The fundamental tenet of wildlife management is that animals are linked to habitat quality and quantity. Animals are there for a reason, and the "trick" is to manage the habitat in such a way that desirable animals are encouraged to stay while undesirable animals are encouraged to leave. You can discourage wildlife activity by not providing food and habitat for the wildlife causing damage. Your local county Extension office or state wildlife agency representative should be able to help you here, or visit the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management (ICWDM).

• Step one in this process is the identification of the wildlife species causing problems. Is it bats? Moles? Raccoons? Deer? Canada geese?

• Step two is developing an immediate management plan, or bringing in a professional to develop this plan for you.

• Step three is to assess your degree of success. If unsuccessful, go back to steps one or two. If successful, go to step four.

• Step four is to develop a long-range plan to keep the problem from reoccurring or to minimize impacts (or management costs) in the future.

Online Resources
ICWDM