When human populations live near or adjacent to a natural habitat they may experience interactions with wildlife, both desirable and undesirable. Wildlands provide habitat for all types of animals, those we might consider majestic such as deer, fox and great horned owls, and those we might prefer not to see such as coyotes, rattlesnakes, and armadillos. Any of these can freely move across property boundaries into backyards and neighborhoods. It is important for residents to realize that it is impossible to eliminate the presence of some species while allowing others. All of these play a role in the connections of predator and prey and the cycling of energy within a healthy ecosystem. Along with the beauty of wildlands and the excitement of seeing diverse birds at a feeder or the rare sighting of a fox or turkey, residents may need to develop tolerance to other animals.

However, wildlife that poses a threat to human health and safety are of great concern. Citizens should contact City of Austin Animal Damage Control at 854-9613 or call 3-1-1 regarding concerns about wild animals around your home, especially if they appear sick, disoriented or aggressive. This would also include wildlife exhibiting unusual behaviors such as normally nocturnal raccoons or opossums during daylight hours.

Animals living in and around human developments are often generalists, or those that can be found over a wide area. (Alternatively, there are species that specialize and can be restricted to a smaller geographic area or "range".) Many generalists adapt readily to changes in their habitat including those induced by humans. When wildlife can find accommodation around homes, they will come in for it, whether it is shelter, a place to find prey animals such as mice, or an alternative source of food such as dog food or garbage. Animals such as raccoons, opossums and squirrels take advantage of these alternative food sources and, because their predators are mostly absent in urban areas, can exist in unnaturally large numbers. These three animals are also nest predators who find eggs and nestlings to be easy prey. By making the area around a home inhospitable to wildlife it is possible to minimize, though not completely eliminate, their presence.