Foxes

There are two types of foxes that are common to the area: red foxes and silver foxes. An adult fox weighs between 7-15 pounds.

It is not uncommon to see foxes within city limits, especially during their breeding season, which is January-March. During the spring you can expect to see young fox pups around their dens or learning to hunt with their parents. Many residents find these four-legged creatures a little alarming, but these animals are more afraid of you than you should be of them. If you happen to see a fox walking through your yard or neighborhood, do not be alarmed, as it is probably just traveling to its hunting ground.

It is unusual for foxes to pursue dogs or cats. However, a fox may give chase in order to protect food and their young. Additionally, young foxes are naturally curious and there is a chance one could be seen napping or playing in your yard. Young foxes may also be brave and not run from you at first, but they will eventually take off.

Here are some tips for dealing with foxes:

• Do not feed foxes, and be mindful of items like bird seed, garbage and fruit trees. Just like raccoons and opossums, any food that is left outside can attract foxes.

• Trim thick landscaping. Like other animals, foxes do not like to be seen and will use thick shrubbery and landscaping to conceal their location. Furthermore, the rodents that the fox preys on often live in thick shrubbery and by removing the thick or overgrown foliage, one removes their food source.

• Motion-activated sprinklers or “water scarecrows” and shaker cans are both easy and humane methods of deterring animals from entering your yard.

• Seal off potential den sites. These areas include porches, decks and sheds.

If you would like a fox to be removed from your property, you can contact a professional trapper who is licensed by the State of Ohio to trap and euthanize the fox. Foxes, once trapped, are not allowed to be relocated.

Coyotes

Coyotes can be found in all counties in Ohio. Coyotes are highly adaptable animals and can be found in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Coyotes are often spotted by residents during the winter months due to the animals extending their hunting grounds and the lack of leaves in wooded areas. Coyotes tend to appear larger than they really are. The average coyote weighs approximately 35 pounds, but their large coats make them look bigger.

Coyotes typically eat small mammals (rabbits and mice), but they will forage through garbage cans, bird feeders and any pet food that is left outdoors. Coyotes are shy creatures and do not typically attack humans. In fact, a human is more at risk of being attacked by a domesticated dog than a coyote. Coyotes are extremely territorial animals and will pursue cats and dogs if they see them as a threat. It is recommended that you carry a spray bottle, walking stick or umbrella when walking your dog in an area where you have seen or suspect a coyote’s presence. Furthermore, you should never have your dog off of their leash in the presence of a coyote.

Deer

Deer are also found throughout Ohio. In Westerville, deer are often seen in backyards, parks and crossing roadways. If you happen to see a deer near a roadway, you should reduce your speed. Deer tend travel together and if one deer is spotted crossing the street, there is a high probability that other deer are in the area or near the road. Deer tend to mate during the fall and that is typically when there is increased activity around homes and roadways. Residents should never feed deer. Remember, these are wild animals and it is safer for the deer to fear humans.

Geese

There are many ponds and waterways throughout Westerville. These beautiful ponds and waterways tend to attract a variety of waterfowl. Geese and ducks are the most populous waterfowl in Westerville. Ducks are migratory and tend to move from one area to another. Geese, on the other hand, will build nests and stay for longer periods of time. Geese are very adaptable and can build nests very quickly.  A natural way to prevent geese from nesting is planting trees and shrubs. Allowing tall plants to grow in or around ponds and waterways will also prevent geese from nesting. Other techniques for preventing geese from nesting (March-June) involves the use of items such as flags, balloons, scarecrows and sprinklers, which scare the geese and make them uncomfortable. Note: These methods should be used in the spring before the geese start to nest.

Please do not feed the geese when visiting parks. Feeding geese will reduce their fear of humans and can also overpopulate the area.

Raccoons

Raccoons are highly adaptable creatures and live in trees, under decks, and inside of attics, chimneys and holes in the walls. Raccoons will always come back to a readily available source of food, which is why humans should not feed them. Keep pet food and watering dishes inside of the home. Make sure your trash is inside of a locked container. Removing tree limbs that provide access to your roof is a good way of ensuring raccoons do not become your next roommate. Cover all vents on your home including your chimney. 

Raccoons are mainly active at night; however, it is normal to see them during daytime. Mothers will forage during the day to be with babies at night.

Raccoons can carry distemper. Distemper is a contagious disease that can be spread through the air. Many animals can transmit and receive distemper, including, skunks, foxes, coyotes and domestic pets. Humans are not affected by this disease. A raccoon or animal displaying signs of distemper will walk in circles, stumble/fall, and may have a thick fluid discharge in or around the eyes.

Skunks

Skunks are often seen at night foraging for food. Insects, small fruits, plants, rodents and food discarded or left out by humans are all part of a skunk’s diet. Skunks are typically spotted between February and March during their mating season. While skunks may not see humans as a threat, they will use their defenses against dogs and cats. A skunk can spray multiple times from approximately 10 feet with increased accuracy.

If a skunk is near your property, it is recommended that you step out of the door prior to letting your pet out. Be sure to make lots of noise and flash your porch lights to notify animals that something is coming. If a skunk is around your property, we recommend using a leash for your dog. Skunks are attracted to pet food, bird seed and trash that is left outside. Skunks are known to make their home in crawl spaces, sheds, and under decks/porches near homes. Because skunks are looking for a warm or dry space to live, we recommend ensuring that these types of spaces are closed off to skunks and other forms of wildlife.