Misunderstood: The True Story About Pest Animals

May 23, 200919 min read

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Published: May 23, 2009

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Many times, animals get a raw deal. For all the pampered pets out there, there are whole species of animals that are looked down upon as pests. Whether they eat the plants in the garden, hide in your chimney, or induce fear in anyone who sees them, these animals can be hated. But do you know the true story about them?

So begins the stories of the misunderstood animals. Read on to learn a more about them and hopefully gain a little bit more appreciation for them.

Topic: What’s Hanging Around My House?!

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What it could be: Coyote

Why it’s considered a pest: They tend to feed on pet food… and sometimes the pets themselves.

The other side of things: If you think about it, all they are doing is what naturally occurs to them- they look for food, see the food, and eat it. We have moved into their territory by branching out into desert and other lands that they once inhabited relatively alone.

Some fun facts: -Only 5-20% of coyote pups survive their first year.
- American Indian cultures in the West revered the coyote for its intelligence and adaptability.

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What it could be: Prairie Dog

Where it may be found: In the garden.

Main reason why it’s considered a pest: They eat many types of plants, devastating some crops and competing with livestock for food.

The other side of things: Did you know that when they burrow, they aerate the ground? It’s been proven that wild bison prefer grasses that are in prairie dog “towns.”
- Their waste also acts as fertilizer.

Some fun facts: - Abandoned prairie dog burrows are often used as homes by burrowing owls, rabbits, badgers, weasels, snakes, black-footed ferrets, salamanders, insects, and even foxes.
- Settlers called these animals "dogs" because of their high-pitched, bark-like call.

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What it could be: Raccoon

Where it may be found: In the house, in the garbage, in the yard.

Main reason why it’s considered a pest: They can be found hanging out in the house (not always considered a pleasant surprise) and many times eat pet food or garbage, knocking the trash cans over.

The other side of things: Any way you look at it, they are excellent at adapting to whatever habitat they are in. They are opportunistic, meaning that if you leave food out, they will eat it. As with many animals, however, we have been encroaching on their habitat for years, so it’s only natural that they use us for food when their own is disappearing into what we think is our “territory.”
- they also feed on mice, another “ pest ” creature.

Some fun facts: - The raccoon's scientific name, Procyon lotor, means "washer dog" although it is a closer relative to the bear family.
- Raccoons have a large array of vocalizations. They purr, whistle, growl, hiss, scream and even whinny.

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Hope you enjoyed this article. Please leave a comment or if you really enjoyed it ! Thanks!

Here are a couple of my shots of the animals mentioned above:}