Nature in YOUR Neighbourhood!
Cohabitating with urban wildlife can be a fascinating and often challenging experience. In our modern cities, we share our living spaces with a diverse range of animals, from birds and squirrels to raccoons and even the occasional coyote or deer. In the city of Lethbridge in particular, we have a wildlife corridor flowing right through the center in the form of the Oldman River Valley. While this can be an exciting opportunity to connect with nature, it also requires a certain level of understanding and awareness to ensure that both humans and animals can coexist peacefully.
One of the most common sights in urban areas is the presence of birds. From pigeons and sparrows to more exotic species like blue jays or hawks, birds are a ubiquitous part of city life. Many urban dwellers enjoy watching and listening to the birds that visit their neighborhoods, whether it’s the cheerful chirping of robins in the morning or the sight of a majestic hawks soaring through the skies. However, birds can also pose challenges, such as nesting in inconvenient locations, producing loud and annoying noise, or creating messes with their droppings. To discourage birds from frequenting your area there are several humane methods to try. Start by removing any food sources that may be attracting them such as uncovered trash bins or bird feeders. Utilizing scare tactics like shiny objects, predator decoys, or motion-activated devices can also deter unwanted avian visitors. Additionally, blocking off access to potential nesting sites and using physical barriers like netting or spikes can be effective. By implementing these strategies, you can peacefully coexist with our feathered friends while allowing birds to thrive in urban environments without causing undue disruption.
Other common urban wildlife includes squirrels, raccoons, and skunks. These small mammals are well adapted to city life and can often be found raiding trash cans, or making their homes in crawl spaces and beneath porches and decks. While these animals can be cute and curious, they can also become pests if they become too comfortable around humans. To discourage unwanted interactions, it’s important to secure garbage bins, seal up any potential entry points to your home, and avoid feeding wildlife intentionally. By respecting their space and establishing boundaries, we can minimize conflicts with these creatures and promote a harmonious coexistence.
Occasionally, larger and more imposing animals like coyotes, deer, and in some cases even bears may venture into urban areas in search of food or shelter. While these encounters can be intimidating, it’s important to remember that these animals are typically more afraid of us than we are of them. By making loud noises, waving your arms, and giving them space, you can discourage them from approaching and encourage them to return to more suitable habitats. It’s crucial to avoid feeding or approaching these animals, as it can lead to habituation and potentially dangerous situations for both humans and wildlife.
Overall, cohabitating with urban wildlife requires a delicate balance of respect, understanding, and vigilance. By appreciating the beauty and diversity of the natural world around us, while also setting boundaries and establishing a sense of coexistence, we can create a harmonious environment where both humans and animals can flourish. With a little patience and effort, we can transform our cities into vibrant ecosystems that support a rich tapestry of life, making our urban jungles truly wild and wonderful places to live.
Keith Pushor has been a licensed Realtor since 1994 servicing the Lethbridge and area market. He publishes a semi-regular BLOG about adventures in his real estate practice, cycling, our outdoor environments, and other random topics that he finds interesting. The information presented in this BLOG, while being reliable, is ultimately only the perspective and opinion of Keith Pushor, may or may not have been assisted by ChatGPT Technology, and do not necessarily reflect those of LDAR or Royal LePage South Country.
