Although feral hogs (also called wild hogs and wild pigs; Sus scrofa) are a big game resource in the United States, these non-native animals are almost always classified as an undesirable invasive species. Feral hogs cause a large …
Will placing a backyard birdbath in the shade versus in the sun make a difference in how quickly bacteria grow?
Only a controlled lab study could establish the types of bacteria growing in a birdbath and the rate with which they increase/decrease depending on the degree of exposure to sunlight (and specific temperatures). However, in a totally unscientific way, i.e., …
How can I euthanize mice that are found still alive in a mouse trap?
You didn’t mention the type of trap you are using. I assume it is a standard snap trap, and if the mouse is alive, then it has probably been caught between the shoulders and the hips.
You can reduce the …
I would like to learn more about chipmunks in Wisconsin.
Chipmunks are very common throughout most of Wisconsin in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Chipmunks are 8 to 10 inches long from head to tail and have dark and light stripes on their backs. People sometimes confuse chipmunks with 13-lined ground …
How to get rid of a hawk in my neighbors tree. It makes a mess with bird droppings all over my patio, patio furniture, plants etc.
Unfortunately, the solutions to your problem are not simple. We would suggest the following:
Hawks are a federally (and often state) protected species. Utmost caution must be used to prevent harming the birds as such action would be a violation …
How can I attract cardinals to my property?
Cardinals are one of the most popular of all songbirds. The male cardinals are famous for their brilliant red feathers and crested heads. Female cardinals are also quite striking, but in a more subtle way, as their feathers have a …
How do I control red squirrels?
Controlling Red Squirrels. What not to do!!
Don’t bother with those silly ultrasonic devices. There is no scientific evidence that they work in the real world. Repellents also have limited use in infestation situations, including mothballs. Consider, would you leave …
What are zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted or shared) between animals and humans?
A disease that can be transmitted (or shared) between animals and humans is called a zoonosis (zoh-ah-NOH-sis) or referred to as being zoonotic (zoo-ah-NAH-tic).
The Center for Food Security and Public Health offers excellent resources on zoonoses (zoh-ah-NOH-seez) that affect …
I have holes in my yard about the size of a quarter with a little mound of dirt around it. What is causing this and how can I stop it?
Many kinds of animals create holes in the ground without leaving any sign of the soil that was excavated. If the holes or burrows are not active, the best you can do is guess about the identify of the digger.…
My dog was sprayed by a skunk and after bathing her, I developed very itchy eyes and respiratory problems. Can skunk spray and odor cause these symptoms
First, if you experience respiratory problems for any reason, it is always a good idea to seek medical assistance. You are encouraged to do so.
Skunk spray contains a number of volatile chemicals. One found in the secretions of striped …