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Living with Wildlife at UCSC One wonderful aspect of campus life is sharing our space with wildlife. There are numerous vertebrate species that inhabit the campus lands. It is not uncommon to be treated to the sight of a mother gray fox taking her kits out for a midday hunting lesson, a coyote loping through the lower campus meadows, or a bobcat slinking through the tall grass. Some have even had the opportunity to catch a rare glimpse of the elusive mountain lion on campus (seeing a lion is not justification for alarm, but we still want to be called!). Raccoons, skunks and opossums are very common and are usually seen at night. Most of us are thrilled to experience the privilege of sharing this space with the wild inhabitants, and indeed many of us only have to gaze out of our office window or step outside of or offices to enjoy the antics of a stellar jay, or the serenity of a grazing deer. However, when animals and people must coexist, there is an increased probability of conflicts. The campus Animal Control Officer is responsible for helping to ensure public safety by resolving conflicts and potential conflicts between humans and wildlife. It is important to remember that the animals were here long before the university, therefore it is imperative we respect the environment and develop tolerance and an understanding of living things. Moreover, we are committed to preserving the flora, fauna, and natural beauty of the campus lands.Human population growth coupled with habitat encroachment leaves the wildlife no choice but to habituate to our presence. As the amount of wildlife habitat shrinks, more and more animals are adapting quite nicely to a cozy coexistence with humans. Nearly any wild animal, given an adequate food source, water and cover can make a home among humans. When these wild animals overpopulate, or seem to be "taking over" it is because people have unwittingly provided food and shelter, thus creating a relatively safe environment for them. We commonly receive calls, asking for humane solutions (and some not so humane solutions) to wildlife problems, or perceived wildlife problems. There are a wide variety of tools and tactics that can be used to evict "nuisance" wildlife, however, animal proofing is our preferred method. Improperly stored garbage is largely responsible for many wildlife nuisances on campus. Most wildlife problems are easily ameliorated with simple solutions such as removal of food sources and habitat modification. The most common wildlife problems are:
Important Notes: Trapping and translocating animals is not an adequate solution to the nuisance wildlife problems. It is always best to eliminate whatever is attracting the animals. Translocation is dangerous for animals (animals often die after being translocated) and it only serves to leave a niche for another animal to fill. For more information see the following: If an animal appears sick, call the Animal Control Officer (459-2231), so it can be safely removed and evaluated for treatment. If you come upon a young animal, for example a deer, and you believe it may be orphaned, wait. Often the mother is away foraging for food. Unless the "coast is clear" she will not return for her baby, so stay away from the animal. Note: wild animals rarely attack, but will often vigorously protect their young. Never place yourself between a mother and her babies. Never corner a wild animal; they will fight if cornered, so always give them a way to escape. Unless a young animal appears to be in distress or very sick, leave it for 24 hours. Do not touch the animal. You may call animal control to check on the animal. If after 24 hours the animal is still there and appears cold and hungry, call Animal Control at 459-2231. SANTA CRUZ COUNTY IS A DECLARED RABIES AREA. DO NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE ANY WILD ANIMAL, ESPECIALLY IF IT APPEARS SICK!Credits Many thanks to Harold Towner of the Loyola Marymount University Biology Department for granting us permission to use the wonderful animal photographs in this site. All of the pictures credited to Dr. Towner, except the striped skunk, were taken either by him personally or by his students. Check out their wonderful web site about Southern California Natural History! References
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