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National Wildlife Management Professional Association Issues ''Cold Weather Wildlife Advisory''

Posted on: Tuesday, 9 October 2007, 12:00 CDT

As residents of the Northeast and other cold-weather regions brace for the coming winter season, the National Wildlife Management Professional Association (NWMPA) today issued a "Cold Weather Wildlife Advisory" to help safeguard the public from possible damage to personal property and health risks associated with invasive wildlife.

"The winter months are when animals like mice, flying squirrels, and raccoons seek out sources of heat and food in people's homes, outlying buildings and backyards," said Tom Reilly, president of NWMPA. "Smaller animals tend to follow warm air drafts into attics, crawl spaces basements and garages to maintain a consistent body temperature. Once inside they infest insulation and items in storage, which can cause serious damage and create unhealthy conditions, especially for people with asthma and allergies.

"Raccoons may hole up for weeks at a time to conserve energy, and will make a latrine close by that can lead to serious health hazards," Reilly says. "Flying squirrels are another latrine-type animal and are often misdiagnosed. People with bird feeders are a prime target for all types of nocturnal visitors, and this easy source of food gives them a reason to make themselves at home. Deer will drift into yards to feed during heavy winters. Predators like coyotes regard the family dog or cat as an easy meal when outside, and raccoons will stake out unsecured trash containers even more in cold weather since other food sources are in short supply."

The NWMPA alerts the public that wild animals instinctively seek out new places to den, and this tendency leads them onto roofs and into attics, chimneys and other areas where they can gain entry and cause problems. "Uncapped chimneys and old or rotted trim boards are a constant target for nesting critters and should be repaired and access to the roof removed," Reilly says. "Skunks will den in groups under sheds and crawl spaces for warmth, and when breeding season hits in February, 'whew le pew!'"

What can people do to protect themselves from such unwanted visitors? Reilly said that people should have a qualified wildlife management professional come to their homes to conduct a full assessment of their property for signs of easy access or infestation. If evidence of wildlife activity or damage is found or suspected, WMPs will take steps to eliminate the problem, and educate homeowners about how they can protect themselves safely and humanely from wildlife damage now and in the future. More consumer information is available at http://wildlifemanagementpro.org/Tips.html.

The economic damage in the U.S. from all forms of wildlife damage is conservatively estimated to be about $22 billion -- and that does not include illness and death resulting from interaction with wildlife.

"Most people know who to call when they see ants, cockroaches and termites, but many of these pest control professionals are not trained in wildlife damage management," said Reilly. "The same is true of animal control officers, fire, police and others engaged in public safety professions. Wildlife issues are often misdiagnosed. Mice are confused with flying squirrels, bats often confused with mice and so forth. Wildlife control is best left to trained and insured professionals. For their own safety, homeowners should not try to confront unwanted wildlife or attempt off-label use of household products, which is dangerous and illegal."

About the NWMPA

A non-profit trade association, NWMPA's mission is to support the private wildlife management industry and promote them as protectors of health, property and the environment. NWMPA membership includes licensed, insured wildlife managers across the country. The association conducts public education and awareness activities, represents its members in legislative and regulatory initiatives, and provides training and reference tools to members on advances within the wildlife management industry.

For more information, visit www.wildlifemanagementpro.org, or call toll-free 1-866-WILDPRO (866-945-3776).

All trademarks, service marks and company names are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Business Wire

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