I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH RACCOONS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Because of their ability to coexist with humans, raccoons can become a nuisance when they damage gardens, raid garbage cans or inhabit human structures. They can be especially destructive on farms, where they feed heavily on crops. Because of their susceptibility to rabies, problem raccoons cannot be relocated and wildlife rehabilitators can only accept them for rehabilitation with certain restrictions. However, some raccoon problems can be controlled using preventive measures. To deter raccoons from raiding garbage cans, several modifications can be made. Snaps can be attached to the lid and the handle can be secured to a stake driven into the ground. Placing cans in wooden bins or in the garage may also eliminate raccoon raiding problems. Some people have had success with placing ammonia directly in the can to repel raccoons. Pet or livestock food should not be left outside where it is available to raccoons. Bird feeders should be placed away from trees or other structures that can be climbed by raccoons. Raccoons can easily access roofs by climbing trees, downspouts, vines, or a trellis located near the house. Therefore, to prevent raccoons from entering houses, roofs and chimneys should be well-maintained. Replace loose shingles, repair any holes near the eaves of the roof and securely place a chimney cap over the chimney. Limiting the access to the roof by trimming trees and shrubs may also be helpful. The simplest and most effective, permanent solution to the problem of raccoons living in a chimney is to cap it. However, there may be young present, depending on the time of year. If the young are old enough to climb out, cap the chimney after the raccoons have left for the night. Sometimes, a female raccoon can be encouraged to move her young to another location by the use of repellents, such as ammonia or moth balls, combined with a light and noise from a portable radio placed near the damper. Electric fences may help to keep raccoons out of gardens. The wires must be spaced close together and close to the ground in order to be effective.

I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH SKUNKS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Skunks are one of the most common sources of wildlife problems experienced by Connecticut homeowners. Skunks will dig up lawns and gardens searching for insect larvae and grubs. They leave cone-shaped, divet-like holes, three to four inches in diameter and may also turn over larger pieces of sod. Controlling lawn grubs may reduce skunk damage to lawns. Lawn treatment advice and materials are available from garden or hardware stores. Turtle nests are also dug up by skunks searching for the eggs. Skunk predation on turtle eggs can account for a significant portion of egg mortality. Eggs of ground nesting birds will also be eaten if encountered by skunks. Skunks will raid garbage cans for a variety of food scraps. Garbage cans should have tight-fitting lids and should be inaccessible to wild animals. Skunks which have taken up resi ence under the porch or house can be excluded by covering all foundation openings with woven wire fencing. One opening should be left uncovered until no skunks remain under the building, such as when they have left to feed in the evening. This can be verified by seeing the skunks leave or flour can be sprinkled on the ground by this opening and checked periodically for footprints leading out of the opening. Once the skunk leaves, seal up the doorway with more fencing. You must be careful when using this technique since sealing burrows from early May to mid-August may leave young skunks trapped inside. Be sure all animals are out before sealing the final opening. Because skunks are adept at digging, any fencing may have to be buried at least one foot deep. Fencing will also help keep skunks out of gardens because they are not good climbers. If a skunk happens to find its way into the basement or garage, leave a door open and let the animal come out on its own. To prevent future problems with skunks or other curious animals, keep basement and garage doors closed. Skunks often become trapped in window wells. A flat, wide board placed at a low angle will usually allow the animal to climb out on its own. Because skunks can carry rabies, they can no longer be live-trapped and relocated. Animals that appear sick or that are acting abnormally should be avoided. The following symptoms may indicate the presence of rabies or other neurological diseases in mammals: unprovoked aggression, impaired movement, paralysis or lack of coordination, unusually friendly behavior and disorientation. If you see this behavior, avoid the animal and notify your local animal control officer.

I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH OPOSSUMS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Having an opossum in your yard shouldn't be a problem. This non-aggressive and nondestructive animal will not dig up yards, attack or threaten pets, or dig burrows. Opossums may get into garbage or pet food that is left outside and will sometimes raid poultry yards or gardens to feed on vegetables, apples, and strawberries. However, they are more beneficial to humans than harmful because they feed on many types of insects, like crickets and beetles, as well as on mice and voles. The best advice is to let opossums have their space and learn to live with them. However, if you really want to discourage this neighbor, there are a few measures you can take. Eliminate or secure food attractants. Bring pet food in at night. Keep garbage covered and in a secure area (garage, shed). Pick up fallen fruit from under fruit trees. Properly maintain poultry yards and houses. Protect gardens with fencing. (All of these measures also may reduce problems with raccoons, skunks, and bears.) Keep your yard well lit at night. Opossums prefer darkness and usually avoid well lit areas.
Eliminate hiding places. Put fencing around hiding places under decks, sheds, and other structures. Hardware cloth can be attached to the bottom of decks. The fencing should be bent outward, extending approximately two feet, then buried a few inches below the ground. Horse owners should pay attention to the risk of opossums transmitting a serious disease to horses through fecal contamination of feed and water. The disease, known as Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), is caused by a protozoal parasite whose eggs are shed in an opossum’s feces. Infected animals show various signs of illness, including symptoms of central nervous system disease. This disease also has been transmitted to other wildlife (raccoons and skunks) and domestic pets (cats). Most opossums probably are not shedding the parasite and very few of the horses exposed to the parasite will develop EPM. The disease risk can be minimized by preventing opossums from getting into domestic animal food and water through secure storage, good animal care practices, and animal-proofing of barns and other buildings.

I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH SQUIRRELS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Most complaints about squirrels are from homeowners with squirrels in their houses. Squirrels will readily take up residence in a building if access to sheltered areas such as eaves and attic crawl spaces is available. Gnawing, scratching, and pattering sounds, in early morning or daylight hours, usually signal their presence. Balls of torn insulation, cardboard, and dried leaves and twigs may pinpoint nests, but nests and young may be totally concealed within eaves or wall spaces. Squirrels in house eaves and attics can damage insulation and electrical wiring and should be removed. When blocking holes to prevent squirrels and other animals from gaining access, be sure that none are trapped inside. Adults can cause severe damage by chewing to regain entrance to reach their young. If chewing persists, heavy, half-inch wire mesh can be temporarily placed over the problem area. Trimming shrubs and vines and pruning overhanging tree limbs may discourage squirrels from causing problems in the home. In easily accessible areas, squirrels may be evicted by carefully applying an odor repellent like mothballs. Bright lights or noise from radios may also help. Squirrels are highly excitable and can cause severe damage if trapped inside a building. When frightened, they tend to run around a room with reckless abandon, knocking over anything in their way. By quickly and quietly opening a door or window to the outside and leaving the room, you will give the squirrel its best chance to get out. To free a squirrel trapped in a chimney, lower a heavy rope down the chimney to provide a means for the animal to climb out. Drop the other end of the rope to the ground to avoid another trip to the roof to retrieve it after the squirrel has left. Another major complaint about squirrels is the disruption they may cause at bird feeders. Feeders should be placed in an area where squirrels cannot gain access to them, far away from shrubs and overhanging tree branches. Mounting the feeder on a metal pole at least six feet high and attaching a metal, cone-shaped baffle to the pole will help prevent squirrels from reaching it. Hanging feeders are not recommended, since squirrels will climb down the hanger wire or will shake the wire until the food falls to the ground. Live-trapping gray squirrels, using metal box traps at least two feet long is often the most effective way to remove them. Place traps, baited with apple chunks, peanut butter, or various nuts, in heavily traveled routes or on rooftops, along porch railings, or within the attic. Once trapped, squirrels should be quickly removed from cages and released. For more information on the management of problem squirrels or for a referral to a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, contact the Wildlife Division.

I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH BATS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The presence of bats can be detected in several ways. At dusk, when bats leave roosts to feed, they may be seen exiting through eaves, vents or from behind shutters or siding. Noise from large colonies may also announce their presence. Droppings and dark brown stains may appear near eaves and beneath entrance holes and roosts. Bat droppings (guano) are easily crushed, revealing shiny bits of undigested insects. They are never white or chalky in appearance, as are the droppings of birds. The 2 most common bats involved in nuisance complaints are the little brown bat and the big brown bat. The little brown bat ranges from 3.1 to 3.7 inches in length and has a wingspan of 8.6 to 10.5 inches. Big brown bats range from 4.1 to 4.8 inches in length, with a wingspan of 12.1 to 12.9 inches. Big brown bats can readily be distinguished from little brown bats in flight by their larger size, slow wingbeats and audible chatter. A single bat that enters a home can often be removed easily. Closing off doorways to the room containing the bat and opening a window will usually prompt the bat to fly outside. A large jar or can may also be used to remove a bat. Move toward the bat slowly so that it is not startled and gently place the can over it. Slide stiff paper or cardboard under the can’s opening, using it as a lid when removing the bat. Heavy leather gloves should be used to remove a bat by hand. Bats, like all wild animals, may bite when handled and should not be removed bare-handed. Remember that bats, like other mammals, may be a source of rabies. The rabies virus is found in saliva and may be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. If you are accidentally bitten while handling a bat, make sure the bat is saved for examination. Immediately wash the bite with soap and water and seek prompt medical advice. Non-bite exposures can also occur and should be treated in the same manner as a bite. A non-bite exposure occurs when saliva or brain tissue from an infected animal enters scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes (nose, mouth, eyes). Most colonies of bats are small and often remain unnoticed for many years. Large colonies residing in an attic or wall may become a nuisance because of noise and unsightly guano accumulations. Eviction and exclusion of roosting bats are the only safe, permanent solutions to a nuisance problem. Numerous repellents and techniques may be used in an effort to evict nuisance bats.

You may also obtain a list of licensed NWCOs
from the Wildlife Division by calling
(860) 424-3011.

THE NATURAL HISTORY OF A FEW CRITTERS

Virginia Opossum, sometimes called a 'possum, is a marsupial (mar-SOOP-e-al).  There are lots of marsupials in Australia, but the Virginia Opossum is the only North American marsupial.   An opossum is about the size of a house cat.  It has grizzled white and gray fur. Adult opossums weigh about 2-6 kg (4-14 lbs).  They live alone, are active at night, and they are good climbers. You can find this opossum in the eastern United States , and along the west coast from British Columbia and to Baja California. They like to live in forests, brushy areas, and farmland. Opossums are omnivores (OM-ni-vorz).  Their diet includes insects, birds, small mammals, berries and other fruit.  Persimmons, apples and corn are favorite foods. Newborn opossums are smaller than a dime.  With their b arely developed front legs they crawl up through their mother's belly fur and into her pouch.  They stay in the pouch for about 2 months. Opossums do not hibernate, but during very cold weather they may nest in a hollow log or abandoned burrow for several days at a time. Opossums and other marsupials are mammals that usually have a pouch on the belly where the young develop for awhile after they are born.  There are many marsupials in Australia, and more than 70 species of opossum in the Americas, but the Virginia Opossum is the only North American marsupial. Opossums also eat carrion, and many individuals are killed on highways while attempting to feed on roadkill. After a pregnanc y of only 12-13 days, the tiny, naked newborns, smaller than a dime, crawl up through their mother's belly fur and into her pouch.  Here they attach to a nipple and continue to develop.  After about 2 months the young opossums, now bright eyed and fully-furred, crawl out of the pouch and onto their mother's back. The opossums front feet have five toes with claws; on the hind feet the outer four toes bear claws, and the inmost toe is opposable, like a thumb, and doesn't have a nail. The Virginia opossum has a pointed, slender face and large, broad, naked ears. An opossum has 50 teeth, making it one of the toothiest of mammals! They are nocturnal, sleeping in a burrow during the day and hunting food at night; most are arboreal.  One of the things (besides hissing, screeching and drooling) the opossum does when threatened is feign death. Thus the expression "playing possum."

FAST FACTS

• The Virginia Opossum is the only marsupial found in North America.
• Newborn opossums are so small you could fit 24 of them into a teaspoon! 
• An opossum will eat just about anything, including carrion. 
  
• Opossums use their tails like a fifth hand to grip tree branches!
• The opossum relies on its excellent hearing to detect prey rustling beneath the forest floor.
• When frightened, an opossum may bluff by hissing, screeching and drooling.
  

Raccoons are often called "little bandits" because of the masks on their faces.  With their masks, ringed tails and lush fur, they are easy to recognize.  Their coats are grey with black, white and brown areas.  Their noses are black and their eyes are very dark.  They have sm ooth, furless hands with agile fingers. They use their fingers and hands much the way primates (apes, monkeys, humans) do... to pick up food, to fish, to groom themselves and to carry things. Raccoons are often described as being "roly-poly", but they are agile and capable of moving quickly.  They are talented climbers.  Their claws help them grip tree trunks, which makes for easy climbing.  Raccoons rest during the day and are most active between sunrise and sunset when they look for food and explore.  They are very curious and intelligent.  On the mammal IQ scale they rank just below the monkey.  They are smarter than cats or white rats. Raccoons are found almost everywhere in North America.  They like to live near creeks, ponds or rivers where food is plentiful.  They live in a variety of dens; they will use trees that have large cavities in them, hollow logs or large spaces among rocks. Raccoons are omnivores (OM-ni-vorz) and they eat a variety of foods.  They enjoy small fish, crayfish, frogs, insects, fruits, berries and greens.  They often raid garbage and they love to raid gardens for corn and other things.  Female raccoons are territorial (stick to the same area) and only socialize with adult males during mating season.   Depending on weather, they can mate any time between December and June, but the preferred time is February. Female raccoons are pregnant from between sixty-three and sixty-five days.  Most of the babies are born between April and May.  A litter can have anywhere from two to eight young, but the average is three to five babies. The young are born with their eyes and ears closed, without teet h and with very little fur.  By three weeks of age, their eyes and ears have opened and they have grown more fur.  By seven weeks of age, they have normal fur and are good at walking and climbing. Mothers lead their young from the dens at about eight weeks, when they begin to teach them how to find food.  They nurse from their mothers until they are about sixteen weeks old and have learned to eat on their own.   Usually, young raccoons stay with their mothers for their first winter, when the family dens together. Most names given to raccoons have to do with their habits. The Latin name is "Procyon Lotor"; Lotor means washer.  The name "raccoon" originated from the Algonquin word "arakun", which means: "he scratches with his hands." Although raccoons seem to use their hands to wash their food, what they're really doing is using their sensitive fingers to discover something about what they are touching.  They use their hands to "memorize" what food is and what it feels like.  They also fish by feel, rather than by sight. Raccoon adults can weigh between 5½ and 13½ kilograms ( 12 -30 pounds,) depending on latitude, however the adult weight can vary widely. The heavier raccoons are generally in the colder climates.  13 kg(29 lb) raccoons are very common in Manitoba, and the average adult is South Carolina is about 6 kg(13 lbs .) Raccoon signs include distinctive tracks.  The front tracks are hand-shaped with five fingers and a claw mark above each finger.  The back tracks show a pointed heel at the bottom and five long toes, each showing a claw mark above.  Scat (droppings) is generally dark coloured but that depends on what the animal has been eating.  Scat has a granular appearance and tends to be even in width like dog droppings are.  In some areas, raccoons may deposit scat on large tree limbs or logs, or on high spots and small rises in the land.  All raccoons in an area will use this communal scat pile!

FAST FACTS

• Adults can weigh as little as 2.7kg (6 lbs) in Florida, and one was recorded at 28kg (62 lbs) in Wisconsin!
• Raccoons make more than 51 sounds, including "churrrs" "whopwops" and sounds like a screech owl!
  
• The name "raccoon" comes from the Algonquin "aracun," meaning "he scratches with his hands."
• Raccoons eat just about anything, but prefer small fish, frogs, fruit, berries and greens.

Squirrels are familiar to almost everyone. More than 200 squirrel species live all over the world, with the notable exception of Australia. The tiniest squirrel is the aptly named African pygmy squirrel—only five inches (thirteen centimeters) long from nose to tail. Others reach sizes shocking to those who are only familiar with common tree squirrels. The Indian giant squirrel is three feet (almost a meter) long. Like other rodents, squirrels have four front teeth that never stop growing so they don't wear down from the constant gnawing. Tree squirrels are the types most commonly recognized, often seen gracefully scampering and leaping from branch to branch. Other species are ground squirrels that live in burrow or tunnel systems, where some hibernate during the winter season. Ground squirrels eat nuts, leaves, roots, seeds, and other plants. They also catch and eat small animals, such as insects and caterpillars. These small mammals must always be wary of predators because they are tasty morsels with few natural defenses, save flight. Sometimes groups of ground squirrels work together to warn each other of approaching danger with a whistling call. Tree squirrels are commonly seen everywhere from woodlands to city parks. Though they are terrific climbers, these squirrels do come to the ground in search of fare such as nuts, acorns, berries, and flowers. They also eat bark, eggs, or baby birds. Tree sap is a delicacy to some species. Flying squirrels are a third, adaptable type of squirrel. They live something like birds do, in nests or tree holes, and although they do not fly, they can really move across the sky. Flying squirrels glide, extending their arms and legs and coasting through the air from one tree to another. Flaps of skin connecting limbs to body provide a winglike surface. These gliding leaps can exceed 150 feet(46 meters). Flying squirrels eat nuts and fruit, but also catch insects and even baby birds. Whether they dwell high in a tree or in an underground burrow, female squirrels typically give birth to two to eight offspring. Babies are blind and totally dependent on their mothers for two or three months. Mothers may have several litters in a year, so most squirrel populations are robust.

BATS

Did you know bats are the only mammals that are able to fly?  There is a mammal called the "flying squirrel"  but it doesn't fly.  It glides through the air and then has to climb a tree to be able to glide again.  Bats really fly.  Their wings are thin, delicate membranes stretched across their arms and fingers. Most bats have very poor eyesight, but can find their way around much better than we can.  How do you think they do that?  They use echolocation, which is the same way that ships and submarines get around, but they call it sonar.  Bats make very high chirping and clicking noises.  These sounds bounce off things and back to the bats' very large, sensitive ears.  That tells them where stuff is,  which is a pretty neat way to get around - since it doesn't really matter if it's day or night for it to work. Bats usually sleep during the day,  hanging upside down in caves and other quiet places.  If you build a bat house,  you may be lucky enough to have bats living on your property.   Although many bats eat fruit and nectar,  many also eat small insects;  a bat can clear a lot of mosquitoes out of your yard!  If you live in an area where there are bats,  you can often see them as it starts to get dark and you may see them passing near lights.  Since they are all very dark in colour,  they're not easy to see, so you'll have to pay attention. Some people are afraid that bats will get tangled in their hair.  No chance!  A bat's echolocation is so accurate that it can easily maneuver to within a few millimetres of where it wants to be, and it doesn't want to be in a human's hair!  Maybe you can't get around very well in the dark,  but the bats are smart enough to stay out of your way. Many bats migrate,  but some hibernate in caves, hanging upside-down all winter long.  Hibernating bats,  like all the other animals that hibernate,  can lower their heart rates dramatically and reduce their body temperatures,  allowing them to go for very long periods without eating.  That's why, if you know where bats hibernate you should never disturb them. Did You Know?   Bats are from the order Chiroptera (ki-ROP-ter-ah) which is a Greek word meaning "hand-wing."  If you think that a bat is a bat is a bat... you're in for a surprise!  There are almost one thousand different types of bats, which is almost one quarter of all mammal species.   Bats can be broken down into two major groups.  The megabats are also known as Old World fruit bats and they are quite large.  They are only found in Africa,India and Australasia.  The microbats,  which are much smaller,  are distributed all over the world. Bats are truly wonderful mammals.  Wildlife rehabilitators who work with bats really enjoy their work.  Because bats have been the victims of many superstitions and silly stories,  people have been afraid of them and have treated them very badly.  Bats ar e very beneficial animals.  They eat many insects such as mosquitoes,  and they are responsible for pollinating at least 500 different types of plants.  Scientists estimate that if bats were to disappear,  many of these plants would disappear with them,  as would all the different animals who depend on these plants.  That makes bats pretty important. The smallest bat in the world is the Kitti's hog-nosed bat, which is only 3cm. (1 in ) long, and the largest is the Malayan flying fox (now that's an odd name for a bat!) which is 41cm long (16 in ) and has a wingspan of 1.7 metres (5.6 feet.)

People residing in urban and suburban areas enjoy seeing and interactingwith wildlife. Feeding ducks and geese brings these birds into proximity to people. People that feed wildlife feel they are helping the birds and this provides these people with a sense of well-being and excitement. To the ducks and geese, however, the result of relying on handouts is devastating. Feeding popcorn, bread, or shelled corn is like feeding a child junk food since the geese are not receiving a balanced diet. This activity is a very selfish pursuit when only one party, humans, derives a benefit.

Feeding waterfowl attracts and keeps so many birds that the biological carrying capacity (how many birds the environment can naturally support) is exceeded, and the birds are staying only because of the unnatural feeding activity by humans. This leads to damage to the grounds, (i.e., grass destroyed, people walking through feces and bringing the feces, on shoes, into restaurants, work or homes). Goose droppings at parks are also a concern to the parents of children playing in the parks. The cultural carrying capacity (how many geese people can tolerate) is usually much lower than the biological carrying capacity.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF FEEDING

* Lack of balanced diet may cause wing deformity in goslings, hindering the bird’s flight ability

* Feeding causes overcrowding allowing diseases such as botulism and cholera to spread easily and possibly

result in massive waterfowl die-offs

* Geese lose their fear of humans and become aggressive

* Feeding reduces the need for geese to migrate so they stay in an area longer and create more problems