By Donna Ralph, Ellicott Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Here are a few things each of uscan do to help our environment and the wildlife we share it with. Each of us helping can make a very big difference!
· Cover the chimneys and window wells
NOW, before someone builds a nest in there.
· Check window wells frequently; many of our calls regard trapped babies.
· Keep bird feeders and birdbaths scrupulously clean.
·
No red dye in the hummingbird feeders!! Hang outside April 15th; keep up until Thanksgiving for stragglers.
· Bring bird feedersand pet foodin at night, especially in bear country.
· Cloth shopping bags instead of plastic. Some retails offer credit for reusing plastic bags and/or for using cloth bags.
· Xeriscape and landscape with wildlife habitat in mind. Consider native and drought-tolerant plants.
· Environmental-friendly fertilizers.
· Environmentally safe alternatives to pesticides.
· Environmental-friendly cleaning and personal care products.
· Eco-friendly antifreeze/coolant in the vehicles.
· Place bird feeders within 3 feet of windows. They might still hit the windows but likely won't be going fast enough to hurt themselves seriously.
· Put trash out on trash day. Keep trash and pet food in tightly covered containers.
· If possible, don't cut or remove trees and shrubbery until after baby season.
· Bring the cat and dog in for a few days during baby mammal/bird season.
· Leave the fawns alone. If they need help, they'll be walking and bleating.
· Put baby birds back in the nest, or build a simple replacement nest and hang it in the shade close to where found. The parents are probably watching and will resume care if the baby is not damaged.
· Remember, it is against the law topossess any and allwildlife unless you have a special license from the Colorado Division of Wildlife and/or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
· Help us to help the animals you find by donating time, cash, wildlife rehab supplies.
· Recycle.
· Hang bird and bat nest boxes.
· Cut the plastic 6-pack rings before placing in trash so nobody gets caught in it.
· No lead sinkers for fishing.
· Barb-less hooks.
Smooth wire instead of barbed wire for agriculture.
EWRC
PO Box 75069
Colorado Springs, CO. 80970
www.ellicottwildlife.com
719-683-8152