WILDLIFE IN WYOMING

Urban Wildlife Conflicts

Small mammals - Cottontail rabbit, fox, squirrel,
skunk and bats

The best preventive action for these species is to remove or secure attractants andeliminate denning sites.

Exclusion

Fencing is an effective technique for permanent protection of plants that may be damaged by cottontail rabbits. The trunks of young trees can be wrapped with a special protectant material or with a loose wrap of mesh fencing. Mothballs, crystals, or ammonia soaked rags can be used to repel and temporarily exclude fox, squirrels and skunks, especially from dens in undesirable locations. Permanent exclusion is the preferred solution.

Repellents

The use of Thiram based repellents is registered for the use on inedible plants that are inedible for humans. Some suppliers, especially those specializing in trapping materials, offer coyote urine and other furbearer attractants, which can be effective repellents for prey species (rabbit, squirrel). See the discussion under Big Game (above) for other suggestions.

Frightening

Noise devices may scare these animals from specific areas, but they can be annoying to the homeowner and neighbors. See the discussion under Big Game (above) for visual deterrents.

Trapping

Live trapping can be used to relocate an animal to a new area. Live traps may be borrowed from the WY Game and Fish Department and Cheyenne Metro Animal Control.

Squirrels

Problems specific to fox squirrels are primarily related to them becoming pests at bird feeders and nesting in attics or other spaces in houses.

Feeders - Use feeders specifically designed to exclude squirrels or hang the feeders so they are unreachable by them.

Nests in problem areas - Outside of the nesting/young rearing period, plug openings to attics, soffits and other places where they can enter.

Bats

If there is a problem dealing with bats, contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Nongame Program at the Lander Regional Office 307-332-2688.

Predatory Animals

If there is a problem dealing with a predatory species (coyote, skunk, raccoon, etc.) in Cheyenne, contact Animal Control (635-1453).

However, they will not respond to badger or bobcat calls. For these species, contact the WY Game and Fish Department (777-4600). Badgers are common but seldom noticed occupants of prairie habitats. Badgers are not aggressive unless harassed or cornered; they will not on their own attack pets or children. Left alone, a badger can help control ground squirrels and will eventually leave to cruise the rest of its large home range. Badgers can be killed if they are causing damage (notify the Game Warden if this is necessary). However, live trapping and relocation is preferred. 
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