After facing one of the harshest winters parts of North America
have ever experienced, many people are sighing a gasp of relief
given the onset of spring. Even though we’ll be seeing rising
temperatures andthe arrival of new life, we may also experience
some aggressive behaviors when it comes to mothers of outdoor
critters who are protecting their newborns and their nest.
For example, otherwise docile creatures like possums are easily
frightened by the mere presence or scent of our Pets, especially
dogs and cats. But when our domesticated animals get too close
to their youngers or a perceived domicile, they will go into full-on
protective mode. Possums, raccoons, rats, even bats and other
flying threats from above can potentially injure and often carry
dangerous communicable diseases that are a danger to our
four-legged friends.
Recognizing Real Wildlife Worries
There’s a variety of unusual urban legends out there when it
comes to wildlife and the real (or imagined) danger they may
pose to our pets. For instance, we’ve seen some examples in
the media and in movies when a hawk, eagle or other bird of prey
arrives and on scene and carries off a small pet. While this is
highly unlikely, it’s still a remote possibility for a much smaller dog,
cat and especially newborn puppies and kittens.
This is the reason why we don’t let these newcomers stray too
far from the warmth, safety and security of their mother’s side.
Even the maternal instinct of the recent mom gives protection
to her litter when she won’t let her youngsters go any further
than her immediate sight and surroundings during their first
few weeks of life.
Trimming The Yard Fantastic
Another way we can keep wildlife at bay and away from our pets
is to prevent them from making our own outdoor areas attractive
to them when it comes to their nesting and feeding behaviors.
Once spring has sprung, these potentially dangerous critters will
make some of our exterior spaces their own places and create a
home for themselves.
But we can easily deter them by:
- Keeping bushes, shrubbery and other foliage bordering our
property lines well-trimmed, cut back, clear of debris and other
rubbish attracting certain critters to settle in without our
permission.
- Making sure our gardens are properly fenced and taking extra
precautions during planting time. Some of these critters will either
steal the seeds, dig up the beds or sense this as a future food
source without appropriate protection in place.
-Recognizing how low-lying tree branches encroach upon
our houses and gives animals access with these limbs left
untrimmed. It’s like an open invitation to come hang out in our
attic, chimneys or other parts of our exterior houses that are
actually indoor spaces.
-Keeping an eye on our fencing if our pets use gardens,
backyards and other exterior areas we perceive as being safe.
Watch for loose boards, faulty hinges, holes, failing latches and
other possible entry points for trespassing predators.
The reason many of us have cats is because they tend to keep
rodents and other critters away from our house. Even rat terriers,
by their very nature perform the same task. But on the other hand,
think twice when you see your kitty or doggie bring home a rat,
mouse, mole or other nuisance creature.
Take It Away - It’s NOT A Happy Meal
While we may have a mouser in our house, if they catch
and then eventually consume a rodent, it could literally be
the death of them. Other people, they’re often our neighbors
or nearby businesses, may be putting out poisons to kill these
pesky animals without knowing or understanding some of the
consequences of their actions.
Whether they’re our beloved pets or become potential predators
themselves, once either one of them capture and consume these
critters potentially laced with poison, they’re at a high risk from
succumbing to these types of deadly ingredients. Keep an extra
watchful eye on your dogs and cats this spring to keep them from
becoming an unlikely victim to these types of threats during
warmer months.
