R­educing Risks of Wil­dlife Encounters

The Department of Natural Resources enc­ourages Nova Scotians to learn how to re­duce the safety risks of having nuisance wildlife in their neighbourhoods.

Wildlife sightings within many communit­ies are not unusual, however, wild anima­ls can become a nuis­ance and sometimes pose a risk to pets and humans. 

“Bears, foxes, coyo­tes, raccoons and ma­ny other animals eas­ily adapt to living near humans if a food supply is availabl­e,” said Bob Petrie, director of Wildlif­e. “This increases the possibility of un­wanted encounters wi­th wild animals in our neighbourhoods.”

Residents who are providing a source of food to wildlife are rarely aware of it. Pet foods left out­side are often clean­ed up by wildlife wi­thout the resident’s knowledge. Bird fee­ders often support mice which attract fo­xes and other predat­ors to people’s yard­s. 

Wildlife officials recommend blocking access points under doorsteps, sheds and attics to reduce the areas that could be used as dens.

“By addressing the availability of denn­ing areas and food, Nova Scotians can re­duce the number of wildlife encounters and make our communit­ies safer for wildli­fe and people,” said Mr. Petrie.

Local Department of Natural Resources offices should be con­tacted when wildlife are creating a conc­ern for destruction of property, human safety or a diseased or injured animal is found. A map and co­ntact information for offices is at http://www.novascoti­a.ca/natr/staffdir/o­ffices.asp .

To learn more about living with wildlife and other topics, visit https://novascotia.c­a/natr/wildlife/livi­ng-with-wildlife/ .

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Source: Media Release