May 27, 2020

Top Ways to Help Wisconsin Wildlife

SHARE:

Learn the top 10 ways you can help local wild animals.

Dane County Humane Society’s Wildlife Center helped nearly 4,000 wild animals in 2019, but we didn't do it alone. Our community helps by supporting the Wildlife Center in many ways. Want to learn how you can do more?


Top 10 Tips for Helping Wildlife:

1. Resist the urge to rescue baby wild animals until you talk to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. It is important to leave wild animals with their parent(s) whenever possible to give them the best chance of survival. For more tips on what to look for, visit our Wildlife Center's orphaned wildlife resources.

2. Keep your bird feeder clean. Feeders and baths are places where many birds congregate and they can be responsible for spreading disease if not regularly cleaned.

3. Get the lead out! Choose lead-free ammunition and fishing tackle to prevent toxicity in wildlife.

4. Keep your cat indoors, contained or supervised when outdoors. This is much safer for your cat, and prevents injury to birds and other wild animals.

5. “Nuisance” wildlife problems? Focus on prevention! Remove outdoor food and seal off any dark, quiet spaces that wildlife may choose as a den site before it becomes a problem.

6. Do not live trap and relocate wildlife. Often mistaken as a humane option, it can separates mom and babies, and leaves adults struggling to survive in a new location.

7. Never use poison for rodent control. Rodenticides not only kill rodents, but also can be deadly to any animal that eats the sick or dead rodent.

8. Prevent window collisions. There are a variety of simple steps you can take to prevent birds from flying into your windows.

9. Go natural. Eliminate the use of pesticides and incorporate native plants into your yard to attract a variety of pollinators, birds and other wildlife.

10. Visit the Wildlife Center's webpage if you have questions about any of the above tips!

Your support of DCHS provides thousands of animals a safe place to rest and recover each year. Please consider making a gift today to continue helping people help animals, no matter what tomorrow might bring. Don't forget - your gift can make DOUBLE the impact when you give by June 30, thanks to a $10,000 matching gift challenge from the Werndli Charitable Trust.

Next Story

Apr 24th, 2025

Celebrating Ruth Vetter Day

April 26th marks a special day at Dane County Humane Society (DCHS).

Full Story

Next Story

Apr 8th, 2025

Help Kevin Heal

Kevin is suffering from a dislocated hip and ankle, as well as a broken fibula. We need your help to help him heal.

Full Story

Next Story

Feb 17th, 2025

You Helped These Hungry, Hungry Bobcats Thrive!

Last year’s bobkittens have become this year’s bobcats, and they were hungry! Thanks to you, we were able to provide them with specialized care until they were finally returned to the wild.

Full Story

Next Story

Feb 3rd, 2025

DCHS Helping 43 Cats from Hoarding Situation

DCHS has stepped up to assist more than 40 cats from a home in Waupaca County that had nearly 100 felines.

Full Story

Next Story

Jan 27th, 2025

Behind the Numbers: DCHS's Wildlife Center's 2024 Report

What animals were admitted to DCHS's Wildlife Center for rehabilitation in 2024? How many of what species, and which patients were our favorites? Read our annual wildlife rehabilitation report.

Full Story

Next Story

Jan 21st, 2025

Lead Toxicity in Wildlife

Over the last decade, 762 individuals of 63 wild species had detectable blood-lead levels, meaning heaving metals are in our environment. Learn what you can do to advocate for these animals.

Full Story