Wild Animal Dangers in the Garden

Although insects and their kin are the main concerns in most gardens, other pests abound with their fury at the edges of the gardens. The furry creatures we commonly call cute can easily do damage to an unprotected garden as well as unsuspecting children.

Wild animals
This group includes the opossums, deer, rabbits and the ever-menacing raccoon. While many of these creatures are nocturnal, meaning they come out at night, some are active during daylight hours. Being active during the time when children are can make them dangerous.

Most of these animals just do damage to the garden. Deer and rabbits both can devastate a lettuce and carrot bed in no time. Although most times these creatures aren't a danger to children, they can be in certain situations.

Deer will usually be skittish and any sign of movement and they're off to the woods to hide and run away from humans. But occasionally there are some deer that might be curious. They could stick around, and if your child confronts one or corners it, it may only defend itself. Deer are powerful as well as beautiful.

During rut season, the male deer are very territorial and there have been attacks on humans. If you still have gardens around during this season, be wary of deer.

There is always a slight chance of rabies, although it is overrated due to general myths and rumor-spreading. Be wary of wild animals that act beyond their normal behaviors. If a deer or rabbit is letting you get unusually close or comes at you, get away. It could have a disease such as rabies that is affecting its judgment. Rabies is spread only by mammals.

Raccoons and opossums (commonly called possums) are normally nocturnal but can wreak havoc in the garden. If cornered, they will fight and defend themselves. The opossum can inflict very nasty bites due to the sharpness of its teeth. Raccoons are just as nasty with their bites and claws.

Kids, especially younger kids, may see these creatures as cute, fluffy and furry. In most cases they are just that. They are beautiful and it is rewarding to watch them. But in some cases, they may be dangerous. It's best to just stay your distance and leave them be. Teach the kids why they need to leave distance between them and the creatures.

Deterrents
There are ways to keep these creatures from causing harm to your gardens and children. Erecting a fence helps protect the gardens. A simple netting with poles is usually all that is needed. Rabbits can dig pretty far down, so make sure the bottom of the fence is inaccessible. Deer can jump a four-foot fence easily, so make sure the fence is at least five feet high, preferably seven feet. Raccoons can climb over things, so keeping them out is more difficult. Using lights, sounds and other distractions such as pie tins or even a scarecrow can usually help in deterring raccoons.

Even a pet dog can help deter normally skittish creatures such as deer and rabbits. Keep any pet food covered at night so they won't come around looking for pet food.

Drastic means, including hunting and traps, are other ways to be rid of these creatures, although they are not recommended. Live traps do not hurt the creatures but confine them, allowing you to transport them safely away from the garden and your family.