yourself
If your pet comes in contact with or is injured by a wild, animal protect yourself first!

  • Wear gloves to handle your pet immediately after the encounter.
  • If there are any  injuries to the pet and they are not life threatening, wash off your pet with a garden hose.  This will remove any of the wild animal's saliva from your animal.
  • If the injuries are life threatening, wrap your pet in a towel or blanket and transport to a veterinarian.
  • If you come in contact with a wild animal immediately wash any areas of exposure with soap and water and contact your physician.
  • Contact 311 to report any wildlife encounters with you or your pet.

Finally, consider removing habitat that provides protective cover for wild animals or their prey.  This will dissuade wildlife from using the space as part of their territory or home range and will reduce the likelihood of conflicts.