This guide is not comprehensive. Always consult an expert before dealing with wild animals.
Facts & safety tips on wild animals in the area
Local nonprofit Wildlife Rescue Inc. takes in orphaned, injured and sick wild animals and rehabilitates them before releasing them back into their habitats. The number of animals brought in has increased every year, according to Animal Care Manager Hayley Hudnall.
Animals in Austin
A variety of wild animals are commonly found in the area, and some are brought to Wildlife Rescue if injured or orphaned.
• Armadillos
• Blue jays
• Bobcats
• Caracara–bird of prey resembling a vulture and a hawk
• Coyotes
• Doves
• Foxes
• Mockingbirds
• Rabbits–including cottontails, jackrabbits and swamp rabbits
• Raccoons
• Rat snakes–most of the time they are a dark brownish-black with some yellow
• Squirrels
• Virginia opossums
What to do if you find an animal
• Call a local organization such as Wildlife Rescue or the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department’s Animal Protection program
• Do not feed the animal
• Do not touch the animal with your hands
• After consulting an expert, you could use a towel to gently pick up the animal or use your foot to nudge it into a box.
• Once an animal is contained, bring to: Wildlife Rescue Inc., 5401 E. MLK Blvd., open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Coyotes
Urban coyotes, such as the ones that may appear in backyards, act differently from those found in wild areas, said Carolyn Meredith, environmental services manager for the city of Sunset Valley. They come out during the day as opposed to dawn or dusk.
“What happens to urban coyotes is that they start to get used to people,” Meredith said.
If a coyote is spotted, Meredith said making loud noises, throwing sticks and waving arms will scare the coyote away. Running away does not work, she said.
Preventing coyotes
• Seal garbage containers and cover compost areas. Do not compost meat products.
• Keep pet dogs and cats indoors.
• Clean up bird seed.
• Keep livestock pens secure by using wire apron fencing at least 5.5 feet tall.
• Remove brush and tall grass near homes, as they provide shelter for coyotes.
Rat Snakes
Most snake calls the Sunset Valley Environmental Services Department receives are for Texas rat snakes, Meredith said. She advises playing it safe.
“If you have a snake in your yard, you can just leave it alone, and they’ll go on their way,” Meredith said.
Source: city of Sunset Valley/Community Impact Newspaper
View a PDF of this guide
