If it's Wild and Free, Let it be!
The City of Ames' beautiful parks and greenbelts contain a diverse wildlife population. Farm acres surrounding the city lend support to the notion that Ames will always be a home to wild animals. Commonly seen species are raccoons, woodchucks, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, skunks, roosting birds, bats, snakes, deer, fox, and much more!
Humans and wildlife can co-exist in a safe manner.
Human health is rarely at risk from wildlife habitation in the urban environment. The City of Ames Animal Control is sensitive to the need for human protection should the risk of an epidemic be proclaimed by health and wildlife experts. Although incidents of wildlife biting or attacking humans are rare, it is imperative that ALL animal bites be reported immediately.
Safety recommendations
Ames Animal Control Services are available for wildlife ONLY when animals:
Attractants and
Deterrents
When wild creatures get out of hand in the
city, it is usually because they have found a comfortable haven. Heavily treed areas,
accessible rooftops, compost and woodpiles, open trash storage, rotting wood, bird and pet
food left outside, open sheds and garages, are just some examples of attractants.
There are a few simple, long-term solutions to dealing with wild animals. Animal proofing using exclusion tactics such as trimming tree branches out from rooftops, or wide steel bands at the base of trees and posts, can discourage persistent wildlife.
Other deterrent techniques are also readily accessible. A battery-operated radio set to talk stations, household ammonia placed in an open container, or temporary lighting, may all work as effective "not welcome" signs. These deterrents work best when used as soon as wild animals show signs of residency.
OTHER OPTIONS
When prevention and deterrents are not
enough, the Ames Animal Control Department can intervene by live-trapping and relocating
wildlife. Residents may also rent or purchase live traps and apply for a free-of-charge,
legal trapping permit from the Ames Animal Control Department. Other options are also
available for contacting animal damage experts and commercial wildlife removal
enterprises.
The Ames Animal Control Department also provides free educational materials and information. For access to these materials, please visit the Ames Animal Shelter at 325 Billy Sunday Road in Ames, Iowa, or call (515)-239-5530.