According to city of Cottonwood Police Department Ordinance Enforcement Officer Autumn Durnez, there are numerous, often unforeseen hazards related to inviting wildlife onto private property.
“We are so fortunate to live in an area full of wildlife,” Durnez stated in a recent press release. “Most city folk can go their whole lives without seeing wild animals in their natural surroundings. Right here in the Verde Valley, we share our lives with numerous different species. Most have grown so accustom to us that they walk right through town like they have not a care in the world.
“With that being said …. Wildlife can be very destructive to our properties and peace of mind. From squirrels and skunks burrowing around our homes, gophers tunneling through our yards, javelina rooting through our gardens and knocking over trash cans, not to mention the danger to our domestic pets from coyotes and birds of prey, it is important that we understand our impact on the wildlife and what we can do to help prevent negative encounters with wildlife.”
Feeding birds, Durnez continued, is a good example of how taking advantage of the abundant wildlife — not to mention helping out a little feathered neighbor — can have disastrous repercussions.
“We provide bird seed to attract many wonderful species of birds to enjoy,” Durnez explained. “By attracting the birds with bird seed we are also attracting critters such as mice, rats and squirrels that appreciate cleaning up the bird seed. Those little critters in turn attract predators such as snakes and coyotes which are also attracted directly by the birds and their nests …. You are not just feeding a particular species, you are affecting the whole circle of wildlife in your community.”
As a trained OEO, Durnez is used to communicating about hazards related to wildlife — sometimes with a good dose of humor.
“One of the greatest questions I’ve ever been asked was by a citizen who flagged me down several years ago to complain about javelina running through his yard and tearing up his gardens and drinking from his fish pond,” Durnez said. “After explaining to me all the damage and destruction being caused, he asked me where he could buy a sign to keep them out of his yard.
“I assumed he was joking and told him to try ACE Hardware. I also told him to be sure to get one in Spanish, too, just in case they didn’t read English. The citizen told me that was a great idea and that he hadn’t thought about that before. That’s when I realized he wasn’t joking and had to apologize. I then discussed with him fencing options and making sure his trash was always secured.”
Durnez added that most residents are “very receptive” to the advice she has to impart about securing their properties. At the same time, she said that her efforts are hampered by well-intentioned people who do not understand the risks associated with trying to help animals in need.
“I honestly don’t believe it’s because they’re trying to cause problems, but more because they feel they are truly saving the animals from starving. This thought process is the same as what is found with people who are found hoarding animals. They don’t do it to be cruel. They do it because they honestly see themselves as saving and caring for animals when no one else will.”
Durnez said that many of the solutions to the problems caused by encroaching wildlife are simple: Keep fencing in good repair, ensure skirting or foundations around homes and buildings are in good repair, keep trash secure and maintain landscaping and yards.
