It's so easy to help wildlife every day in your own
home and community!
▪ If you’re 18 years or older, come volunteer with us.
We always need dependable help transporting and caring
for animals or with administrative tasks.
▪ Keep your cats indoors, obey leash laws, and have all
of your pets spayed or neutered. Animals bitten by cats
require immediate treatment or face a certain death.
▪ Minimize or eliminate use of pesticides and herbicides
in your yard.
▪ Ditch the big lawn-landscape for wildlife by planting
wildlife-friendly plants. A few wildlife-friendly
resources:
Deer Solutions Maryland
Bay-Friendly Landscaping
National Wildlife Federation
Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation
Landscaping
▪ When safe, leave dead trees (snags) for wildlife. Many
animals rely on tree holes for nesting and raising
young. Consult a licensed arborist for guidance on tree
safety.
▪ If trees must be cut down, check to ensure that
animals aren’t nesting there and are safely removed by a
qualified wildlife removal company first.
▪ Advocate for land conservation and assistance to
wildlife and organizations that
help wildlife. Habitat loss negatively impacts wildlife
and creates more opportunities for wildlife/human
conflicts.
▪ Educate children to value wildlife, pets, and the
environment.
▪ Do not buy birds captured from the wild sold as pets.
Many are later euthanized,
abandoned, or surrendered to shelters because they are
difficult to care for.
▪ Make sure you are ready for the commitment of a pet
BEFORE adopting. Some species of birds can live for up
to 70 years.
▪ Don’t litter, pick up trash, and be mindful when
throwing things away. Trash can be lethal to wildlife.
Especially helpful:
> Animals are attracted to the food residue or
salt in plastic containers, and frequently get their
heads stuck, causing starvation. Wash and dispose of
or recycle plastic containers with lids on where
possible.
> When buying six-packs, cut up six-pack
plastic holders. Animals frequently get tangled up in
them.
> Before disposing of plastic grocery bags, cut
the handles and the bag to minimize danger of animals
becoming entangled in them.
▪ Keep bird feeders and birdbaths clean. Bird feeders
should be cleaned every three weeks and hummingbird
feeders should be cleaned every 3 days during hot
months. Use diluted bleach or white vinegar and rinse
thoroughly before refilling. Keeping feeders and baths
clean minimizes risk of disease and fungus transmission.
