There are several ways in which we can all try and prevent disturbance to and destruction of wildlife homes, which leads to orphaned young.
With just a little consideration we can all make a difference:
- Check for nests before cutting down a tree or clearing brush. It is best to cut trees and clear brush in autumn when the main nesting season is over, but remember, in Arizona, the long, almost perpetual summers mean that some animals (such as hummingbirds) will still be nesting right through to January.
- Place caps on all chimneys, vents, gutters, and window wells to prevent animals from nesting there. They will find a safer, natural alternative.
- Do not leave open containers of oil – either motor oil or cooking oil. These products are deadly to wildlife.
- Monitor your pets. Our pets injure thousands of birds, mammals, and reptiles every year. Often even when no injury is visible, wildlife rarely survives these attacks.
- Educate children to respect wild animals and their habitats, especially at dawn and dusk when disturbance to nests can result in long periods of absence or even abandonment by the adults.
- Exercise caution when driving and watch the roadsides for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Preserve habitat for wildlife, and enhance it whenever the opportunity arises.