Bedford, like other Massachusetts cities and towns, has seen an increase in the population of wildlife animals in areas of town. As nature and mankind merge, both are faced with new and sometimes frightening challenges. The Bedford Board of Health wants to remind that there is a fine balance when living around wild animals. One might think the solution is to capture and move the wild animal. But capturing a wild animal and releasing it in another area is prohibited by Massachusetts law. Rabies in raccoons is spreading throughout the eastern United States. Moving animals from one area to another may spread this or other diseases to new areas. We hope the information and resources shown here will help you when dealing with wildlife animals.

What attracts Wildlife. The availability of food, shelter and undisturbed harborage,are the primary reasons for rodents, and other wild life frequenting and taking up residence at a property. Unattended food spills on the ground, uncovered dumpsters/garbage containers and poorly managed compost heaps can attract wildlife. Animals can gain access to homes through opened and unscreened windows and doors, unscreened chimneys, eaves, piping and ducts, in search of food, warmth and protection from their predators. They will not stay in an area or on a premises that makes survival uncomfortable for them.

Why they impact Public Health and Safety. Rodents and wild life are capable of causing diseases directly through their bites. Skunks, bats, and raccoons can transmit rabies, a deadly disease to humans and pets. They also act as vectors of other parasites and pathogens that cause diseases indirectly. Rats also destroy and contaminate our food sources and destroy electrical work in buildings. Coyote and fox can attack humans and small pets.

Here are some simple rules for living with the wildlife that is found or attracted to areas near people. These tips explain how to live with and enjoy wildlife responsibly. Our behavior as people affects the behavior of wildlife.

• DON'T FEED THE WILDLIFE! Direct feeding can alter an animal's normal behavior. Problems occur when animals become habituated (used to people) through a prolonged period of direct and/or indirect feeding.
• KEEP TRASH AND GARBAGE AROUND YOUR YARD CONTAINED AND PICKED UP. Do not put your trash out for pick up the next day unless it is in a sealed container that wildlife cannot get into as many wildlife species are most active at night.
• KEEP COMPOST IN A CONTAINER that allows the material to vent but keeps wildlife from getting into it.
• DO NOT FEED PETS OUTDOORS. The pet food attracts wildlife right to your door.
• RESTRAIN OR SECURE YOUR PETS. Although free roaming pets are more likely to be killed by automobiles than by wild animals, there are wildlife predators like coyotes, foxes or fishers that view cats as potential prey and dogs as competition for mates and food resources. For the safety of your pets, keep them restrained at all times.
• REMOVE BIRD FEEDERS especially if wildlife is seen around the feeders. The seed in birdfeeders can attract many small and medium sized mammals (squirrels, chipmunks, mice and rats)and larger animals that prey on squirrels, chipmunks, mice and rats. If possible, try to find a birdfeeder that does not allow seed to spill.
• CLOSE OFF CRAWL SPACES UNDER PORCHES, DECKS AND SHEDS. Wildlife will use these areas as dens for resting and raising their young.
• DO PROTECT LIVESTOCK AND PRODUCE. Wildlife predators will prey upon livestock. There are techniques for protecting livestock from predation. Fencing can be useful in keeping wildlife out of certain areas. It is a good idea to clear fallen fruit from around fruit trees in the fall.
• DON'T APPROACH OR TRY TO TOUCH WILDLIFE. Wildlife which becomes habituated may approach other humans expecting food or attention. This is not safe for the animals or for people. Don't provoke an encounter by moving too close to a wild animal or by restricting its free movement.

DO EDUCATE YOUR NEIGHBORS. Share this information with your neighbors since your good efforts could be futile if neighbors are purposely or unintentionally providing food or shelter for wildlife.

Professional assistance may be necessary. If you find your residence is harboring rodents or wildlife ; you may need to engage the services of a licensed pest exterminator or a Problem Animal Control professional, who will advise on the securing and safe removal, of animals from your property.

Should any wild animal appear injured, sickly, aggressive or appear rabid call the Police. You should promptly notify the town's Animal Control Officer at the Police Dept., or the Board of Health when animal encounters threaten the Safety and Health of the Community.

There is a fine balance when living with wild animals and a personal responsibility that each resident has, in maintaining their property, so as not to attract nuisance wildlife.

Bedford Board of Health