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WILDLIFE IN THE CITY Just because you live in the City doesn't mean that you are • Do not feed wildlife. Feeding songbirds is okay,but be immune from wildlife problems.Louisville has a variety of aware it may attract other animals. Place bird feeders where wildlife within our city limits.While some of these creatures they are not accessible to other wildlife species.Wild are only in the open space,others thrive in residential areas. animals are capable of finding plenty The presence of wildlife in cities is usually a delight to of food on their own. Colorado residents.The close proximity,however,of wildlife • Cover window wells with commercially sometimes causes problems.Most people agree that a available grates or bubbles,or make a porcupine in an apple tree,a family of skunks under the front cover yourself using 1/4 inch hardware cloth or chicken wire. porch or a squirrel in the fireplace can be unsettling.Many • Close holes around and under the foundation of your home people encounter these situations;yet few know what to do so that animals will not be tempted to homestead.Bury wire about them. mesh where animals might gain access. As cities along the Front Range grow and subdivisions impact • Don't give wildlife the opportunity to get into your garbage. wildlife habitat,wild animals are often displaced. Some species Store it in metal or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. continue to live in open space areas,parks,undeveloped Keep the cans in the garage or shed,and put trash out only parcels of land,river bottoms and on or near bodies of water. when it is scheduled to be picked up. Others have adapted well to urban living;skunks and • Keep pet food inside. raccoons,in particular,seem to thrive in and near cities. • If birds are flying into windows,mark them with strips of In most situations,people and wildlife can co-exist.The key is white tape or with raptor silhouettes. to respect the wildness of wildlife.Wildlife is just that—wild. • Fence gardens and cover fruit trees with commercially Most dangerous and potentially harmful encounters occur available netting to protect your harvest. because people fail to leave the animals alone.Wildlife should • Screen fireplace chimneys and furnace,attic and dryer not be harassed,captured,domesticated or—in most cases— vents,and keep dampers closed to avoid"drop-in"guests. fed. Intentional or inadvertent feeding is the major cause of Chimney tops should be screened from February to most wildlife problems. It is illegal to feed deer,bighorn September to prevent birds and animals from nesting sheep,mountain goats,antelope and elk in Colorado. inside.To prevent fire and safety hazards,check with a An Ounce ofPrevention knowledgeable source before attempting this. • Seal all cracks and holes larger than a one-quarter inch The key to avoiding problem wildlife encounters is keeping diameter to keep out rats,mice,bats and snakes. unwanted wildlife out of homes,buildings and yards. Here are Information from the `Too Close for Comfort"pamphlet from the some tips: Colorado Division of Wildlife. Copies available at City Hall. COME TO HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FOR THE TASTE OF LOUISVILLE Come taste the quality of life in Louisville. Food samples from local restaurants, free rides on the oldest fire truck in Louisville, specials from local retailers. Come taste the fun! Taste of Louisville - Saturday, June 9 . 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Main Street Louisville Rain or Shine •� Be sure to visit the Historical Museum for a taste of the past! Ifyou have any questions about the event,please call the Chamber of Commerce at 303-666-5747. Summer 2001