Fall in the Wildlife Hospital
The Lindsay Museum’s wildlife hospital has received more than 4,400 injured or orphaned wild animals since the beginning of the year. With a little bit of knowledge and a few changes in habits, we can greatly reduce our impact on the region’s wildlife.
Keep pet food indoors: Wild animals can become dependent upon humans or our pets’ food and may carry diseases that can make humans and pets sick.
Don’t feed the ducks: Bread and crackers are not natural duck foods and can make them very sick. Feeding ducks can also lead to overpopulation that spreads disease and causes death.
Tree pruning: To avoid disturbing bird and squirrel nests, the best time to prune your trees is from October through December.
Don’t use pesticides or insecticides or rodenticides: These poisons may also kill wildlife and pets and can harm the environment.
Screen your chimneys, attic and basement vents: Many birds and mammals like to nest in dark, quiet places. Screening will prevent accidental injuries and keep animals out of your home.
Don’t use sticky traps: Insect and rodent traps made with sticky substances can harm and kill many other animals including birds and reptiles. Use snap traps for rodent control— they are more humane.
Bird netting: Avoid the use of plastic bird netting, especially near the ground. It can trap and entangle many wild animals. Use a stiffer wire mesh instead.
Lawns: Treat your lawn with beneficial nematodes in the spring so that raccoons won’t dig looking for grubs in the fall.
Call 925-935-1978 or visit www.wildlife-museum.org for more information including museum hours and admission prices.
Lindsay Wildlife Museum connects people with wildlife to inspire responsibility and respect for the world we share. The museum houses a collection of live, native California animals, a hands-on discovery room for children, a pet education section with domestic animals, changing exhibits and a wildlife rehabilitation hospital that treats about 6,000 animals every year.
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