Most people have had some sort of human-wildlife conflict issue. Why? In most cases, it is most commonly because of easy access to a food source, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

“Most wildlife species will almost always take advantage of easy-to-get food source opportunities,” says Kaitlin Goode, Urban Wildlife Program Manager for the Wildlife Resources Division. “So, as homeowners, it is our job to ensure that we are keeping non-natural foods away from wildlife – for our safety, the protection of our homes and pets, and for wildlife.”

Following are some basic tips:

• Keep items such as grills and pet food off-limits. Clean and store grills when not in use, keep pet food indoors and feed pets indoors.
• Refill bird feeders less frequently and in small amounts.
• Make trash cans inaccessible. Keep lids securely fastened or store trash cans in a secured location until the morning of trash pick-up.

Resources for resolving human-wildlife conflicts, including fact sheets, tips on managing land for wildlife, a list of professional nuisance trappers, wildlife rehabilitator information, and much more can be found at GeorgiaWildlife.com/preventing-wildlife-conflicts.