It is possible to minimize the presence of less desirable wildlife around a dwelling by considering some changes in behavior that are suggested below.

Rattlesnakes
Minimizing the things that attract snakes to your property can decrease the possibility of them near your home. Snakes prey on mice and lizards among other small animals. Do not leave out animal food, bird seed or other food materials that will attract mice. Spreading corn for deer can also attract mice. Minimize or eliminate clutter around your home to reduce the number of places where prey animals can hide or nest. Snakes are also attracted to clutter such as overturned boats or canoes, piles of wood or brush, and old equipment that can provide shade from the sun. Another recommendation is to close off access to areas underneath a deck that provides habitat and moisture for snakes and their prey.

Coyotes
Coyotes are extremely adaptable animals and generalists in terms of their diet, willing to eat everything from discarded human foods to dog food left on a porch, as well as their more "wild" prey that includes lizards, mice and frogs. Typically they will avoid humans though with continued encroachment into and disturbance of their habitat, they may be forced to seek food or water in residential areas. They are more active at night though they can be moving around at any time of day. More frequent exposure to humans may result in their loss of fear of humans. For this reason they can exhibit behavior disarming or potentially dangerous to humans.

It is recommended that residents do not provide food to coyotes or leave out pet foods that will attract them. If possible, feed pets indoors or if feeding outdoors pick up any leftover food. Use containers for garbage that are sealed with a lid and do not leave bags outside of these types of containers. Make sure that containers used for compost are also sealed and food scraps are not exposed and accessible. (These actions should also discourage presence of skunks and raccoons.) As with snakes, coyotes will seek out mice and lizards so minimize clutter and brush piles to discourage their presence. For additional information on coyotes, or to report problems you can visit the Animal Protection and Control website or call 3-1-1.

Bats
Bats are actually very beneficial to the environment. Some species eat an enormous volume of insects while others are pollinators for various plants. However, bats are susceptible to rabies. Residents should never touch a bat found on the ground or allow a pet to do so. If a bat ventures into a home, it may simply be disoriented and not rabid or dangerous. However, all bats inside a dwelling should be reported to Animal Protection and Control by calling 3-1-1. If a homeowner finds a colony of bats roosting on their property, they should call Bat Conservation International at 327-9721.