The Bear at the Bird Feeder

Beyond the usual small rodents that have thrived in cities and suburbs for centuries, urban wildlife now includes larger animals that have adapted to live in areas dominated by human beings. Black bears, deer, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, moose, wild turkeys, Canada geese, bats, foxes, and raccoons have all found benefits to living in human neighborhoods. In states along the southeastern coasts, alligators have moved into creeks, rivers, ponds, and lakes in the midst of residential developments.

This book is a guide to coexisting with growing populations of wild animals in our midst by addressing these questions and many more: What should you do if an animal wanders into your neighborhood, or brings its mate, children, or friends into your yard? How can you tell if a young wild animal needs help—and what steps should you take to try to save it? Is it right or wrong to put out food for deer, raccoons, foxes, or other wild animals? What should you do to secure your trash, grill, and other items in your own backyard, to keep from attracting bears and other wildlife? What should you do if you encounter a wild animal on a trail? Are the precautions different depending on the kind of animal (say, bear vs. mountain lion)?

In this guide, Randi Minetor calls on naturalists, biologists, and state wildlife authorities to distill the best practices for creating a safe environment for humans and animals alike, and provides accounts of actual run-ins with wildlife as cautionary tales.