Spring is a time of rebirth, and some people just can’t wait to get out there and start tending to their lawns. No one wants to look like a slouch come barbecue season!
But starting your yard work too early could have dire consequences for some of your neighborhood’s furry little residents. You wouldn’t think something as simple as cleaning up some leaves could cause a problem, but it could be fatal!
Just take a quick look at this bit of information about that spring yard work, and you could have an impeccable yard and potentially save some lives.
When spring arrives, some people just can’t wait to get out there and transform their yards into presentable condition. Yet there’s something most of those people should know before they get to work…
Every year, hundreds of baby skunks, chipmunks, and gophers are forced out of their burrows way too early. Often, this is due to overzealous yard workers who tried to get a head start on the season.
When you’re preparing your yard for the spring, you could actually be disturbing habitats in a lasting and harmful way. This is especially true for those who are too young to help themselves. But there’s more you should be aware of…
This baby gopher was forced out of her burrow last spring. Luckily, rescuers were able to rehabilitate her before it was too late. This is just one example of how careful people need to be.
Make sure you avoid areas in your yard with fresh holes, and check brush piles before dismantling them. These are common places where baby animals like to reside. You could be saving a life!
That’s not all, though. Be sure to inspect your chimney and vents while doing spring cleaning. Lots of small critters like to nest in them, and you wouldn’t want to hurt them if you’re cleaning.
In the yard, make sure to keep an eye out for nesting rabbits. If you spot a nest, mark it off so no one disturbs it, and do not move the babies! The mom will be back to care for them, and they’ll be on their own in a mere three weeks.
Also, it’s good to check your insulation before doing and replacing, or renovations. Some animals, like squirrels, will actually make nests up there. You can never be too careful when it comes to keeping animals safe!
If you had no idea that raking up a few leaves could be so dangerous to our animal friends, you’re not alone.
Please be careful, and help spread the word by sharing this with your friends. Let’s save these babies!
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