Showing posts with label paws. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paws. Show all posts

Shoreline Area Wildlife: Moles

Monday, November 15, 2010

Townsend's Mole.  Photo courtesy PAWS

PAWS provides regular posts about wild animals commonly found in the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park area. Each post gives facts on the species’ natural behavior, as well as how to avoid and resolve common problems with the animals.

Natural behavior
Although moles are very common in Western Washington, they are rarely seen due to their subterranean lifestyle. But you usually know when they're around. As moles excavate and maintain their underground burrow systems, excess soil is pushed to the surface forming molehills.

Two species—the Townsend's Mole and the Coast or Pacific Mole—are responsible for building the molehills in Washington State. A third species, the Shrew Mole, does not build extensive burrow systems, but spends time on the soil surface or under leaf litter.

Moles are highly specialized digging machines. They have broad, shovel-like forelimbs that allow them to power through soil. Although those who maintain gardens or lawns often view moles negatively, the burrowing is actually beneficial. It aerates and mixes soil layers and improves drainage. In addition, moles feed primarily on invertebrates, including the insect larvae, such as Crane Flies, which damage roots.

Moles are generally solitary, and aggressively defend their burrow systems. Mating season, in January and February, is an exception, when males will seek out females. Females give birth about 4 to 6 weeks after mating. Young moles spend 30 to 36 days with their mothers before dispersing to find their own territories. When they disperse, the young moles usually move above ground at night where many fall prey to owls, coyotes and other nocturnal predators.

Townsend's mole. Creative Commons.

Solving and preventing conflicts
Most conflict situations have to do with the molehills. Moles do sometimes harm plants, although inadvertently, by uprooting or covering them up as they diligently excavate. Moles do occasionally eat plant matter such as roots, tubers and bulbs. The presence of moles, however, is likely to be more helpful than harmful to the health of the soil on your property.

Excluding moles from your entire yard is difficult, but there are ways to prevent them from gaining access to your flower or vegetable gardens.

  •  Create raised beds for your garden and ornamental plants. If you attach one-inch galvanized or vinyl coated hardware cloth to the bottom of the raised bed, moles will be effectively prevented from digging up from below.
  • Use a mole repellant. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) there are commercially available castor oil-based repellents that have been scientifically tested on moles in the Eastern U.S. with some success. Or try this homemade repellant suggested by WDFW.
  • Try other commercially available products such as mechanical "thumpers" that send vibrations into the ground that supposedly encourage moles to leave. Some anecdotal evidence suggests these work for small yards, but no scientific evaluation of the products has been done.
  • The least expensive and most effective way to approach a "mole problem" is to learn to accept their presence. You can remove or tamp down molehills. Inspect your yard regularly and re-bury any exposed roots to mitigate damage to plants. You can transition your yard from a solid green mat of grass to a diverse habitat filled with native plants. The native plantings will thrive in the healthy soil that the moles have helped cultivate, and the local wildlife (including the moles) will thank you!

If you or a neighbor have questions or a current problem with wildlife, please call the staff at PAWS Wildlife Center at 425-412-4040. PAWS not only helps resolve conflicts with wild animals, but also rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife found by the public.

PAWS Wildlife Center Staff | wildlife@paws.org

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Shoreline Area Wildlife: Raccoons

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

PAWS will be providing a weekly post about wild animals commonly found in the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park area. Each post will give facts on the species’ natural behavior, as well as how to avoid and resolve common problems with the animals.

Raccoons are found in every neighborhood of Shoreline and all over heavily-wooded Lake Forest Park.

Photo by Sonya Reasor in her Shoreline back yard
 Natural behavior

Historically found in forests, wetlands and along river and stream corridors the highly adaptable Raccoon has learned to thrive in close proximity to humans. Now you can find commonly Raccoons in suburbs and even busy cities.

Though they are primarily nocturnal, Raccoons can be active during the day. They make dens in hollow trees, rock crevices, or burrows dug by other animals, and in storm sewers, crawl spaces, chimneys and attics.

Except during extreme weather or when a mother is denned with her young, Raccoons do not occupy a den for more than one or two days. Females who are disturbed will often move their young to new dens. Raccoons do not hibernate, but they do live off stored body fat when food is scarce during the winter.

Raccoons are omnivorous. They eat fruit, vegetables, nuts, insects, and small animals, including crayfish, crabs, frogs, and fish. They will also readily take advantage of improperly stored garbage and pet food.

Breeding season extends from late winter through early spring. Females generally giving birth between April and June to an average litter of three or four babies called kits. The kits remain in their birth den until they are about seven weeks old, at which point their mother moves them to a series of alternate dens. In some parts of the country, young Raccoons spend their first winter with their mothers. In Western Washington, many disperse from their mothers in the fall.

Solving and preventing conflicts

Once habituated to people, Raccoons can become bold and their presence, especially in large numbers, can pose problems for home and landowners. The most effective way to deal with Raccoons is to modify your property so that they will not be attracted to sources of food and shelter you have created.

Photo by Sonya Reasor in her Shoreline back yard
Never feed Raccoons-intentionally or unintentionally
  • Dispose of food scraps and trash in a metal can with a tight lid. Use a trash can with locking handle clasps, or secure it with a bungee cord or chain.
  • It is best not to feed cats and dogs outdoors. If you have no choice, pick up food and water bowls, as well as leftovers and spilled food as soon as your pets have finished eating. Do not leave bowls or food scraps outside at night.
  • Raccoons sometimes raid gardens for fruits and vegetables, particularly grapes and corn. By using bright lights, especially those activated by motion, or by creating noise disturbances when Raccoons are present, you may be able to deter them until crops are ready to harvest.

Keep them out of your house

Sometimes female Raccoons may use chimneys as dens to give birth and care for their young. Prevent this from happening by capping all chimney openings. If you suspect Raccoons are present, do not try to smoke them out.

Raccoons may also seek shelter under porches, in crawl spaces, or in attics where they can gain access through loose boards or large holes. If you think there are Raccoons living in these spaces, assume there are young in there from early spring through summer. Wait until the babies are old enough for their mother to move them before you take any steps to force them out.

Photo by Sonya Reasor in her Shoreline back yard
Once you are positive there are no young present, drive Raccoons away by putting up bright, flashing lights, turning on a radio set to a talk station, and hanging mesh bags filled with moth balls or soaked in ammonia. When you think the animals have left, tack a sheet of plastic over the entry and check later to see if animals have broken through it. Be sure to leave the light and radio on until there is no sign of activity, then seal the entry permanently.

Occasionally, Raccoons will venture into houses through pet doors when they smell food on the other side. Stay calm, close surrounding interior doors, leave the room and let the animal find his way out of the pet door or out of an open door or window. Lock pet doors at night or install a door that is electronically activated by a collar your pet wears. Never leave pet food near the opening.

If you or a neighbor have questions or a current problem with Raccoons, please call the staff at PAWS Wildlife Center at 425-412-4040.  PAWS not only helps resolve conflicts with wild animals, but also rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife found by the public.


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Concerned about Raccoons? PAWS can help

Monday, November 1, 2010


Photo courtesy PAWS
PAWS volunteers have been hanging door hangers on Shoreline doors to help educate the neighborhood about how to reduce conflicts with Raccoons. Look for the colorful hanger on your door, or follow this link for more info.

Test your knowledge of raccoons with the six-question quiz at this link

  • Learn about keeping your home, pets and family safe from Raccoon encounters.
  • Find out the best time to Raccoon-proof your home.
  • Find out how you score on knowledge of Raccoons.
Read the PAWS Blog.


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Halloween is a treat for humans; but spooky for pets

Friday, October 29, 2010


Jake is available for adoption at PAWS
From the PAWS blog


Every year at this time, we humans have a blast scaring the pants off each other, sharing sugary sweets and out-doing each other with costumes. But for our four-legged family members, Halloween often is a truly scary time. Here are some important tips to keep your pets safe this weekend:

1. Keep pets inside. During Halloween, leave your pets in a comfortable room with a closed door so they can’t slip outside when the kids come a-knocking for treats. Keeping the radio on will also help reduce anxiety caused by noisy groups and overeager kids.

2. Do not share candy with your pets either on purpose or by leaving it out where they can get it. Some types of candy, including sugar-free, can make your pet sick, and chocolate can even cause death. (And if it doesn't kill them, it will make them very sick and they will throw up everywhere.)  Instead, treat your dogs and cats to biscuits and catnip toys made especially for them.

3. Make sure Fido’s costume is fun and safe for him. Many folks find dogs in costume to be the cutest thing since that YouTube clip of the surprised kitten. But remember that pets are beings who deserve respect, so please don’t put your dog in a costume unless you are certain he enjoys it. Be sure the costume doesn't restrict his breathing, sight, hearing, or movement. Always make sure the fit isn't constricting, and watch for signs Fido may be getting stressed out.

4. Pets should wear collars and tags, and be microchipped. We recommend these steps all year ‘round to ensure your lost pet gets home to you. At stressful holiday times it’s especially important that each of your pets wear a collar and ID tag, and have a registered microchip.

5. Don’t let that pumpkin start a fire! If you have carved jack-o-lanterns with lit candles burning, a curious cat or excited dog may hurt herself or start a fire. If you do have such Halloween regalia, be sure you place it in a location that is inaccessible to your pets, such as outside (remember #1? you’re keeping them inside, right?) or in an entry blocked by a gate or closed door.

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Late Summer Wildlife Tips from PAWS

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Shoreline Raccoon. Photo by Sonya Reasor.
Even though summer is winding down, wild animals are still active as they prepare for the long winter. This time of year, Raccoon populations are highest as young ones venture out with mom to forage for food. That means encounters may increase, particularly for your pets. What should you do?
  • Feed your pets inside. If that's not possible, then pick up leftover food and dishes when your pet is finished eating and drinking. Raccoons are attracted to pet food and even its remnants on the dishes.
  • Before you let pets outside at night, check your yard. Even if your pets don't mean any harm to Raccoons, they, especially the mom, will act defensively.
  • Do not let your cats roam freely around the neighborhood, especially at night.
  • Close and lock pet doors, as Raccoons may be curious enough to follow the smell of food inside.
Raccoon in bushes
While most wild babies have left the nest, many squirrels are now raising their second litter this year. That means some mother squirrels may have made dens in unlikely places like attics or crawlspaces. Squirrels and other animals will take advantage of warm, safe places to raise their young. If you discover a squirrel has a made a den in your house, read these tips on encouraging her to move on and to prevent her from moving in again.

To get answers to any of your wildlife questions, you can call PAWS Wildlife Center at 425-412-4040.

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