Sweet Summertime, and the Livin’s Easy… Unless You’re a Wild Animal, That is!
Summer heat and weather can cause stress to local wildlife, but there are things that human allies can do to help our friends beat the heat!
First, water – a reliable water source is necessary to keep animals healthy. If you have a birdbath, make sure it’s clean and accessible, especially during particularly hot and dry spells. Water fountains and features with pumps are especially helpful as they keep the water moving and prevent mosquito breeding.
Second, consider planting native and local plants in your garden or outdoor space. Housing and retail development and reduction of green space has limited food availability for local animals. Native plants support the entire ecosystem, from attracting and supporting pollinators and helping to reduce erosion, to providing animals with well-rounded diets. Wildlife in Virginia will particularly appreciate having more access to their favorite snacks!
Inappropriate trash disposal and littering is a devastating problem for wildlife. Some animals cannot distinguish between shiny plastic and their normal food sources and end up with a belly full of trash that they cannot digest. Many animals suffer and die after ingesting trash and litter; however, we can help minimize this risk in a few ways. Make sure your garbage containers are tightly closed and use a trash can if you are able to, instead of putting trash bags on the street on pick-up day. This will limit animals from accessing the trash inside and eating things that they should not. Do not throw food out of the car window, because while fruit cores and other organic matter might be a good snack for the animals, we don’t want to encourage animals to approach roadways. Get a group of folks together to do a trash pick-up in the park, scoop up any leftover trash after the garbage truck services the neighborhood, or if you see an errant item while you are on a walk, grab it and dispose of it properly. Every contribution helps!
Lastly, check your lawn before you mow it. Turtles, rabbits, and some birds nest in the ground and a quick check can keep our animal friends safe.
Have a wonderful summer, everyone!
Written by Elizabeth O’Malley
