Overview
Why Urban Wildlife?
Audience
The objective of this report is to explore the wildlife that resides in the city of Seattle in order to find out their benefits, challenges, and what we can do to protect and support them. The research covers six different types of urban wildlife in order to give the reader a sense of the biodiversity we have in Seattle. Although we see urban wildlife on a daily basis, few are aware of what our local urban species are called, let alone their needs, benefits, or habitats. These briefings provide information about protecting and restoring wildlife habitat in our urban landscapes in order to conserve our native species and foster biodiversity.
The purpose of the briefs is to provide more information to the public about urban wildlife through interpretive signs in neighborhood parks and along trails, much like the Sacagawea Heritage Trail in Kennewick, Washington. Therefore, the audience for this report would be a committee designing urban parks and trails, and the report itself would serve as a proposal for implementing those interpretive signs.
Visit Tri-Cities Sacagawea Heritage Trail www.visittri-cities.com
Most folks would appreciate having the ability to look out the window and see wildlife. Animals in the city remind us of how lively our urban setting can be. Because most people now live in cities, it is important that we preserve the nature that subsists there and learn to coexist with urban wildlife. With the urbanization of landscapes, wildlife habitat often gets fragmented, meaning species are disconnected from areas where they can find food, shelter, and breed. These briefings will take a look at what can be done by citizens to help mitigate the issues our urban wildlife is facing.
-What are the challenges? Urban exploiters may be considered a threat in urban communities. They may try to get into houses to find food, make a mess by getting into garbage, or even go after a pet. Wildlife experts have categorized urban wildlife into three main groups: exploiters, adapters, and avoiders. Exploiters are animals that not only change their behaviors to best suit life in the city, but they thrive there. Adapters are more suited for suburban environments, but like their name suggests, they can adapt to find food and shelter in urban landscapes as well. Urban avoiders are species not deemed well suited for urban habitats either because they have a hard time finding food or shelter, or because humans perceive them as a threat. This report will begin by introducing species in these three categories, and then expanding that into other specialized kinds of animals.
Exploiters -What is here?
Crows Crows are omnivorous. They eat whatever they can find available. This is what makes urban spaces so desirable for them- the readily available food sources. Crows are also known for traveling up to forty miles to find decent nesting sites. Recently, there has been an increase in crows nesting in urban locations.
Urban crow roosts - a nationwide phenomenon?, 2000, http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/
Raccoons Raccoons, like crows, take advantage of the vast amount of resources provided by humans in the city. Much can be learned about the intelligence of these native mammals and how they expertly adapt to live around humans. What is Urban Wildlife? Retrieved 2015, www.urbanwildlifegroup.com
Squirrels The Douglas Squirrel, the Western Grey Squirrel and the Red Squirrel are all native to Washington State. The Eastern Grey Squirrel is non-native, and the most abundant in urban areas. Tree squirrels require trees to live in and snags or hollow stumps for nesting. However, they will also use man-made nesting boxes. Squirrels not only provide yearround wildlife watching opportunities, but the occasional extreme “localvore” may also make a meal out of one. (Eastern Grey squirrels are allowed to be trapped and hunted with a license.) Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, “Living With Wildlife” retrieved 2015 www.wdfw.wa.gov
The key thing is to avoid conflict by keeping enticing things like garbage out of reach. For example, raccoon guards can be secured around trees, metal pipes, posts, or really any structure one might want to prevent a raccoon from getting to. People may also be concerned about raccoons giving their pets rabies or canine dis-temper. Dogs can be vaccinated against canine distemper, but the best idea is to keep them away from raccoons and wash anything that might have come in contact with them. Feeding squirrels is also not advised as they are more likely to lost their fear of humans and become aggressive if not fed when expected. Without concern for humans, they also may wander onto an unknown property with pets that could get them killed. “Urbanization, Biodiversity, and Conservation.” BioScience, McKinney, 2002
-How and why should we help? Crows are protected under the federal migratory bird act of 1918, and our native Western Grey squirrel is a threatened species which cannot be trapped or killed. Urban exploiters not only survive, but thrive in urban habitats. Human beings are the reason they behave the way they do. Although the benefits to living with these species may be hidden, it is important to keep in mind that we contributed to their way of life, making them newly dependent on the resources that urban areas provide.
Adapters -What is here?
Birds Avian urban adapters such as Swainson’s Thrush, the American Goldfinch, and the American Robin, may need small plots of forested areas, but are able to adapt to a more humandeveloped landscape due to the fact that they have fewer natural predators and more access to food sources such as gardens and waste bins. One of the main problems for bird species in urban areas is auditory disturbance levels.
Many burrowing species such as moles, rabbits, and skunks can be found within city limits because they can find shelter as long as impervious surfaces exist. Silvy, Nova, “The Wildlife Techniques th Manual 7 Edition”, 2012
-How and why should we help? One of the most beneficial things people and cities can do for urban adapter species is to plant trees. Trees not only provide shelter, nesting places, and food, but they also help to decrease noise level in cities. Similarly, conserving upright snags as well as downed logs and other downed woody debris would also help to increase habitat diversity for these creatures. Many of the species mentioned in this portion, such as rabbits and moles are an integral part of the urban food chain. The birds are also important because they are seed carriers and nutrient dispersers.
Lowry, Lill, and Wong, “Tolerance of Auditory Disturbance by Avian Urban Adapter”, onlinelibrary.com, June 2011
Mammals Again, mammals in this category need small areas of open land, but are capable of surviving well in urban and suburban areas.
Two Ravens Studio, The art of Bill Reiswig, 2013
Avoiders Urban avoiders are species least suited to live in city environments. They are the ones most affected by noise pollution, light pollution, and lack of food, shelter, and connectivity. However, there are those that still reside within city limits, and tend to shy away from humans. -What is here?
Owls Owls, for example, are very seldom seen within the bounds of the city. Not only are they nocturnal, but they also spend most of their time up in trees. They do live in Seattle in parks such as Discovery, though, and can be very territorial, so it is wise to try to avoid owl nesting sites when possible. King 5 TV “Owl Attacks Man at Discovery Park”, www.king5.com, 2015
Frogs Studies have shown in urban areas that as density increases, the frog population decreases proportionately. Frogs are keystone species that are very sensitive to pollutants, so urban lakes and streams are not very suitable habitats for them. However, both native and nonnative frog species reside at in Magnuson Park, Carkeek Park, Camp Long, Discovery Park and other local parks. Parkways, “Pacific Chorus Frogs take over Seattle Parks”, www.parkways.gov, 2014
Photo Left: Phinney Ridge Deer, www.piccalillipie.com, 2012
Example: New York High Line
Deer Even more uncommon in the city are deer sightings. Because Seattle has so many smaller woods nearby, the occasional deer in a neighborhood is not unheard of. They are much more likely to stick to their more densely wooded habitats, though, and avoid human contact.
What can citizens do? Most urban avoiders require cover for nesting and breeding. People can help on their own property by leaving as much “natural” vegetation as possible, and minimizing lawn cover. The types of vegetation required for the success of different animals varies, though. For example, winter wrens need more forest cover, but Swainson’s thrush, a shrub-nesting species, requires more low-to the ground plants like salmonberry. Citizens can do their part by making sure that their yards are not a monoculture of grass, but rather a lush habitat composed of different kinds of
native vegetation. Cities and the Environment, “Conserving Biodiversity in Urbanizing Areas: Nontraditional Views from a Bird’s Perspective”, Marzluff and Rodewald, 2008
What can cities do? In the case of new developments, cities and towns can work with developers to ensure that these animals have more connectivity and space. The image to the right demonstrates two different examples of how a subdivision can be laid out. The standard way (left) shows two to three acre plots with little to no connectivity between green spaces. The cluster plan (right), however, cuts the plot sites down to one acre and creates more open space, while also providing more opportunity for community interaction.
The more traditional methods of conserving as much habitat as possible and restoring what we have already preserved is all well and good, but let’s face itin urban areas like Seattle, there are a lot of areas that are already paved and developed, and it is not plausible to bring them back to their “natural” state. Not only would that be impossible, but it would also be impractical. Urban landscapes have a great deal to offer for both humans and wildlife alike. Green roofs, bioswales, and living walls are all examples of how structures that already exist in the city can be made to be more wildlife friendly. One excellent example is New York’s High Line, 1.45 miles of abandoned elevated train platform turned into sustainable urban park. Designers of the park incorporated mostly local species from within a 100-mile radius. This was to ensure hardiness, sustainability, and food and shelter for wildlife. This project was not an easy task, taking fifteen years of planning and advocacy to complete, but turned out to be a highly successful, coveted idea. Friends of the High Line, www.thehighline.org retrieved 2015
The Limitless City, Primer on the Urban Sprawl Debate, Oliver Gillham, 2002
Bobcats
Predatory species live all around us whether we live in the city, the suburbs, or near the woods. These include birds of prey and mammals such as coyotes, bobcats, and sometimes even bears. Carnivores are typically considered “urban avoiders” because they are not seen as an ideal part of the city environment. However, they are an extremely important component of their ecosystem and are not to be feared or hunted, but to be respected and protected. What is here?
Birds of Prey Birds of prey such as the Peregrine Falcon can be seen hunting their prey from “urban cliffs” like skyscrapers or the Ballard Bridge, Ship Canal Bridge, and West Seattle Bridge. These birds do their part to keep down pigeon populations, hence keeping bridges and buildings where they reside clean. Other local birds of prey are Bald Eagles (a pair of which can be seen fishing on the 5-20 bridge), owls, osprey, and hawks.
Bobcats are solitary animals that tend to be nocturnal. In fact, urban bobcats have even stronger nocturnal tendencies due to their desire to avoid human contact. Bobcats are strictly carnivorous, and may be opportunistic when it comes to eating the carcasses of deer or other animals killed on the road. They are about twice the size of the average housecat. Possible bobcat sightings have been reported in West Seattle and other nearby urban areas such as Bellevue and Kirkland according to King 5 news. Urban Carnivores “What is a bobcat? www.urbancarnivores.com retrieved 2015
Coyotes Unlike bobcats, coyotes are not solitary, but live together in packs. Also unlike bobcats, they are both predators and scavengers, and will eat just about anything from grass to fruits and berries, to small mammals like gophers and rats. Several coyotes can even take
Birds of prey adapt their habits to the urban landscape, Seattle P-I 2007
down an antelope or deer! Coyotes are typically found in more wooded parks (like Carkeek) or greenbelts, but are very adaptable to suburban areas as well. Their howls can be heard at night as they are nocturnal for the most part. They are about the size of an average dog and have keen senses of hearing, smell, and vision. Coyotes have been seen at an increasing rate in urban areas as their natural habitats have been fragmented and diminished. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, coyotes have been sighted in the Central District, Sandpoint, and West Seattle. Urban Wildlife- it’s time you met your neighbors, Seattle Times, 1997
Seattle Audubon Society “Birdweb” www.birdweb.org retrieved 2015 Coyote Spotted at pier 91 www.magnoliavoice.com retrieved 2015
What are the challenges? Humans and predators have historically never really gotten along. Competing for food and territory has been a main conflict for hundreds of years. Now, urban folks worry about the carnivorous wildlife eating their pets or livestock, and even possibly harming their children. It is true, owls, hawks, and falcons will go after free range birds, and coyotes and bobcats will hunt larger prey such as cats and dogs if left out at night. These problems, however, are preventable. By feeding cats and dogs inside and barring access to compost and garbage, you are less likely to attract coyotes to your house. “Coyote proof fences” may also be installed. It is also important to keep small animals caged or inside, especially at night, and change up your routine, because the birds of prey may be looking for a pattern, for instance when chickens are let out. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, “Living With Wildlife” www.wdfw.wa.gov retrieved 2015
The “Coyote Roller” prevents coyotes from being able to get the foothold necessary to hoist them over a fence. –Living with Wildlife, wdfw.gov
How and why should we help? Carnivores serve to keep urban pests, such as pigeons in check, as stated in the birds of prey section. They improve not only the health of a specific population by weeding out the weak and the slow, but the health of the ecosystem in general by keeping herbivores moving and thus preventing over-grazing which can lead to soil erosion. Apex predators help maintain our urban parks. While many people worry about attacks from urban carnivores, such attacks on humans are extremely rare. The last known coyote attack in Washington State was in 2006, about 10 years ago. Predators in urban settings keep down populations of pigeons and rats, and are worth protecting. One of the most important things we can do to help urban carnivores is to leave them alone, especially during mating season. A visit from a human during nesting season, for example, can cause the Peregrine Falcon not to lay that year entirely. One of the major threats to urban bobcat populations is exposure to rat poison. When urbanites put out poison for rats, and bobcats eat the rats, they are also
consuming the poison. Trapping is also not always the best solution. Although seen as a humane way of dealing with “problem species”, trapping and relocating does not usually solve anything, as another animal is likely to move right in, and can actually lead to worse problems. When a territorial species such as a bobcat is trapped, it will often try to return to the place it came from, which can lead to it getting hit by a car on the journey. Or, if it does stay put, the animal will likely get into fights with others that previously inhabited their new location. It is best to use avoidance strategies like the ones stated in the challenges section instead of trying to remove them. Finally, cities can work to keep our green spaces intact. The more space and connectedness these animals have between spaces, the more likely it will be for them to find food without having to wander into yards or across streets. It is important to preserve the small pieces of habitats our urban predators have left in order to ensure their futures.
The Importance of Apex Predators for a Healthy Ecosystem www.greenerideal.com 2010
Overview The city of Seattle is fairly unique in its array of urban aquatic species. From fish to mammals to amphibians to birds, Seattle’s waterways are host to species that are important both culturally and economically. Sadly, however, according to 2010’s Shoreline Characterization Report, every shoreline habitat in Seattle has in some way been negatively affected by human impacts. There is however, hope, even for those most impacted. This briefing will present ways to help Seattle’s aquatic species by improving upon aquatic ecosystems.
What is here?
Though over 221 species of fish frequent the Sound, Seattle is known for our abundance of salmon. We posess a rich history and culture connected with Salmon, not only for our native population, but also as one of the first industries in Seattle. Salmon have been following similar migration patterns for over a
million years. Now, unfortunately, their populations are in collapse. Due to pollution from urban runoff, overharvesting, and the culverting of streams, Seattle’s Chinook, Sockeye, Chum, Coho, and Pink are being threatened. These fish, along with bass, stickleback, sunfish, sculpin, Kokanee, and trout, are disappearing from the Puget Sound, as well as Seattle’s 49 streams and 3 major lakes. Distribution and Habitat Use of Fish in Seattle’s Streams, www.fws.gov, 2010
Flickr: Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington Retrieved 2015
Puget Sound’s mammals include seals, porpoises, otters, and whales. On warm days, seals can be seen “hauling out” on protected beaches, bars, spits, and even docks. It is important not to disturb the animals, however, not only because it is the law, but because it can be dangerous for both human and seal, causing stress and separation of families. Both seals and Orcas are especially affected by pollution in the water not only because of direct exposure, but because harmful substances can bio-accumulate when they eat other animals that have been exposed.
Duck in the South Lake Union Park at MOHAI, instragram retrieved 2015
Seattle is renowned for conservation of waterfowl habitat. Seattle’s official city bird is the Great Blue Heron. In the 1930’s Charles Pilling created a pond where he bred and harbored waterfowl. He is now internationally known for being the first to breed 3 different types of ducks in captivity. Seattle’s branch of Ducks Unlimited has received national attention for their habitat conservation efforts. Both hunters and ecologists alike can agree- conservation of wetlands is important. Waterfowl rely on urban green spaces with highquality water sources. Left: “Harbor Seal”, Department of Ecology: Puget Sound Shorelines, www.ecy.wa.gov, retrieved 2015
Orcas off Seattle: Orca pods return to the South Sound, Seattle P-I, October 2013
There are a few important steps people can take to protect native aquatic species, and they involve changing behavior around how they interact with their watershed. For example, even though most people do not dump chemicals directly into a stream, washing your car in the driveway has basically the same effect, as many storm drains empty into streams along with a smorgasbord of other chemicals, oil, and waste. If possible, it is more eco-friendly to wash your car in your yard-that way the soap will filtrate through the soil before entering the groundwater. Car washes are also a viable option as they are more water efficient, and often times reuse their water. Additional steps would be to use biodegradable cleaning products, cut down on water usage, and make sure your vehicle is wellmaintained so as not to drip.
Cities all around the country are realizing the value in daylighting creeks, and Seattle is an becoming
“The Chemical Cocktail that’s killing Salmon”, Sillman and Burn 2015, www.kouw.org
Example: Thornton Creek Daylighting Project
Two Ravens Studio, The art of Bill Reiswig, 2013
the model for how this can be done. In the State of Washington, hundreds of streams have been culverted in order to allow for urban infrastructure like roads, buildings, and homes. However, funneling streams into a culvert completely blocks the way for fish to get up them and back to their spawning grounds. It also disallows sunlight and air from reaching the creek, which means no amphibians can live there, and waterfowl cannot enjoy the habitat. Many people have no idea whether they live near a stream, because there are so many that are underground. When a creek is daylighted, it is dug up and directed into a more natural above-ground channel. This lets people see what it is they are already interacting with. It also helps prevent flooding and improves overall water quality. Seattle has already successfully done this with at least 10 urban streams. One such project is that of Thornton Creek. “Creek Daylighting: a storm-water management trend”, Society of Environmental Journalists, 2009, www.sej.org
Thornton Creek is 18 total miles, making for Seattle’s largest urban watershed. It is home to birds, amphibians, the occasional beaver, and historically has been the spawning site for 5 different species of Pacific Salmon and Trout. The process of culverting it began in 1961 when 1-5 was built and new development started undergoing construction. The area became increasingly paved, requiring more of the creek to be channeled underground. The 2001 Thornton Creek Watershed Characterization Report showed numerous water quality issues, including fecal coliform bacteria levels which almost always exceeded State standards. Today, several areas along the creek and its tributaries have been daylighted; notably the Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel which runs right through one of the most developed areas in the watershed- Thornton Place. The channel includes a sediment pond and bioswale in its design which are intended to replicate natural creek headwater functions and provide filtration for the runoff from its 680acre drainage area. This project cost $14 million to install, and generated an estimated $200 million in private development. Effects on water quality, flow, and sediment removal, have yet to be analyzed, but an improvement in any of these things would benefit aquatic wildlife. Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel FINAL REPORT, 2009, www.seattle.gov
Butterflies
Pollinators are keystone species because other species depend on them for survival. For instance, flowering plants rely on pollinators to carry pollen from one plant to another, thereby fertilizing their seeds. Pollinators are not just found out in the wilderness or in rural areas, however. They also enjoy urban settings where they can find a wide variety of flowering plants in a short distance. Seattle is filled with pollinators such as bees, flies, ants, beetles, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
What is here? Bees Bees provide people with more than just honey. Humans can thank bees for about one out of every three bites of food we eat. However, bee populations are declining at an alarming rate. Honeybees brought here by settlers are also not the only species around. Among the native species are Orchard Mason Bees, a solitary tunnelnesting species which require safe, clean nesting spots, and a variety of food sources. David Suzuki Foundation, “What you can do”, retrieved 2015, www.davidsuzuki.org
Butterflies (such as the Painted Lady pictured) bring beauty to the city as well as pollination services. These insects need different type of food for each stage of their lifecycle, so in order to be truly butterfly friendly, one must plant vegetation that caterpillars will enjoy as well.
Photography Obsession, Gordon England, www.photography.gordonengland.co.uk/
2009,
Plant pollinator friendly gardens. Local humming-birds are attracted to native plants such as columbine, bleeding heart, and honeysuckle. Do not worry whether your garden is perfectly clean. In fact, pollinators like them a little messy.
Retrieved 2015 from wildbirdshop.com
Hummingbirds Seattle is home to at least 3 species of hummingbird- the Rufous, Black-chinned, and Anna’s. All of these enjoy native wildflowers in the summertime, but Anna’s hummingbird actually winters in Washington State, which is why it is ideal to keep well maintained feeders out all year round.
Keep your property chemicalfree. Chemicals such as pesticides and insecticides can kill insect pollinators as well as whatever “pest” you are trying to keep out. Provide fresh water for bees and butterflies that they can drink without falling into and drowning. All you need to do is fill a water bowl with pebble and then pour water up to the top of the rocks. Keep your cats indoors, especially during nesting season. Domestic cats kill hundreds of millions of birds every year in the United States. Protecting pollinators will not only be good for the success of the species, but it will probably contribute to the success of your garden as well! United States Forest Service “Pollinators”, retrieved 2015, www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/
Cities can help in the efforts of pollinator protection by supporting programs such as the West Seattle Bee Garden at High Point. This program provides education to kids and families around gardening and bees. It is funded by the Neighborhood Matching Fund Grant and Seattle’s P-Patch program and relies heavily on volunteer efforts. Not only does the bee garden contain hives of honeybees, but it provides homes and food for mason bees as well.
The Pollinator Pathway, retrieved 2015, www.theawesomeproject.com
Example: Seattle’s Pollinator Pathway
West Seattle Bee Garden, retrieved 2015, www.westseattlebeegarden.com
Pollinator Pathway, Received 2015 www.pollinatorpathway.com
Another solution that cities can contribute to is creating pollinator pathways. Urban landscapes have become more and more fragmented and disconnected when private land is parceled off and mono-vegetation occurs. The goal of the pollinator pathway is to return to a more complex, interconnected landscape in order to provide safe spaces for pollinators to eat, breed, and live. Seattle artist Sarah Bergmann works with local garden designers and land-owners to plant flowering plants on the properties in an aesthetically pleasing way, combatting colony collapse disorder and other ailments facing pollinators. The project began as a mile-long 12food wide parcel of pollinator-friendly gardens between two urban green spaces- Seattle University’s Campus and Nora’s Woods. The pathway is both an ecological and communityoriented project that brings people together while saving our pollinators.
Trail Signs As I mentioned in the “Audience” section, these briefings are meant to be a proposal for the need for interpretive educational signs along neighborhood and park trails in Seattle. Each of these signs would ideally be set up near the habitat of one or more urban species and contain activities that kids and families can do to help support the animals.
Activity 1: Make a Bee Home Our local bee species, the Orchard Mason bee, lays its eggs in long, small tubes. Humans can help these animals by creating home-made versions. Materials: Empty can (Bean or large soup cans work great!) Bamboo sticks Shears to cut sticks Hammer and nails Newspaper (optional) Procedure
Clean out and dry an empty aluminum can.
Turn it over so the bottom lid is on the top, and puncture it with a nail about an inch or two from the perimeter.
Turn it over again, and place a small wood screw from the inside of the can through the hole with a few half turns.
Cut hollow Bamboo sticks or reeds to a length about an inch shorter than the can.
Bamboo and reed holes should be between 3/8″ to 5/16″
Fit sticks into the can and remove sticks once the number of sticks is determined
Find a protected place or covered area to secure the bee house o
under eaves is perfect, opposite direction of prevailing wind and weather will also work
Tap a starter hole for the screw, and screw the can to the post or wall. o
a gentle slope wicking water away from the opening is always good
Place the hollow sticks and/or reeds into the can. Fill until sticks are tightly bound in the can and not moving or rattling about Optional: roll up newspaper to stick inside tubes. Bees will fill the tubes with mud (or mason), so they will need to be cleaned out or replaced each year.
Bee patient! Since Orchard Mason Bees are only active a short time during spring and early summer, you may not see any capped egg cells in the tubes until the following year. -Lesson plan adapted from Tall Clover Farm, www.tallcloverfarm.com Also included on the interpretive sign would be the mason bee life cycle:
Mason Bee Life Cycle Poster Butterfly Wings n' Wishes Ltd http://shop.butterflyab.ca/
Hummingbird Feeder Anna’s Hummingbird is a native pollinator that actually winters in the Pacific Northwest. These birds require food year round, but nectar can be pretty hard to come by once the frost hits! Anna’s Hummingbird to eat other things like small bugs, but they love it when people give them sugar water to supplement their diet. You can make your own hummingbird feeder at home to feed these amazing tiny birds! Materials: Large bottle Coated wire Hummingbird feeder tubes (can be found on Amazon for <$2) Procedure: Clean out your empty bottle Wrap your wire securely around the bottle so that it can be hung up on a tree or other fixture Make your safe hummingbird food: Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water and bring to a boil to kill any bacteria or mold present. Pour mixture into bottle (make sure to fill it all the way up, or the liquid will pour right out) Cap the bottle with the feeder tube and hang up in a safe location where the birds will find it and you can observe!
-Image from thinkcrafts.com
Squirrel Nesting Box “Studies of leaf nests show that each pair of squirrels requires three dens--one for the male, one for the female and another in which the young will be born. The pair will live in one den until just before the young are born. At this time, the female will evict the male, who will then require an additional den or nest. After the young leave the nest, the male will rejoin his mate. The young will require more dens, of course, as the population increases. If none are available, they will either migrate to another area or will be eliminated by predation. Other animals commonly found using den boxes are kestrels, screech owls, honey bees, some woodpeckers and even blacksnakes. In addition, crested flycatchers and other songbirds have been known to use the squirrel den box for nesting.” To help the squirrels during nesting season, you can build one of their dens! Materials:
Scrap wood Hammer and Nails Dry sawdust or leaves
Procedure: To the right are some suggested dimensions for a squirrel house to put in your backyard courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation. Don’t forget to line the bottom with dry sawdust or leaves to encourage use the first year! After about three years it will need to be cleaned out. Place box 10 to 30 feet high in tree tops to give the animals some space and privacy.
Lesson Plan adapted from David E. Pitts, Missouri Department of Conservation.