06/03/2026
As temperatures rise and summer arrives, residents will notice more wildlife throughout the community. This is completely normal and is often a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
During the summer months, wild animals are busy raising their young, searching for food and water, and traveling more frequently between habitats. You may encounter animals such as rabbits, squirrels, skunks, raccoons, foxes, opossums, turtles, and even young birds that appear to be on their own.
Here are a few tips to help us peacefully coexist with our wild neighbors:
✅ Give wildlife plenty of space. Observe from a distance and avoid approaching or attempting to handle wild animals.
✅ Keep pets supervised. Use a leash when walking dogs and keep cats indoors whenever possible to reduce conflicts with wildlife.
✅ Secure food sources. Bring pet food indoors, use secure trash containers, and clean up fallen bird seed to avoid attracting unwanted visitors.
✅ Slow down on roadways. Many animals, especially turtles and young wildlife, are on the move during the summer months. Stay alert and watch for animals crossing the road.
✅ Leave young wildlife alone. It is common to find fawns, baby rabbits, and young birds alone for extended periods while their parents are nearby gathering food. In most cases, they do not need assistance.
✅ Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wild animals can cause them to lose their natural fear of people and create unhealthy dependence on humans.
Remember, wildlife is an important part of our community. By giving animals space and taking a few simple precautions, we can help ensure the safety of both people and wildlife throughout the summer season.
If you have concerns about an injured, sick, or orphaned wild animal, please contact Animal Control for guidance before intervening.
🐢🦊🐇 Together, we can make summer safer for everyone—wildlife included! 🌿☀️
