Hey everyone,
Have you noticed how the evenings are drawing in a little earlier? As the seasons shift, it’s a great time to pause and think about the world around us—and not just the human one. We share our neighbourhoods, our cities, and our planet with an incredible array of animals. From the raccoon that cleverly raids the compost bin to the majestic hawk circling high above, their lives are interwoven with ours in ways we don’t always stop to consider.
But what do we owe these wild neighbours? It’s a big question, and the answer isn’t always simple.
More Than Just a Backdrop
It’s easy to see wildlife as part of the scenery, a fleeting glimpse of nature that adds a bit of charm to our day. A deer on the side of the road, a flock of geese flying south—they’re beautiful, but they’re also busy living complex lives. They’re searching for food, raising their young, and navigating a world that is increasingly dominated by us.
The challenge is that our human world often puts us in conflict with theirs. Our neatly manicured lawns can eliminate the native plants that birds and insects rely on. The plastic packaging from our online shopping can end up in waterways, posing a serious threat to fish and aquatic mammals. Even something as simple as leaving pet food outside can unintentionally habituate animals like coyotes or bears to human spaces, which rarely ends well for them.
It’s not about blame; it’s about awareness. Recognizing that our daily choices have a ripple effect is the first step toward making a positive difference.
Small Actions, Big Impact
So, what can we do? The good news is that you don’t have to be a biologist or a full-time activist to contribute. Meaningful change often starts with small, compassionate choices right where you are.
Here are a few simple ideas:
- Be a Conscious Consumer: Think about where your products come from. Opt for cruelty-free cosmetics and cleaning supplies, and try to reduce your single-use plastic consumption. Every little bit helps protect habitats and the creatures who call them home.
- Make Your Backyard a Haven (Not a Hazard): Instead of a perfect green lawn, consider planting native flowers and shrubs. These provide essential food and shelter for local pollinators like bees and butterflies. A simple bird bath can be a lifeline for birds during a dry spell. Also, be sure to secure your garbage and compost to keep wildlife from becoming dependent on our leftovers.
- Give Them Space: If you encounter a wild animal, the kindest thing you can do is observe from a distance. Never feed them. Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural foraging behaviours and lead to dangerous encounters with people. If you see an animal that appears injured or in distress, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre or animal control. They have the expertise to help safely.
Ultimately, living alongside wildlife is about respect. It’s about seeing animals not as inconveniences or resources, but as fellow inhabitants of this planet, each with a right to exist. By making more mindful choices, we can help ensure that our wild neighbours not only survive, but thrive.
Thanks for reading, and take a moment to appreciate the wild world around you today!