Fremont neighborhood now a haven for wildlife; is that good?

DEAR JOAN This year we have seen a major increase in wildlife that consists of alligator lizards rodents squirrels jackrabbits packs of bobcats and foxes Bulk of us in our society are all respectful to these animals and enjoy watching them in our yards Nonetheless now the bobcats and foxes are becoming adults and they are too close for comfort and could be very hazardous to pets and small children Related Articles California is natural habitat for mountain lions Here s what to do if you encounter one Dozens of peacocks and peahens go missing from historic Northern California hotel Los Gatos teenagers use photos website to track wildlife and educate community A day in the life of a Bay Area bird-watcher It s a movement Achievable mountain lion spotted outside gate of East Bay residence We need your expertise and advice What caused an increase in the animal population in this human-populated area Are there new ecosystems being established that will challenge the area residents What is the best approach to deter these animals especially bobcats and foxes so that families could enjoy backyard events without fear How do we keep rodents and squirrels away from the backyard Will that alleviate visits from these big animals What is the best way to manage these big animals besides being respectful and not bothering them Sam Fremont DEAR SAM First a big thank you to your entire neighborhood for your acceptance and respect of all wildlife I think your concerns will mostly resolve themselves As the youngsters mature they ll want to leave home and find their own territories Like human parents who nudge their kids out of the house by turning their bedrooms into sewing rooms and man caves you can help mom and pop bobcat and fox by eliminating habitat You and your neighbors should check their yards for places a wild animal might try to turn into more permanent lodging Trim shrubbery back and up off the ground remove or relocate wood piles seal up entrances beneath decks and outbuildings close off openings into your home s crawlspace and attic You and your neighbors should also avoid providing food for the animals and under no circumstance should people be actively feeding them If wild animals begin associating people and food they will lose various of their natural fear of humans which can lead to unwanted encounters Until the critters decide to move on just use specific caution when going outdoors Check for the presence of the animals and if you see them bang certain pots and scare them away Bobcats and foxes don t view humans as prey although small pets might be seen as such so safeguard them Are new ecosystems being established All the time Nature is in constant flux and we re part of it too Kitten rescue in need of help I lately learned about Bitten by a Kitten a non-profit rescue group based in Crockett which focuses on kittens paying for healthcare care as well as finding new homes The group is facing certain hard times as it has lost its lease and desperately necessities to find a new headquarters or more people to foster the kittens If you can spare specific money can lend a hand with the kittens or have a lead on a new space to rent you can e-mail Jamie at bitten-by-a-kitten outlook com or Venmo a tax deductible donation to bittenbyakitten You also can learn more about the group at www facebook com BittenByAKittenRescue We need more rescue groups not fewer The Animal Life column runs on Mondays Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris gmail com