Saving Native Species in Creative Ways!

Wildlife Conflict is happening around the world. Here are some creative ways that people are working WITH wildlife to save them from human/animal conflict!

Elephants are a megafauna, which means that they are large and well loved by many people! But even though we love them, as animals, they have behaviors that can be destructive to humans' farmlands, destroying the ability for both humans and elephants to survive! The Elephant and Bees Project thought there was a way that elephants and humans could cohabitate peacefully, and so they got creative!

 “The Elephants and Bees Project is part of the Save the Elephants’ Human Elephant Coexistence Program, based in Sagalla, Kenya, next to Tsavo National Park. Our award-winning project explores the use of Beehive Fences as a natural elephant deterrent, helping protect farmers and farmland. The idea is based on our innovative research using elephants’ fear of African honeybees to help reduce crop damage and minimize other human-elephant conflict incidences. A win-win addition to the HEC Toolbox of deterrent methods, beehive fences helps create a social and economic boost to farmers through pollination services and the harvesting of ‘Elephant-Friendly Honey’.”

Click on the image to visit their site and learn more about this wonderful project!

The bees win because they can pollinate and make honey for their hive, the elephants are allowed a safe corridor to travel through the farmlands, the scientists helped create a safe land for elephants to live, and the farmers win because the elephants aren't destroying their crops and the bees help pollinate their crops and they can sell the honey. 

What does this have to do with Oatland?

Well, there are animals in our own backyard that are often considered pests or nuisances to humans, who are just behaving normally and who we think we can coexist with! So, let’s talk about some creative solutions to wildlife problems! 

Opossums: There are many misconceptions about these cutie-patooties. First of all, they aren’t rodents, so while they may have a tail that looks similar to a rat, they are actually marsupials like Kangaroos! The only marsupial in North America, these critters have a pouch for their babies and a semi-prehensile tail that they use for balance as they are usually spotted hanging out in trees! Their tails are just hairless to give them a better grip. 

They also aren’t pests - they eat a ton of insects and are not susceptible to rabies due to their high internal temperature and are even immune to rattlesnake bites! They also aren’t aggressive and even play dead and release a foul odor when threatened. So dramatic!

Raccoons: Raccoons get a bad reputation not because they are frightening but because they are so smart! Honestly, we wish we were in trouble for being too smart, so we are a little jealous. But let’s clear up some misconceptions about Raccoons while we have a moment! It’s commonly thought that raccoons are aggressive and dangerous, and even though they have a cute nickname, “Trash Pandas,” there are a lot of people who wish they’d just go away already. Raccoons are very smart, with the ability to grab things with their paws, similar to how humans hold onto things. They can solve puzzles (like how to get into your trash), and they are adept at adapting to nearly any environment. These metropolitan critters can be found in nearly every habitat, including human habitats like cities, and are omnivores who will eat just about anything that they come across. This can get them into trouble for accessing your trash or climbing around your home. They aren’t aggressive and are actually more secretive than you think. It’s not often you see them around during the day, but just because they are out doesn’t mean they’re sick! Momma raccoons will often go out during the day to find food for their babies. Regardless, you should keep your distance from any wildlife you come across!

 Still don’t want them around? The best way to prevent nightly visits from any animal includes securing your trash, not leaving out pet food, and making sure your access areas underneath your home and for your attic are secured. 

Some other creative ways to prevent visits from wildlife include: 

• Timed lights or Motion Sensing Lights

• Securing animal enclosures like chicken coops

• Supporting initiatives like wildlife crossings and wildlife fences.

• Give them their space! Keeping your distance from wildlife is always a good idea! Leave them to their hard work of keeping our ecosystems healthy!

• Support Native Habitats for Wildlife!!! Supporting safe places for wildlife to live and thrive like Oatland Island Wildlife Center is an incredible way to save wildlife. When wildlife have homes, they are less likely to visit yours!

Our bobcats came to Oatland Island Wildlife Center because they were found under someone's porch!

No matter how you feel about an animal, they are an important part of their ecosystem and so are you! Thank you for your continued support for Oatland and for Wildlife!