Living with Wildlife

General Information
Birds
Marine Mammals
Mountain Lions
Raccoons
Coyotes
Skunks & Bats
Opossums
Tree Squirrels

 

Birds

Pigeon feces can be a source of fungal spores which can cause diseases in humans and animals.

For more information on birds, see www.westnile.ca.gov and www.ibrrc.org/faq.html

 

Marine Mammals

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What you can do for a stranded Marine Mammal:

  • Note the animal's condition. Is it weak and gaunt" Any open wounds"
  • Does it have any obvious identification tags or markings?
  • Do not touch, pick up or feed the animal. Do not return the animal to the water. Seals and sea lions temporarily "haul out" on land to rest and mothers briefly leave their pups while at sea. A beached whale or dolphin should be reported immediately.
  • Observe the animal from a distance of at least 50 feet. Keep people and dogs away.
  • Note physical characteristics such as size, presence of external ears and fur color. This helps us determine the species and what rescue equipment and volunteers are needed.
  • Note the animal's condition. Is it weak and gaunt? Any open wounds?
  • Determine the exact location of the animal for accurate directions. We can't rescue an animal if we can't find it.
  • Call the Carmel-by-the-Sea Police Department at 831-624-6403 and/or the Marine Mammal Center with as much information as you have

The Marine Mammal Center RESCUE HOTLINES operate 24 hours a day.

Their hospital is open to visitors daily from 10 AM to 4 PM

It is illegal for unauthorized persons to touch, harass or prompt the animal in any way to change its natural behavior. It's also stressful for the wild animal. For more information, www.marinemammalcenter.org

 

California Mountain Lions

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About half of California is prime mountain lion country. This simple fact is a surprise to many residents and visitors. These large, powerful predators have always lived here, preying on deer and other wildlife, and playing an important role in the ecosystem. If you are involved in a face-to-face encounter with, or an attack by, a mountain lion, contact the Carmel-by-the-Sea Police Department and/or the California Department of Fish and Game 24 hour dispatch center at 831-649-2801.
For more information, www.dfg.ca.gov/lion/index.htm

 

Raccoons

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What do you get when you combine intelligence, manual dexterity, and a nocturnal lifestyle? Well, in the case of the raccoon, you have an animal well-suited to living near people. Chimneys, porches, and attics are all attractive denning sites from the raccoon perspective. Add readily accessible trash cans, or pet food and water bowls, and you've got the raccoon equivalent of a Hilton. Is it any wonder that conflicts arise between raccoons and their human neighbors? Luckily for both, a little patience and understanding can go a long way toward resolving any problems. Humane methods of conflict prevention and resolution have proven to be a less costly and less stressful than removal of a resident animal for both wildlife and homeowners. While removal may seem like a solution, it usually only creates an enticing vacancy for another animal in search of a ready-made home.

Raccoons carry canine (dog) distemper and there has been distemper outbreaks in the Monterey County. They can also carry rabies. Raccoons also have an intestinal parasitic worm that will cause severe disease if it infects humans. Do not ever handle a raccoon or touch its feces. Vaccinate your pet for distemper and rabies and keep them on leash when in areas where raccoons are living.

For more information on raccoons, www.wildneighbors.org

 

Coyotes

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Help keep coyotes wild!
The coyote, a member of the dog family, is native to California. It closely resembles a small German shepherd dog with the exception of the long snout and bushy, black-tipped tail. The coyote's high-pitched, yodel-like yapping can frequently be heard at night. Coyotes are extremely adaptable and can survive on whatever food is available. We can reduce conflicts with coyotes by ensuring that they remain cautious of humans. Deliberately feeding coyotes puts you, your pets and your neighbors at risk. You may be inadvertently feeding coyotes by leaving pet food or garbage where they can get to it. Use trash cans with lids that clamp shut, which will prevent spilling if the cans are tipped over. Clear brush and dense weeds from around dwellings to reduce protective cover for coyotes and make the area less attractive to rodents. Coyotes and other predators may be attracted to areas where rodents are concentrated, such as wood and brush piles and seed storage areas.

If you see a coyote behaving aggressively or attaching people, contact the office of the California Department of Fish and Game's 24-hour dispatch center at 831-649-2801.

For more information, www.dfg.ca.gov

 

Skunks & Bats

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Skunks are found in every neighborhood in Monterey County. Skunks rarely exhibit a fear of people since they are literally born and raised in our backyards. They are chiefly nocturnal animals. While their diet primarily consists of rodents and insects, it may also include carrion, eggs and garbage. If approached by an intruder and unable to flee, they may stamp their forepaws and scratch the ground in warning. If pursued after this point, the skunk may spray. If you see a skunk displaying this behavior, back away quietly and slowly.

Skunks and bats can carry rabies.

For more information, www.sfgov.org/site/acc_index.asp?id=15351

 

Opossums

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The opossum is approximately the size of a house cat, with grayish-white fur that can vary from almost white to almost black. They are found in all types of habitats, but they usually prefer deciduous woodlands. Opossums no longer exhibit a fear of people or civilization, since they are born and raised in our neighborhoods. They are slow-moving, omnivorous animals who roam properties at night looking for food. Carrion forms much of the opossum's diet and is supplemented with fruits and vegetables, insects, frogs, eggs, birds, snakes, mammals and earthworms, as well as dog or cat food or garbage left out at night. When confronted, opossums often bare their teeth and hiss. While they may look fierce, they generally are nonagressive and shy. Rather than fight, when hard pressed they will sometimes slip into the death-feigning catatonia that we term "playing possum." The only long-term, permanent means of coping with troublesome opossums is to exclude them from areas where you do not want them. Opossums are wanderers, and if you see one in your yard, he is probably just passing through.

For more information, www.sfgov.org/site/acc_index.asp?id=15351

 

Tree Squirrels

 

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Squirrels often depend on trees for places to bear and raise young, take shelter from the weather, find food and escape from predators. They use tree cavities and leaf nests as dens. When it's available, squirrels will also take liberal advantage of shelter provided by humans in attics and crawl spaces along the upper floor of buildings. Squirrels are only active during the day. When you observe damage, first make sure it is not being caused by another animal. Squirrels feed mainly on plant material. Prevention is the key to dealing with squirrels. Because three squirrels are extremely agile, they can access just about every square inch of your property and your home. The most serious squirrel-related problems usually develop when adult females enter a building to establish nests. In their search for a den site, they will explore all potential openings, and often enter chimneys or attics through unscreened vents or openings left by loose or rotting boards. Your first sign of a squirrel's presence is usually the sound of scampering in the attic or above the fireplace.

For advice on how to deal with a squirrel problem click on, www.sfgov.org/site/acc_index.asp?id=15351


Cindi Mitchell
Animal Control Officer
P.O. Box 600
Carmel-by-the-Sea CA 93921
Tel: (831) 624-6403
E-Mail: cmitchell@ci.carmel.ca.us