If you’re a nature lover, as many people are, seeing wild animals in places they shouldn’t really be, might stop you in your tracks (but for all the wrong reasons). Some wildlife and other types of animals make their way into our neighbourhoods, yards and homes and although they might look cute and cuddly, many of these creatures can actually pose a threat to you and your loved ones. Naturally, we don’t want to cause these critters any harm, but we don’t want to allow them to continue living as a danger in human dwellings. Here are a few examples of these kinds of animals, how to identify them and why they pose a risk.
Raccoons
These stripey tailed creatures can scurry around looking furry and adorable, but don’t be fooled. Raccoons can be pretty dangerous for a few different reasons. Identifiable by their grey and black coats, ringed tailed and masked look over their eyes, they are typically drawn to human living spaces by our food – they’re often caught rummaging through trash and will eat almost anything they can get their paws on. This is one of the first reasons they’re considered pests; they can generate a terrible mess and even cause damage to your home and yard. However, these creatures are also known for carrying spreadable diseases such as rabies which can be passed on to pets and even humans.
Squirrels
Known for hoarding nuts in the forest and generally being cute, squirrels also have a tendency to gravitate towards our homes and particularly, our attics to keep warm in the winter months. The warmth and dryness of these kinds of spaces attract the creatures as a nesting site for birthing and raising their babies. The thought of tiny squirrels in the attic may sound sweet, but they too can cause damage to your walls and ceilings by scratching, clawing and chewing at your wood and other materials. Like most other undomesticated animals, squirrels can also carry diseases like salmonella, Lyme disease and rabies.
Opossums
These critters are somewhat controversial since they can be considered beneficial to have in our homes in some ways. Opossums can help to manage other pests in your home by eating cockroaches, rats and mice, as well as snails and slugs from your yard. However, having a family of opossums nesting in your attic can be somewhat of a nuisance. Many of the babies don’t survive their early weeks and the carcasses can cause foul odours to develop in your ceiling. Further than this, they, like most animals, can also carry diseases that can spread through their faecal matter or urine in your attic or even in the soil in your yard.
Final Thoughts
As you can tell, these cuties may seem like friendly companions to have around on your property, but they’re often more hassle than what they’re worth. If you have noticed or suspect any wildlife making their home on your property, get into contact with professional wildlife removal services to ensure that the creatures are evacuated safely and humanely.