by Denise Cook

Created on: August 01, 2008

A Word About Wildlife

As more and more city folk move to experience "country life," calls to Animal Control about various wildlife they bump into have escalated. A hot, dry summer can also caused many of the animals to come closer to urban areas in search of food and water.

While most people call for general information about wildlife, in many cases the calls are from people who are experiencing a conflict with a wild animal and are seeking a way to remedy the problem.

The Animal Control Officers (ACO) I spoke with personally, asked me to pass on basic information to the public about some of the wildlife we coexist with in Parker County.

Snakes Texas is home to a wider diversity of snakes and lizards than any other state in the union. None of our native lizards are venomous, and most of our snakes are also non-venomous. Dangerous snakes in our area are rattle snakes, copperheads and cotton mouths. Be sure that you know what they look like. Leave non-venomous snakes alone and they will go away, but if you do encounter a poisonous reptile, please do not go near it unless you are skilled in killing a snake. If not, call an ACO. If a snake bite occurs get to the hospital immediately. If you're unsure of the type of snake it's best to take it with you so the doctor will know what antibiotic to treat you with. Many dogs and cats are snake bitten in the summer as well. If this happens, take them to a veterinarian immediately.

Deer Deer need to be left alone in their environment. If you find a baby fawn, please do not approach it. The mother often makes it a nest and leaves it for a few hours so she can feed. She never goes far. If the fawn is left alone for more then 24 hours, then you should call for help, but never approach it on your own. If it is truly an orphan then an ACO will come and get it place it in a proper habitat. Also, when you are driving please slow down when you see a deer crossing sign.

Foxes A friendly fox is a deadly fox. They may look cute and cuddly but they are not pets! A fox is one of the top five carriers of rabies. Leave it alone or call an ACO for help.

Skunks Ever been sprayed by a skunk? It is something you will never forget! Skunks can also carry rabies and contrary to belief, they do come out during daylight. Don't leave any cat or dog food out because it will attract skunks when they are looking for something to eat. Call an ACO if you have a frequent visitor.

Pigs Pigs are the most destructible of animals. They will destroy landscape and

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