Editor's Note: Fabulous! Just fabulous!
/PRNewswire/ -- The Banfield Charitable Trust, in partnership with Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) and Banfield, The Pet Hospital®, is helping feed hungry Pets this holiday season with its annual Season of Suppers campaign, a national Pet food drive, which runs Sunday, Nov. 1 through Thursday, Dec. 31. The Season of Suppers campaign, now in its fourth year, aims to feed Pets of homebound seniors who receive meals from Meals On Wheels.
The Banfield Charitable Trust is hoping to double monetary donations in 2009 to fund, or start, new Pet feeding programs through We All Love Our Pets (WALOP) grants. During the 2008 campaign, the Trust raised $42,000 in monetary donations, which funded more than 50 WALOP grants. Meals On Wheels programs throughout the country can apply for these grants to initiate or sustain Pet-food distribution programs locally.
"Season of Suppers touches many people's hearts, and it is a joyful time for everyone involved," said Dianne McGill, executive director and chief executive officer of the Banfield Charitable Trust. "When we first started this campaign, we never imagined how quickly it would grow. The support from volunteers and MOWAA program directors has exceeded every goal we envisioned for the program's growth. We are humbled by the generosity donors have shown with their support, especially given our difficult economic times. We hope to meet the increased need with even greater participation this year."
In addition to the money for WALOP grants, the campaign also collected thousands of pounds of Pet food that local Meals On Wheels programs distribute. Banfield alone collected 13,000 pounds in 2008 at its main campus in Portland, Ore. Across the country, more than 750 Banfield hospitals act as food collection donation sites.
"MOWAA's mission is to eradicate senior hunger by 2020. That is our focus, and we do it one day at a time, one nutritious meal at a time and one senior at a time," said Enid A. Borden, president and chief executive officer of Meals On Wheels Association of America. "One thing we have seen firsthand is how important Pets are to these homebound seniors. In many cases, their Pets are their only family. It goes without saying that keeping Pets as nutritionally healthy as their owners is critically important. In more cases than we can count, the Season of Suppers campaign has made that possible - and a home is a much brighter place when the whole family gets the nutrition they need."
There are three ways to help make the 2009 Season of Suppers campaign even more successful:
1. Purchase Pet food and place it in the Season of Suppers donation bin in
any Banfield Pet hospital. The BCT suggests items that are easy to
transport, such as small bags and cans.
2. Donate money at Banfield Pet hospitals. During November and December,
Banfield Pet hospitals are collecting Pet food and monetary donations
in more than 750 hospitals nationwide. To find your nearest Banfield
location, visit www.Banfield.net
3. Contribute online at www.BCTSOS.org by clicking the "donate now"
button. Your donation of $30 will help Meals On Wheels programs feed
one Pet for an entire month.
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Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Top tips for a healthy, happy dog
(ARA) – No matter how many canine companions you have or what their ages are, every day is a new opportunity to make their lives happier and healthier. Keep a few simple tips in mind and you’re sure to get four paws up.
Food and water
It’s crucial to always keep a bowl of water available for your dog to make sure they stay properly hydrated, but not just any water will do. Fill your dog’s bowl with fresh water every single day and remember to clean the water bowl regularly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that could sicken your furry friend. For healthier, great-tasting water, use a pitcher filtration system.
Equally important is the dog food in the bowl next to the water dish. Eating poor-quality food on a daily basis can dramatically impact your dog’s health in the same way eating fried foods frequently can negatively affect your overall health. “Do your research and read labels before deciding on which food to feed your dog,” says nationally renowned veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker. “If some of the first ingredients listed are proteins, then you’ve found a quality recipe.”
Nutro Ultra food for dogs features the Ultrassential Superfood Blend. Superfoods are nutrient-dense whole foods containing high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Common superfoods that are beneficial for both humans and canines include tomatoes, spinach, blueberries, carrots and flaxseed. “Some of the benefits of feeding ‘superfoods’ to dogs can include: a healthy skin and coat which comes from essential fatty acids, lean muscle mass from high-quality proteins, strong teeth and bones from calcium and a strong immune system from antioxidant-rich foods,” says Becker.
When it’s time to treat your best buddy, make sure the treats are high-quality and made specifically for dogs. Remember that treats add calories to your dog’s diet so don’t give too many. Human food can be unhealthy for canines (even deadly, in the case of certain foods like chocolate, grapes and raisins), but if you can’t resist a “people” snack, try giving him a few fresh vegetables like a small carrot or green bean. “A good guideline is that treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet,” says Becker.
Playtime
The average dog needs about 20-30 minutes of daily exercise or vigorous activity. Just like humans, inactive dogs can suffer from weight gain, muscle loss and even depression and disease. Take your dog for at least one walk every day (it’s good for you too), run around the yard or at an off-leash dog park and have fun playing fetch or tug of war.
To help keep playtime fun, make sure your dog knows basic commands (sit, stay and drop it, for example) and be consistent in using them. Encourage good behavior with lots of positive attention and correct mistakes immediately by redirecting your dog to the correct behavior. Never physically punish your dog as it can lead to aggression and fear biting.
Health
Most cities require dogs to have their shots and be licensed. Make sure to bring your dog to the veterinarian annually (or as recommended) and keep him up to date on shots and medications. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly (at least once per week) to prevent gum disease, the buildup of plaque and costly canine dental procedures down the line.
For more information, visit UltraHolistic.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Food and water
It’s crucial to always keep a bowl of water available for your dog to make sure they stay properly hydrated, but not just any water will do. Fill your dog’s bowl with fresh water every single day and remember to clean the water bowl regularly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that could sicken your furry friend. For healthier, great-tasting water, use a pitcher filtration system.
Equally important is the dog food in the bowl next to the water dish. Eating poor-quality food on a daily basis can dramatically impact your dog’s health in the same way eating fried foods frequently can negatively affect your overall health. “Do your research and read labels before deciding on which food to feed your dog,” says nationally renowned veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker. “If some of the first ingredients listed are proteins, then you’ve found a quality recipe.”
Nutro Ultra food for dogs features the Ultrassential Superfood Blend. Superfoods are nutrient-dense whole foods containing high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Common superfoods that are beneficial for both humans and canines include tomatoes, spinach, blueberries, carrots and flaxseed. “Some of the benefits of feeding ‘superfoods’ to dogs can include: a healthy skin and coat which comes from essential fatty acids, lean muscle mass from high-quality proteins, strong teeth and bones from calcium and a strong immune system from antioxidant-rich foods,” says Becker.
When it’s time to treat your best buddy, make sure the treats are high-quality and made specifically for dogs. Remember that treats add calories to your dog’s diet so don’t give too many. Human food can be unhealthy for canines (even deadly, in the case of certain foods like chocolate, grapes and raisins), but if you can’t resist a “people” snack, try giving him a few fresh vegetables like a small carrot or green bean. “A good guideline is that treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet,” says Becker.
Playtime
The average dog needs about 20-30 minutes of daily exercise or vigorous activity. Just like humans, inactive dogs can suffer from weight gain, muscle loss and even depression and disease. Take your dog for at least one walk every day (it’s good for you too), run around the yard or at an off-leash dog park and have fun playing fetch or tug of war.
To help keep playtime fun, make sure your dog knows basic commands (sit, stay and drop it, for example) and be consistent in using them. Encourage good behavior with lots of positive attention and correct mistakes immediately by redirecting your dog to the correct behavior. Never physically punish your dog as it can lead to aggression and fear biting.
Health
Most cities require dogs to have their shots and be licensed. Make sure to bring your dog to the veterinarian annually (or as recommended) and keep him up to date on shots and medications. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly (at least once per week) to prevent gum disease, the buildup of plaque and costly canine dental procedures down the line.
For more information, visit UltraHolistic.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Yellowstone Park Foundation Launches Campaign to Protect Bears and Save Lives
/PRNewswire/ -- A fed bear is a dead bear. Most people who live in bear country have heard this clever saying. Some -- like Kerry Gunther, a bear management biologist for Yellowstone National Park -- know first-hand that this warning is all too true.
"Bears that obtain human food eventually become more aggressive toward humans, and may need to be removed from the population," explained Gunther. "Almost every year for the past few years, it has been necessary for a bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to be euthanized for this reason. It's the toughest part of this job."
Wildlife managers know that access to human food is the greatest risk faced by wild bears. Fortunately, there is a solution. The use of large, bear-proof storage containers, or "bear boxes," is a proven method of preventing bears from becoming conditioned to human food.
The problem is that less than 25 percent of campsites in Yellowstone's roadside campgrounds -- the most likely place for a bear to seek and obtain food -- currently have bear boxes.
To address this problem, the Yellowstone Park Foundation -- the official fundraising partner of Yellowstone National Park -- is offering the public a unique opportunity to Sponsor a Bear Box. For each $1,000 in contributions raised by the Foundation, Yellowstone will purchase and install a bear box in a Park campground.
Yellowstone Park Foundation President Paul Zambernardi says that the goal is to purchase 50 bear boxes to place in top-priority campgrounds. "So far this summer, we've received enough contributions for the Park to install the first ten boxes, but many more are needed to have a significant impact," said Zambernardi.
The first group of sponsored bear boxes was installed last week at Bridge Bay Campground, within prime grizzly habitat along the shore of Yellowstone Lake. The campground's volunteer hosts Diane Browne and Andy Anderson understand the critical need for bear boxes, so much so that they sponsored a box themselves.
"As part of our hosting duties, we need to survey the campground several times each day to make sure that no unsecured food is around to tempt bears and other wildlife," said Diane. "These boxes will make it easier for campers to comply with food storage regulations, keeping them safer as well as the bears."
While donations of any amount are encouraged, groups or individuals who fully sponsor a box will be recognized with a small plaque that is permanently affixed to the box. Learn more at www.ypf.org/bearbox
The nonprofit Yellowstone Park Foundation has been the official fundraising partner of Yellowstone National Park since 1996. It funds projects and programs that protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone. Learn more at www.ypf.org.
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"Bears that obtain human food eventually become more aggressive toward humans, and may need to be removed from the population," explained Gunther. "Almost every year for the past few years, it has been necessary for a bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to be euthanized for this reason. It's the toughest part of this job."
Wildlife managers know that access to human food is the greatest risk faced by wild bears. Fortunately, there is a solution. The use of large, bear-proof storage containers, or "bear boxes," is a proven method of preventing bears from becoming conditioned to human food.
The problem is that less than 25 percent of campsites in Yellowstone's roadside campgrounds -- the most likely place for a bear to seek and obtain food -- currently have bear boxes.
To address this problem, the Yellowstone Park Foundation -- the official fundraising partner of Yellowstone National Park -- is offering the public a unique opportunity to Sponsor a Bear Box. For each $1,000 in contributions raised by the Foundation, Yellowstone will purchase and install a bear box in a Park campground.
Yellowstone Park Foundation President Paul Zambernardi says that the goal is to purchase 50 bear boxes to place in top-priority campgrounds. "So far this summer, we've received enough contributions for the Park to install the first ten boxes, but many more are needed to have a significant impact," said Zambernardi.
The first group of sponsored bear boxes was installed last week at Bridge Bay Campground, within prime grizzly habitat along the shore of Yellowstone Lake. The campground's volunteer hosts Diane Browne and Andy Anderson understand the critical need for bear boxes, so much so that they sponsored a box themselves.
"As part of our hosting duties, we need to survey the campground several times each day to make sure that no unsecured food is around to tempt bears and other wildlife," said Diane. "These boxes will make it easier for campers to comply with food storage regulations, keeping them safer as well as the bears."
While donations of any amount are encouraged, groups or individuals who fully sponsor a box will be recognized with a small plaque that is permanently affixed to the box. Learn more at www.ypf.org/bearbox
The nonprofit Yellowstone Park Foundation has been the official fundraising partner of Yellowstone National Park since 1996. It funds projects and programs that protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone. Learn more at www.ypf.org.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A Hungry Bear can Ruin a Camping Trip
Whether a summer camping trip or a stay at a cozy cabin in the woods, there’s always a possibility for a black bear sighting or encounter in North Georgia. With more than 75 established campgrounds and an estimated 1,200-1,500 black bears in North Georgia, campers should always be aware and prepared for a black bear encounter. The key to preventing an unfavorable experience is to properly store food and garbage.
“Bears can become habituated to people when they are fed – whether intentional or not. When a bear knows it can get a ‘free meal,’ it will return again and again until eventually it loses its natural fear of humans. This is when the majority of human-bear conflicts occur and the bear is regarded a nuisance,” explains Adam Hammond, wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Proper food storage while camping means that no food, drinks, coolers or garbage should be left out in the open and available to bears or other wildlife. Even non-food items with strong odors, such as toothpaste, deodorant and soap should be secured.
All food and scented items should be secured either inside a vehicle, or if backcountry camping, inside a knapsack and hoisted out of reach of bears and other wildlife.
Black bears commonly are found in three areas of the state - the north Georgia mountains, the Ocmulgee River drainage system in central Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp in the southeastern part of the state. However, black bears can and do range over larger areas; especially in early spring and late summer, when natural food sources are scarce. Young male bears are also known to disperse in an effort to establish their own territory.
In urban and suburban areas, garbage, birdseed, and pet food are the most common bear attractants. In addition to properly storing food and garbage, homeowners in known bear areas are advised to bring pet food indoors and to remove bird feeders during the spring and late summer.
“The best and most effective way to resolve human-bear conflicts is to remove the attractant,” says Hammond. “In most cases, that simply means making garbage, birdseed, pet food and other non-natural food items inaccessible.”
Though the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is now considered the most common bear in North America and the only native bear found in Georgia, at one point the species was nearly eradicated from the state due to poaching and habitat loss. Yet, because of sound wildlife management practices Georgia’s current black bear population is healthy and estimated between 2,300 and 2,500 bears statewide.
For more information regarding black bears, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, contact a WRD Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416. The public also can visit their local library to check out a copy of an informational DVD entitled, “Where Bears Belong: Black Bears in Georgia.”
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“Bears can become habituated to people when they are fed – whether intentional or not. When a bear knows it can get a ‘free meal,’ it will return again and again until eventually it loses its natural fear of humans. This is when the majority of human-bear conflicts occur and the bear is regarded a nuisance,” explains Adam Hammond, wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.
Proper food storage while camping means that no food, drinks, coolers or garbage should be left out in the open and available to bears or other wildlife. Even non-food items with strong odors, such as toothpaste, deodorant and soap should be secured.
All food and scented items should be secured either inside a vehicle, or if backcountry camping, inside a knapsack and hoisted out of reach of bears and other wildlife.
Black bears commonly are found in three areas of the state - the north Georgia mountains, the Ocmulgee River drainage system in central Georgia and the Okefenokee Swamp in the southeastern part of the state. However, black bears can and do range over larger areas; especially in early spring and late summer, when natural food sources are scarce. Young male bears are also known to disperse in an effort to establish their own territory.
In urban and suburban areas, garbage, birdseed, and pet food are the most common bear attractants. In addition to properly storing food and garbage, homeowners in known bear areas are advised to bring pet food indoors and to remove bird feeders during the spring and late summer.
“The best and most effective way to resolve human-bear conflicts is to remove the attractant,” says Hammond. “In most cases, that simply means making garbage, birdseed, pet food and other non-natural food items inaccessible.”
Though the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is now considered the most common bear in North America and the only native bear found in Georgia, at one point the species was nearly eradicated from the state due to poaching and habitat loss. Yet, because of sound wildlife management practices Georgia’s current black bear population is healthy and estimated between 2,300 and 2,500 bears statewide.
For more information regarding black bears, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, contact a WRD Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416. The public also can visit their local library to check out a copy of an informational DVD entitled, “Where Bears Belong: Black Bears in Georgia.”
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Thursday, October 30, 2008
DogTime.com Picks Top Pet Gifts for the Holidays
AAG Note: Who knew there were so many options available for our pets?
PRNewswire/ -- More than half of dog owners buy a gift for their dog during the holidays. DogTime.com (http://dogtime.com/), the #1 online vertical media network in the pet market with 8.2 million unique visitors a month(1), makes it easier to sort through the myriad pet products on the market via its 2008 Holiday Gift Guide.
"Pets are receiving top billing on holiday shopping lists, alongside family and friends," says DogTime.com editor Amy Gurvitz. "Our top picks for the season range from gifts that are good for the environment and your pet to products that benefit pet charities, rescue organizations and shelters with their sales."
DogTime's 2008 Holiday Gift Guide (http://dogtime.com/holiday-dog-gift.html) includes the top ten dog gifts in the following categories:
Charitable: Many animal charities need donations and the holidays are a great time to support your favorite non-profit. Gifts on DogTime's charitable list truly keep on giving -- first to the recipient, and then to the organization benefiting from the sale, including the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the ASPCA.
Eco-friendly: The desire to "go green" has impacted the way people shop for everything from clothing to food to cars to pet products. DogTime surveyed the green scene to round up the top dog gifts that are safe for pets and the environment.
Edible: Tasty dog treats may not last long, but are sure to be enjoyed by most any canine. From doggie "beer" to fortune cookies to gourmet biscuits, DogTime has presented a selection of unique edibles.
Luxury: Whether a gift for the pampered pooch or a splurge for a special dog, DogTime's luxury gift picks celebrate couture for the canine set, including a Gucci harness, Louis Vuitton carrier, and a $900,000 dog collar that features an 8.5-carat sapphire and more than 600 hand-set diamonds.
Clothes: Today it seems dogs have as many wardrobe options as their human companions. From designer polo shirts to hand-knit sweaters, DogTime has selected wearable gifts in all shapes and sizes.
Collar and leash: Featuring designs ranging from giraffe prints to polka dots, DogTime's top accessories are sure to impress every pooch at the dog park.
Toys: DogTime's dog toy category is packed with the best toys to chase, puzzles to solve, and ropes to tug.
Big dogs: Gift items from clothing to toys that are customized to fit the desires and needs of larger dogs, including an "I had a nightmare I was a Chihuahua" t-shirt.
Small dogs: Chihuahuas and Yorkies have different needs than their larger dog friends; captured in this list are mini tennis balls, a care seat, and even a dog stroller.
For dog lovers: Whether shopping for a dog-loving friend, or for something for yourself as a gift from your dog, these picks range from cuff links to books to items for the home and are sure to bring a smile to any dog lover's face.
In addition to DogTime's Holiday Gift Guide, the site offers a range of holiday-related content, including how to plan a dog party and Howliday dog cookie recipes.
Facts About the Holiday Pet Market (2):
-- There are 74.8 million dogs in the United States
-- 56% of dog owners buy a gift for their dogs during the holidays
-- In the past decade, dog owners giving pets a gift has increased by 12%
-- The average amount spent per dog gift is $10. More than $400 million
will be spent on dog gifts this holiday season
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PRNewswire/ -- More than half of dog owners buy a gift for their dog during the holidays. DogTime.com (http://dogtime.com/), the #1 online vertical media network in the pet market with 8.2 million unique visitors a month(1), makes it easier to sort through the myriad pet products on the market via its 2008 Holiday Gift Guide.
"Pets are receiving top billing on holiday shopping lists, alongside family and friends," says DogTime.com editor Amy Gurvitz. "Our top picks for the season range from gifts that are good for the environment and your pet to products that benefit pet charities, rescue organizations and shelters with their sales."
DogTime's 2008 Holiday Gift Guide (http://dogtime.com/holiday-dog-gift.html) includes the top ten dog gifts in the following categories:
Charitable: Many animal charities need donations and the holidays are a great time to support your favorite non-profit. Gifts on DogTime's charitable list truly keep on giving -- first to the recipient, and then to the organization benefiting from the sale, including the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and the ASPCA.
Eco-friendly: The desire to "go green" has impacted the way people shop for everything from clothing to food to cars to pet products. DogTime surveyed the green scene to round up the top dog gifts that are safe for pets and the environment.
Edible: Tasty dog treats may not last long, but are sure to be enjoyed by most any canine. From doggie "beer" to fortune cookies to gourmet biscuits, DogTime has presented a selection of unique edibles.
Luxury: Whether a gift for the pampered pooch or a splurge for a special dog, DogTime's luxury gift picks celebrate couture for the canine set, including a Gucci harness, Louis Vuitton carrier, and a $900,000 dog collar that features an 8.5-carat sapphire and more than 600 hand-set diamonds.
Clothes: Today it seems dogs have as many wardrobe options as their human companions. From designer polo shirts to hand-knit sweaters, DogTime has selected wearable gifts in all shapes and sizes.
Collar and leash: Featuring designs ranging from giraffe prints to polka dots, DogTime's top accessories are sure to impress every pooch at the dog park.
Toys: DogTime's dog toy category is packed with the best toys to chase, puzzles to solve, and ropes to tug.
Big dogs: Gift items from clothing to toys that are customized to fit the desires and needs of larger dogs, including an "I had a nightmare I was a Chihuahua" t-shirt.
Small dogs: Chihuahuas and Yorkies have different needs than their larger dog friends; captured in this list are mini tennis balls, a care seat, and even a dog stroller.
For dog lovers: Whether shopping for a dog-loving friend, or for something for yourself as a gift from your dog, these picks range from cuff links to books to items for the home and are sure to bring a smile to any dog lover's face.
In addition to DogTime's Holiday Gift Guide, the site offers a range of holiday-related content, including how to plan a dog party and Howliday dog cookie recipes.
Facts About the Holiday Pet Market (2):
-- There are 74.8 million dogs in the United States
-- 56% of dog owners buy a gift for their dogs during the holidays
-- In the past decade, dog owners giving pets a gift has increased by 12%
-- The average amount spent per dog gift is $10. More than $400 million
will be spent on dog gifts this holiday season
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Thursday, October 16, 2008
Pet Owners Eligible For $24 Million in Landmark Melamine Settlement
AAG Note: With all of the recent stories about melamine contamination in our food, here is some evidence about how far the contamination has spread and what one group has done.
By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
Pet owners whose dogs or cats became ill or died last year after eating melamine-tainted food are now eligible for a piece of a landmark $24 million settlement. But some pet owners say....
Read the story.
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By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com
Pet owners whose dogs or cats became ill or died last year after eating melamine-tainted food are now eligible for a piece of a landmark $24 million settlement. But some pet owners say....
Read the story.
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Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Time for Wildlife to Have Their Annual Feeding Frenzy
AAG Note: Some tips from the HSUS as the wildlife in Fayette County becomes more visible this fall.
Autumn is here which means a wild feeding frenzy for wildlife in preparation for their long winter ahead. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, mice and raccoons are among the animals busy feasting on fallen acorns.
Laura Simon, field director of urban wildlife for The Humane Society of the United States explains, "These animals need to fatten up for winter, whether they are true hibernators like woodchucks or whether they merely hunker down and remain inactive during cold spells like raccoons. If wild animals do not go into winter in good condition, their chance of surviving times of minimal food and extreme cold lessen significantly. And, acorns are the hottest item in town! Even deer are leaving shrubs alone this time of year if they can get their acorn fix."
While this frenzy can sometimes mean frustration for homeowners, The HSUS has some tips for co-existing with the four most common human "side effects" of the season:
Problem 1: Holes in house siding
Woodpeckers drill mightily on house siding, looking for rotted wood and insects beneath. On cedar, this loud sound -- and resulting damage -- can be alarming.
Solution: Mylar
Attach silvery Mylar bird tape or balloons above where the drilling occurs, to scare the birds away.
Problem 2: Holes in the lawn
Squirrels are burying acorns and other nuts in the lawn.
Solution: Do nothing
Do nothing! These holes are merely cosmetic and do not hurt the lawn.
Problem 3: Garbage raids
Mammals like raccoons may tip garbage cans and skunks, opossums, crows and gulls may join in the feast.
Solution: Put garbage cans out in the morning of trash collection rather than leaving them out all night for nocturnal opportunists to tip. Use cans with secure lids to keep birds out or purchase an Animal Stopper™ garbage can which keeps the trash secure by holding the lid in place.
Problem 4: Porch visitors
People who feed pets outdoors are shocked by the appearance of opossums, skunks and others waiting for the free buffet.
Solution: Limit food
Feed your pets indoors only, or pick up and remove any uneaten food after 20 minutes of offering it outside.
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Autumn is here which means a wild feeding frenzy for wildlife in preparation for their long winter ahead. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, mice and raccoons are among the animals busy feasting on fallen acorns.
Laura Simon, field director of urban wildlife for The Humane Society of the United States explains, "These animals need to fatten up for winter, whether they are true hibernators like woodchucks or whether they merely hunker down and remain inactive during cold spells like raccoons. If wild animals do not go into winter in good condition, their chance of surviving times of minimal food and extreme cold lessen significantly. And, acorns are the hottest item in town! Even deer are leaving shrubs alone this time of year if they can get their acorn fix."
While this frenzy can sometimes mean frustration for homeowners, The HSUS has some tips for co-existing with the four most common human "side effects" of the season:
Problem 1: Holes in house siding
Woodpeckers drill mightily on house siding, looking for rotted wood and insects beneath. On cedar, this loud sound -- and resulting damage -- can be alarming.
Solution: Mylar
Attach silvery Mylar bird tape or balloons above where the drilling occurs, to scare the birds away.
Problem 2: Holes in the lawn
Squirrels are burying acorns and other nuts in the lawn.
Solution: Do nothing
Do nothing! These holes are merely cosmetic and do not hurt the lawn.
Problem 3: Garbage raids
Mammals like raccoons may tip garbage cans and skunks, opossums, crows and gulls may join in the feast.
Solution: Put garbage cans out in the morning of trash collection rather than leaving them out all night for nocturnal opportunists to tip. Use cans with secure lids to keep birds out or purchase an Animal Stopper™ garbage can which keeps the trash secure by holding the lid in place.
Problem 4: Porch visitors
People who feed pets outdoors are shocked by the appearance of opossums, skunks and others waiting for the free buffet.
Solution: Limit food
Feed your pets indoors only, or pick up and remove any uneaten food after 20 minutes of offering it outside.
-----
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www.georgiafrontpage.com
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