Living With Wildlife

Many wild animals have adapted well to living in our neighborhoods. By remembering some key factors about living with wildlife, we can learn how to avoid potential problems and enjoy the peace and serenity that these animals can bring to our backyards and communities.

Designed as an educational tool, the Wildlife Web explores the vital and delicate relationship between humans and animals, and serves as just one of many resources available on living with wildlife. Sometimes, the best way to help wildlife is to just let nature take its course. Human intervention is not always the answer. Before taking action on your own, you should first contact a wildlife rehabilitator or care center. Using what you've learned from our Wildlife Web, communicate the situation clearly and follow the guidance of these licensed professionals. For a list of wildlife rehabilitators and care centers in your area go to Contact Information. For additional information contact our Lake County Forest Preserves naturalists at 847-968-3321.

This Wildlife Website was created through a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Forest Preserve Districts of DuPage County and Lake County, Illinois, as well as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service provided additional technical support.

Infant Wildlife

• Assessing whether or not the baby is really an orphan. Making sure it needs rescuing.
• Taking the proper measures when dealing with infant wildlife to not only help the infant, but also protect the entire local habitat.
• Recognizing common (orphaned) infant wildlife: birds, cottontail rabbits, raccoons, fawns, opossums, skunks, foxes and squirrels.
• Knowing steps to take if a REAL orphaned or injured baby is found that will limit the amount of stress and risk put on the animal.
  

Avoiding Wildlife Troubles

• Recognizing troublesome wildlife: skunks, raccoons, bats, opossums, deer, coyotes, Canada geese, woodpeckers, crows and pigeons.
• Preventing animals from getting into unsuitable habitats such as garbage cans and flowerbeds.
• Knowing recommended deterrents to prevent problems from occurring or to deal with already troublesome situations.

Injured Wildlife

• Making sure the animal really needs your help before intervening.
• Understanding local, state and regional laws and rules against keeping wildlife.
• Keeping in mind that the number one threat or killer to injured wildlife is SHOCK; the animal will not understand that you are trying to help so if you must intervene then do so with care.
• Assuming the animal is in shock, eliminate extra stressors.
• Alleviating shock with a step-by-step approach on how to handle an injured animal and how to transport one.
• Calling for help! There are a number of licensed rehabilitators throughout Illinois. Ask for their qualifications and specialties.

Landscaping for Wildlife

• Inviting wildlife into your backyard is beneficial and enjoyable.
• Attracting an array of wildlife into your yard, such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Planning your backyard landscape.
• Caring for and feeding wildlife consistently will keep critters coming back into your view.

The Role of Wildlife

• Recognizing endangered and threatened species and knowing how you can help protect them.
• Recognizing wildlife common to the area and learning how to preserve their life.
• Implementing natural resource management tools to return once endangered and threatened species to Illinois.
• Taking the proper measures to maintain and promote the return of native species and continue their progress.