Dry summers tend to lead to more encounters with wildlife in residential areas according to the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services.
The Department has a Wildlife Division and program that aims to improve problems many people face with wildlife in residential communities. The program includes on-site evaluations from Department representatives, wildlife education, and tips on how to keep your residence and neighborhood safe.
The primary goal of the Department is educating the public on the relationship between the community and wildlife, where both can live together harmoniously. The program is multi-tiered and intends to help communities better deal with wildlife issues while lessening contact with animals.
A few guidelines have been released to help avoid negative encounters with wildlife:
- Do not leave small children or pets unattended outside.
- Trim trees and band trees to prevent access.
- Leave garbage out closer to pick-up times instead of the night before.
- Do not leave pet food outdoors, especially at night.
- Pick up fallen fruit from trees daily.
- Barbecue’s should be kept clean and grease free.
- Hanging bird feeders and squirrel feeders should be put away at night.
- Cover compost piles and use lime to reduce odors. Do not use meat, fish, or other aromatic scraps in piles.
- Never feed or approach wildlife.
- Most predatory animals scavenge at night, but encounters can happen at any time.
Please report any non-emergency sightings and issues to Los Angeles Animal Services at (323) 225-WILD (9453). For additional tips about wildlife, please visit: http://www.laanimalservices.com/about-animals/wildlife