Your yard is a safe place where you spend time with your family and your pets. However, several other animals may call your yard home as well, no matter what time of year it is, posing a potential danger to your two-legged and four-legged family members. It could also result in critters taking up residence wherever they can in or around your home.

It’s integral to understand the signs of wildlife living in or around your yard and what you can do about it.

You Can See Them Or Hear Them

The most obvious evidence of an animal living on your property is frequent sightings or consistently hearing them. If you notice an animal spending time in your trees, bushes, around your trash, or on your lawn frequently or for extended periods, there’s a good chance they aren’t just passing through.

Squirell, Uninvited Guests: How To Tell If Wildlife Is Calling Your Property Home

Storage And Burrows

Many animals, such as squirrels, store food near their nest or burrows. If you’re finding piles of acorns, seeds, or pinecones, it could be a direct indicator that wildlife is storing food, and residing, on your property. Another indicator is the remains of smaller animals. If you are finding remains like rabbit fur on your property, you could be dealing with a coyote, fox, or a larger predator. If you find storage piles or remains near what appears to be a burrow, a small hole in the ground, it’s best to call in a professional to confirm.

Acorns, Uninvited Guests: How To Tell If Wildlife Is Calling Your Property Home

Yard Marks

Just like people, when an animal starts getting comfortable, they personalize their space. If an animal has decided to call your property home, you’ll notice smooth paths leading to and from burrows or dens. You may also find them against walls, fences, or under bushes that are frequently traveled. Another giveaway that you have wildlife on your property is paw or wing prints on soft surfaces. You may also notice scratches on trees.

deer tracks, Uninvited Guests: How To Tell If Wildlife Is Calling Your Property Home

Droppings

If you consistently find feces around your yard, it’s almost a guarantee you have wildlife calling your property home. The size of the droppings can help you identify the size animal. If your pet ingests any stray droppings, the toxins may cause sickness. You’ll want to clear this out as soon as possible.

Dog Sniffing, Uninvited Guests: How To Tell If Wildlife Is Calling Your Property Home

Conclusion

If you are concerned about wildlife in your yard, contact a local professional to determine what steps you can take to prevent them. There are also a few DIY options for deterring animals from entering your yard.

Dog watching Dog, Uninvited Guests: How To Tell If Wildlife Is Calling Your Property Home

Wildlife entering your yard is a natural part of homeownership. While you can’t always control what comes in, a DogWatch Hidden Fence system can keep your dog from pursuing animals coming in and out of your yard.