Wildlife
Backyard Wildlife
See the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Backyard Wildlife Management. For an excellent guide to managing wildlife, also check out the MDNR's Managing Michigan's Wildlife: A landowner's guide.
Habitat Practices
Wildlife Management Assistance
Wildlife Nuisances
Deer, squirrels, woodchucks, skunks and other wildlife species can be enjoyable to feed and watch-but when they start eating plants you don't want eaten, or start trying to get into your home-they become pesky nuisances. For more information on problem wildlife species visit the Michigan DNR web site.
While we don't have a sure fire way to control or deter every wildlife species, the Michigan DNR has a comprehensive list of businesses that specialize in controlling animals. Visit the Problem Wildlife page on the DNR website. Select the "Wildlife Damage and Nuisance Animal Control Directory" link under "Overview" for a current list of businesses by county (PDF).
Also review the "Likelihood of Deer Damage" page under Forestry for general guidance in selecting plants based on their deer damage potential.
Another good reference for selecting "deer-resistant" plants is "Deer-Resistant" Plants for Homeowners (PDF).
Wildlife Organizations
For information on wildlife in general, and specific species in particular, try these web sites for well-known wildlife agencies and organizations:
Wildlife Predator Species
Animal predators survive by preying on other animals, so they greatly affect the food web, keeping in check the negative impacts other animals have on natural systems if too abundant. Following are links to information on predator species that are, or may be present in Washtenaw County.
Urban Wildlife & Predators
As suburban and urban development has expanded into what once were natural environments, wildlife species adapt and move into those urban environments. As deer, rabbits, raccoons and other species become more common in urban environments, predator species follow. This can create uneasy or dangerous interactions with humans. The information below provides insight into urban wildlife and predators.
See the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Backyard Wildlife Management. For an excellent guide to managing wildlife, also check out the MDNR's Managing Michigan's Wildlife: A landowner's guide.
Habitat Practices
- Brush Piles for Wildlife: Look at the "Brush Piles" page to learn more about brush piles, which make good cover for several animals including cottontail rabbits, quail and several species of songbirds.
- Clearcutting Small Pockets for Wildlife: By clearcutting small areas in a continuous woodlot, you can attract "edge species" such as white tailed deer, grouse, rabbits, woodcock, and many others. See the "Clearcutting" page for more information.
- Den Trees for Wildlife: Many species of woodland wildlife benefit from the presence of den trees, those large, standing trees that are used by animals for nesting, roosting, cover, food supply and other critical functions. See the "Den Trees" page for more information.
Wildlife Management Assistance
- Contractors: Native Habitat & Food Plot Establishment and Management Contractors & Sources List (PDF)
- Wildlife Biologists: Need professional help in planning a wildlife habitat project? Download our Consulting Foresters & Wildlife Biologists list.
- Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation: Friends of Wildlife
Wildlife Nuisances
Deer, squirrels, woodchucks, skunks and other wildlife species can be enjoyable to feed and watch-but when they start eating plants you don't want eaten, or start trying to get into your home-they become pesky nuisances. For more information on problem wildlife species visit the Michigan DNR web site.
While we don't have a sure fire way to control or deter every wildlife species, the Michigan DNR has a comprehensive list of businesses that specialize in controlling animals. Visit the Problem Wildlife page on the DNR website. Select the "Wildlife Damage and Nuisance Animal Control Directory" link under "Overview" for a current list of businesses by county (PDF).
Also review the "Likelihood of Deer Damage" page under Forestry for general guidance in selecting plants based on their deer damage potential.
Another good reference for selecting "deer-resistant" plants is "Deer-Resistant" Plants for Homeowners (PDF).
Wildlife Organizations
For information on wildlife in general, and specific species in particular, try these web sites for well-known wildlife agencies and organizations:
- General Wildlife: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division
- Bluebirds: Michigan Bluebird Society
- Deer: Whitetails Unlimited
- Ducks: Ducks Unlimited
- Pheasants: Pheasants Forever, Washtenaw Chapter
- Wild Turkeys: Turkey Federation
Wildlife Predator Species
Animal predators survive by preying on other animals, so they greatly affect the food web, keeping in check the negative impacts other animals have on natural systems if too abundant. Following are links to information on predator species that are, or may be present in Washtenaw County.
Urban Wildlife & Predators
As suburban and urban development has expanded into what once were natural environments, wildlife species adapt and move into those urban environments. As deer, rabbits, raccoons and other species become more common in urban environments, predator species follow. This can create uneasy or dangerous interactions with humans. The information below provides insight into urban wildlife and predators.
