As we all try to beat the heat this summer, our furry and feathered neighbors are no exception. Finding solace in the city's irrigated landscapes, a range of wildlife from birds to bears is increasingly making themselves at home amid urban settings. Utah State University Extension wildlife specialist David Stoner explains that the predictable greenery of city environments provides a stark contrast to the fluctuating wildlands. "City landscapes are irrigated and highly predictable, whereas the wildlands where they come from fluctuate," Stoner told USU Today. Ski resorts and parks, lush from our watering, start to look inviting, meadows ripe for a host of herbivores.
However, our attempts to create a wildlife-friendly environment can, according to Stoner, quickly spiral out of our control. Intentionally or not, providing water and food for our feathered friends can attract a cascade of creatures, some potentially less welcome than others. He points out, "Bird feeders attract songbirds. Songbirds attract predator birds. The bird seed that falls on the ground attracts rodents. Rodents attract snakes," as per USU Today. And it doesn't stop there, raccoons, deer, and even bears might join the party if we're not careful. Stoner doesn't advocate for a complete hands-off approach but suggests the conscientious placement of feeders and strategic fencing to keep larger wildlife at bay. "But if you are going to put out a bird feeder, place it high enough that other animals cannot reach it. Be sure to clean up any spilled seed from feeders, and put up fences high enough to keep deer out of your vegetable gardens," he said, as obtained by USU Today.
The issue is not just about nuisance or inconvenience; there's a legal dimension to it, too. Wildlife classed as a nuisance can often be killed without a license, and trapping is legal, but it's critical to check current regulations with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources before taking action. Stoner underscores the fact that relocation isn't a free-for-all solution due to potential ecological risks and the likelihood of sprea
