When Wildlife Shows up at Your Texas Home

Seeing wildlife doesn't automatically mean there is a problem. Texas is home to a huge variety of wildlife, and animals may pass through your property simply because they are looking for food, water, shelter, or a safe place to rest.

The problem usually starts when that wildlife finds a reason to stay.

Things that can attract wildlife (and encourage them to stay)

• Unsecured trash or garbage

• Pet food left outside

• Bird feeders and spilled seed

• Standing water

• Easy access underneath decks, porches sheds, or buildings

• Openings into attics, crawl spaces, or other structures

• Brush, debris, or other areas that provide shelter

The best wildlife solution is often prevention. Making your property less attractive or accessible to them can help prevent repeat visits without unnecessarily disturbing the animals around you.

Please be mindful wild animals are not stray pets. even animals that look harmless can become defensive when they feel threatened cornered, or protecting their family. For these reasons if you encounter wildlife:

• Give it space, do not attempt to capture, chase, corner, or handle

• Keep pets and children away, for their, and the animal's safety

• Do not feed them, this directly encourages revisits

• Don't assume its been abandoned, usually young will be left alone while the parent is nearby, even if out-of-site, gathering food

• Call for professional help when something isn't right, an animal that is visibly injured, sick, trapped, behaving unusually, or creating a safety concern may need us to step in

Texas has always been big enough for people and wildlife, part of our job is helping them share the space safely. If you are concerned about wildlife, be it over them moving in, or visibly being in need of intervention, reach out to All American Dogs for help determining the next appropriate step.

Please, don't DIY wildlife...Let the professionals handle it safely and humanely.