Look Who's In Your Backyard! - unusual wild animals that are found in populated areas

Ranger Rick, April, 2001 by Linda Parker

You're used to seeing some wild animals in your neighborhood, right? You know, ordinary ones such as starlings and squirrels.

But believe it or not, some pretty surprising wild creatures--including coyotes and alligators--have been making themselves at home in suburbs and cities.

MOVE OVER

Why are these animals here? Well, many of them were here all along. We're the newcomers who have moved into their wild neighborhoods.

Some animals come and go among us. They discover there's lots to eat--in our gardens, trash cans, and pets' food dishes. And they find easy routes in and out of our towns--through underbrush, along streams and railways, and even through sewers.

Others like our neighborhoods and decide to stay. They settle down in parks, yards, or vacant lots. Some make buildings and bridges their home.

GOOD NEWS--BAD NEWS!

It's sure exciting to have these surprising wild creatures close by. But remember, they are wild animals. So don't get too close. And never dive into your pool if an alligator got there first!

SEE YOU LATER...

A Florida alligator just wanted a quick dip in a pool (left). But it soon found out it wasn't welcome. The homeowner called a man who knew how to remove the unwanted visitor. See you later, alligator!

Many alligators live in Florida's lakes and streams. But when there's not enough rain, the streams dry up. Then the alligators look for new wet places. Too bad they don't make very good pool pals!

One California mountain town became the favorite fast-food hang-out for lots of black bears. The town's trash dumpsters offered them easy snacks (left).

Soon there were too many bears in town, and they were a real nuisance. Some hung around the post office and the playgrounds. Others crawled under houses.

So some of the bears had to move on. Pepper spray and rubber bullets helped. And so did bear-proof dumpsters. Now life in town is bearable again!

FOR THE BIRDS!

Peregrine (PAIR-uh-grin) falcons often nest on cliff ledges, far away from people. But ledges of tall city buildings have become favorite peregrine nesting spots, as with this chick and parent in New York City (above right). Cities also have plenty of peregrine food, such as pigeons. And from skyscrapers, the falcons can swoop down on prey--at speeds of up to 200 miles (322 km) per hour!

Many people love getting a glimpse of peregrines. After all, these awesome birds once nearly became extinct. Next time you're in a big city, keep your eyes open. Maybe you'll spot one!

LIVING WITH BEARS

One California mountain town became the favorite fast-food hang-out for lots of black bears. The town's trash dumpsters offered them easy snacks (left).

Soon there were too many bears in town, and they were a real nuisance. Some hung around the post office and the playgrounds. Others crawled under houses.

So some of the bears had to move on. Pepper spray and rubber bullets helped. And so did bear-proof dumpsters. Now life in town is bearable again!

COYOTE ALERT!

Yikes! This boy just opened his front door to let the dog out (above). And there's a coyote that was chowing down on the pooch's food!

Coyotes once lived only in the prairies and deserts of the West. But now they've spread throughout North America. They've even made their way into our cities and suburbs.

Why have they moved in among us? One reason is that coyotes aren't fussy. They can change the way they live to survive. So in cities and suburbs, they track down garbage and pet food. And this trickster has such sharp senses that it easily escapes trouble without being harmed.

Wild Animal Do's & Don'ts

Giving handouts to a wild deer, as this girl is doing, is a bad idea. The food could harm the animal. And it encourages the deer to rely on handouts. Plus, the deer could injure the girl. Here are some tips for keeping "pesky critters" from causing trouble in your neighborhood:

* Don't give "people food" to wild animals.

* Do cover garbage cans tightly.

* Don't keep pet food outdoors.

* Do keep cats inside, and don't leave small dogs alone outside.