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We encounter wildlife every day
Wildlife are all around us. How we choose to interact with them, or not, matters and there are small steps we can take to prevent and work around conflicts in order to coexist.
Centuries ago, living in Illinois meant coexisting with all wild plants and animals. Today, much of the contact between humans and our wild neighbors is considered a conflict. Bugs are squished, mammals are discouraged from being in backyards, and plants are mowed down. Moving toward a coexistence mindset can help us address the widespread environmental challenges facing humans and to sustain the rich biodiversity in Illinois ecosystems and beyond.
Some cultures consider wildlife as relatives and equal to humans. Others think of nature as an enemy. In the U.S., this competitive mindset led to widespread environmental destruction in the 18th and 19th centuries. Birds were hunted to near-extinction, and keystone predator species such as wolves were pursued for eradication. The philosophy of domination over wildlife is based on the idea that humanity and nature are separate. However, the wild-animals-as-relatives viewpoint is closer to the truth. People need the ecosystems around us as much as wild spaces need our careful support and stewardship.
We can prevent and navigate wildlife conflict
Most human-wildlife encounters add value to our lives, whether they amuse us or invoke curiosity, awe, and admiration. Sometimes wildlife encounters are unwelcome and could even pose a threat. At Extension, we focus on prevention and conflict mitigation when navigating different wildlife encounters. We also know some encounters pose serious risks to human health, and sometimes lethal control is unavoidable.
Part of coexisting with wildlife is rethinking the different ways we encounter them. Things that creep and crawl or those with big teeth and claws are often villainized and persecuted, but the most dangerous wildlife are those we cannot see — viruses, bacteria, parasites, and the arthropods that sometimes carry them. While many people fret over a harmless snake, the tick in the grass is a far greater threat.
What is an everyday animal encounter? An everyday encounter is an interaction with wildlife that is driven by curiosity or a desire to help. These include interactions like finding a baby animal in your backyard, a turtle crossing the road, or wanting to identify an unknown bird song.
What animals are annoying? An annoying encounter is merely inconvenient. It poses little or no hazard to your health and can usually be simply resolved.
What animals are risky? A risky encounter is one that could be hazardous to your health. While these contacts are typically resolved without conflict, they must be treated with care and from a place of knowledge.
What animals are dangerous? A dangerous encounter is one that poses immediate danger to your health or wellbeing. You should be vigilant to avoid these encounters.
Explore different types of animal encounters
Everyday Encounters Annoying Encounters Risky Encounters Dangerous Encounters
Do you think these animals are dangerous? Test yourself.
A small tick embedded in your ankle...
Dangerous.
Ticks carry many bacterial parasites that can cause serious and even life-threatening diseases in humans. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease are more common in the Midwest, but new diseases are emerging, such as alpha-gal syndrome, which results in allergic reactions to sugars in red meat.
An enormous spider with bright yellow stripes in the garden...
Annoying.
While startling, the yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) is neither aggressive nor particularly venomous. If you’re not a fan of spiders, this encounter might be annoying. If you’re like us and love spiders, it's awesome.
There are rodents in my home...
Risky.
The house mouse and brown rat are non-native species that carry disease and are a cause for concern. Sanitation, sealing entry holes, and trapping are the best options for handling rodent infestations. Wooden snap traps baited with peanut butter, and oats are the best way to reduce rodent populations on your own. Poison baits are dangerous to other animals, including pets.
A raccoon in your attic...
Dangerous.
Raccoons can carry a dangerous parasite called Baylisascaris procyonis, or raccoon roundworm. This parasite is transmitted through raccoon feces, but the parasite’s eggs can also be transmitted as dust. Raccoon intrusions should be handled immediately and according to CDC guidance below.
A large black snake coiled at the corner of the yard...
Annoying.
Several Illinois snake species are all black and none of these are venomous. Black rat snakes and black racers are most likely to be found in yards. Because both eat rats, mice, and birds, they’re more friend than foe. Any large snake can bite, but it won’t do so if you stay a body length away and don’t handle them. Note, a cottonmouth snake is venomous and its dark brown pattern could be mistaken as being all black.
Must all bugs be crushed?
A viral social media post by Chicago author Kayla Ancrum detailed a dream where she had been commissioned to write a poem from the perspective of a spider. When she awoke, she remembered only a single phrase: “I pray that no one kills me for the crime of being small.”
The post inspired many to learn the delicate art of capturing and releasing unwanted arthropods with a drinking glass and a slip of scrap paper. Most bugs, spiders, and their allies that are found in the home are harmless and can be safely ignored or captured and released outside.
Except for a small percentage, Illinois habitats are currently unable to sustain complete or large populations of these large mammals. The black bear, timber wolf, and cougar have all made cameo appearances in recent years and have been doing so for more than a decade. There are many reasons,...