Wildlife Encounters in Augusta: What You Need to Know
As summer winds down in Augusta, residents might notice an interesting uptick in local wildlife. With the changing season, it seems the animal kingdom is making their presence known, particularly as alligators, snakes, deer, geese, and squirrels become more active in the area. According to I.B. Parnell, a wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), it’s a common sight this time of year.
So, What’s Been Happening?
Parnell mentioned that he has recently been receiving about half a dozen calls regarding alligator sightings in Richmond, Columbia, and Burke counties. But if you thought that was the biggest issue, think again! It seems that deer are the stars of the show, generating most of the recent inquiries. “The main one right now is for injured deer or deer eating stuff that people don’t want them to eat,” he explained.
Keep Your Distance
While these beautiful creatures may not pose a direct threat to humans, it’s important to remember that deer can carry diseases. If you happen to come across a deer that seems injured or is munching on your precious garden, Parnell advises contacting a wildlife biologist instead of trying to handle the situation yourself. They’ll provide you with the best course of action.
What About Those Coyotes?
To keep these curious creatures at bay, Parnell suggests not leaving garbage outside overnight. This habit attracts not only coyotes but a menagerie of other wildlife such as raccoons, possums, and foxes. “Sometimes people don’t think about having a bird feeder in the backyard that has bird seed in it,” he added. “The squirrels and the birds knock the seed out onto the ground and then at night, rats, mice, and rabbits eat that seed, attracting coyotes.” A little awareness can go a long way!
What If You Need Help?
While DNR doesn’t trap coyotes, there is an option to contact a licensed nuisance wildlife trapper if you find it necessary. Parnell also mentioned that you can make some noise to scare them off if you don’t want to go that route. And just to clarify, if you live in an area that is secluded and there are no houses around, it is legal in Georgia to shoot or trap coyotes year-round with no limits on the number.
Know Before You Act
However, if you’re tempted to take matters into your own hands, it’s worth noting the county ordinance provided by Maj. Steve Morris with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. It states that, “No person shall, by his act, omission or neglect, cause unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death to any living animal.” There are exceptions when it comes to hunting and responsible wildlife management, but make sure to check with your homeowner’s association covenants if you live in a community before taking action.
In Summary
As Augusta prepares to bid farewell to summer, let’s also be mindful of our local wildlife. Whether you’re spotting a deer in your yard or a coyote nosing around the trash cans, remember, keeping a safe distance and knowing who to reach out to is the best way to coexist with our furry friends. So, go ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, but with a watchful eye on the wildlife that shares our community.
