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Pets and wildlife are often at odds
Explore below how to protect beloved pets from wildlife and wildlife from your pets.
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Give cats safe ways to explore outdoors
Our furry feline friends, cats, have been essential companions to humans for centuries. Not only do they entertain and comfort us during their few waking hours each day, but cats are considered vital for pest control, with their predatory ways keeping mice away and rodent populations in check. Sadly, our native wildlife are unfamiliar with cats as predators. Birds, small mammals, and lizards are easy prey for free-roaming cats, whether owned or feral. Cats are responsible for billions of bird and mammal deaths each year.
While your cat may enjoy the outdoors, wildlife will be safer if they’re only allowed to roam under your direct supervision. Try a harness or an outdoor enclosure that gives your cat a safe way to explore. As a bonus, your cat will have a longer and healthier life, too.
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Keep dogs on leash
Is the prohibition of dogs from many nature preserves and wildlife areas justified? Unfortunately, even well-behaved and leashed dogs can reduce bird density and diversity in natural areas. When off-leash and free-roaming, dogs are especially destructive. This is particularly true when birds are nesting and for coastal bird populations. As well-intentioned as we are, birds and other wildlife perceive dogs as predators and will flee whether the dog poses a danger or not.
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Don't release aquatic animals into the wild
Many aquatic invasive snails, fish, and plants started in the release of a family pet into a natural waterway. These aquatic invaders have caused enormous destruction of native wildlife. Instead of releasing pets into the wild, contact a local fish store or pet shop to see if they can re-home your pet. Visit the Be a Hero TransportZero website for more information. You can also help by not purchasing invasive aquatic pets and plants. Explore what injurious species are illegal to purchase, as well as these non-invasive plants and aquatic animals alternatives.
While some native fish, such as the rainbow shiner, can be found in the aquarium trade, it is unwise to introduce native fish captured in the wild into a home aquarium containing pet fish. The wild fish may carry parasites and diseases or may bring harmful algae or detrimental hydra. And make sure to comply with Illinois fishing regulations before you catch any aquatic animals in the wild.
More about aquatic invasive species
What is the spread of zebra mussels in the Great Lakes and their impact on the ecology of the lakes?
What lurks under the surface? Aquatic invasive species may seem like sea creatures from the movies, but the impact of these introduced plants and animals on Lake Michigan is no fiction. From blood-sucking sea lamprey to jumping silver carp, many aquatic invasive species look and act like...