Wildlife in your home? Call Wildlife Inc.

I'm often asked what to do if an animal is found on our porch or in our home. 

Who you call determines the future of that animal. Do you know what happens when you call a pest control or removal company to remove wildlife? They kill it.

There is another option.

Wildlife, Inc. is the largest rescue and rehabilitation place in Manatee County. Since Wildewood Springs is a designated wildlife sanctuary and natural preserve-like area, this post is meant to help find friendly, kind solutions to working with our wilder neighbors.

Just like us, birds and other animals are doing their best to make a living and raise their young. Developing an appreciation and understanding of your wild neighbors can help you learn to accept them and live in harmony with them without resorting to extreme measures.

 - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

This is another opportunity to remind us all to not feed the birds or wildlife. 

Why? When you feed birds, the food attracts all kinds of wildlife. Wildewood Springs IIA has a rule about not feeding any birds or wildlife. This rule has an important purpose and is suggested by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Feeding birds and other wildlife is not healthy for wildlife or humans. Wildlife needs to find their food from the habitat. Feeding birds is also an invitation to other wildlife, like raccoons or opossums—and sends a message that humans are a food source. The result? Birds and other animals approach humans in unnatural closeness. Feeding wildlife accustoms them to humans.

I know that birds are being fed in Wildewood Springs. How? I have never fed birds, however, when I stepped outdoors recently, this Wood Stork, normally skittish, walked right up to me. 

The Grounds Committee is working on a Strategic Plan and in it will recommend to the Board the idea of including plants (in areas) that increase the food supply for birds and butterflies. We hope that this will increase bird sightings for the enjoyment of all neighbors.

Pet guidelines - one dog or one cat allowed per unit

I’m a cat lover. This is a photograph of Nesta, my kittycat (1993-2014). 

Since our neighborhood is a certified Audubon Wildlife habitat, I’m grateful that the association has rules to help us protect the Wildewood Springs environment and our pets.

“One dog (not weighing more than 25 pounds when fully grown) or one cat is allowed per unit. All pets must be leashed at all times when outdoors on Association property. Cats, in particular, are not allowed to roam the grounds, day or night.” (Rules and Regulations, p. 11, VI.)

This rule follows national guidelines not only for wildlife areas where it is especially important but also for all cat lovers. Keeping cats indoors is better for cats, better for birds, and better for people (American Bird Conservancy).

I admit that for years I let my cat outdoors (not while living in Wildewood). It wasn't until I began to work with neighbors to restore a neighborhood ravine park habitat in Columbus, Ohio that I became aware of the dangers to my sweet cat, and to birds. 

I was shocked to learn that cats kill about 3.7B birds a year. I began keeping her inside.