Wildlife

Providing food, water, and shelter are important if you want wildlife on your acreage.  Find out what species of wildlife are native to your area.  Decide which of the native wildlife you would like to manage.  Learn as much as possible about the requirements of those species.  Determine habitat enhancement needs on your property, and design short-term and long-term plans for habitat improvements.

Woodland Habitat Hints

Mix evergreen, deciduous and shrub species and plant in random groupings.  Select species that provide food for wildlife, including forage, nuts, fruits and seeds.  Select plants that are different heights.  Some will give canopy habitat while others form lower habitat cover.  Allow dead trees to stand if they are in an area that is non-threatening to humans or property.  They provide nesting for many wildlife species.  Fallen trees also form good cover.  Snags or piles of brush are perfect overwintering sites.  Construct thick understory areas with thorny brambles to protect small animals from predators.  Create water sources by adding small woodland ponds in lowland areas.

Wetland and Riparian Habitat Hints

True wetland or riparian habitats are very difficult to create where the natural components do not exist.  Where wetland habitats exist, protect them from draining and pollution.  Manage for natural wetland plants and prevent their destruction.  If a creek or stream transects the property, allow at least 50 feet on each side for a riparian habitat strip.  Plant trees and shrubs that provide food, cover and prevent erosion.  Many tree species are adapted to riparian locations.  Use riparian habitats to connect other types of habitats.  Consider trying to create wetlands as well as ponds.  Establish large shallow areas around ponds with cattails and wetland grass.

Reducing Wildlife Damage

Proactive prevention is the best way to minimize wildlife damage.  Try to protect high-value items with fences and physical deterents.  Supply alternative resources so wildlife has less need for desired items.  Provide feed stations, water and nesting material.  Chemical repellents are an option.  They work best when there are enough alternative resources in the area. 

Competition and predation witnessed first-hand may make some people uncomfortable.  Yet, competition and predation are natural in a diverse system of habitat, and cannot be eliminated. 

The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management is a non-profit, grant funded site that provides research-based information on how to responsibly handle wildlife damage problems. The Center is a collaborative effort by Cornell University, Clemson University, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, and Utah State University.

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage is the nationally recognized handbook  that details identification, control and management of over 90 species of wildlife, written by almost as many authorities in their respective wildlife areas.

Urban Pest Birds: Controlling Damage describes physical characteristics, habits and management of house sparrows, starlings and pigeons.

Or view the UNL Extension publications on Wildlife Damage Management topics.