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Health Risks for Animals Around Plants

Those rabbits, squirrels and other critters that hang around your backyard can do much more damage than just eating your plants, flowers and vegetables. Some of these wild animals can potentially be carrying disease that could threaten your health, as well as that of your family and pets.

Animals are exposed to a wide variety of diseases in the wild. They can easily transmit these diseases to others by coming in contact with the vegetables you eat, by defecating or urinating in your yard, or through biting. What’s more, many animals also carry harmful parasites that can “jump” to pets and humans.

Taking appropriate steps to deter these nuisance animals from entering your yard or garden can greatly reduce your exposure… Read More

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As someone who makes his living working with animals and an unabashed animal lover, there’s nothing I find more enjoyable than packing up the family and heading to a national park for a fun and educational vacation experience. It’s a great way to experience wildlife, such as bears, buffaloes, wolves and elk, in their natural habitats.

However, it’s important to treat these wild animals with respect so you don’t endanger the animal, yourself or your family. Following a few basic tips can ensure a safe and enjoyable wildlife-viewing adventure.

Keep Your Distance

One sure way to frighten a wild animal is to get too close for comfort. While in most cases a frightened animal will simply run away, a mother with babies nearby could view you as a threat and decide to attack.
… Read More

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Unlike humans, animals don’t have the luxury of curling up with a good book next to the fireplace on a cold, rainy or snowy day. Although many animals are blessed with fur coats and other natural features that protect them from the elements, it doesn’t mean they enjoy being wet or cold any more than you do.

Who hasn’t, at one time or another, discovered a cat sleeping underneath a car on a chilly or stormy day, taking advantage of the heat of the engine as well as the shelter it provides? And you may have owned or observed a pet that is absolutely terrified by the sound of thunder!

Pets and Natural Disasters

As we have seen most recently with Hurricane Sandy, natural disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, can… Read More

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There’s nothing like the great outdoors to provide a welcome refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A camping trip with your family is an excellent way to relax, unwind and bond with nature. However, an unwanted late night visit to your tent from a skunk, raccoon or other nuisance animal can quickly ruin your trip.

Preparing for an Animal Invasion

If sharing your tent or sleeping bag with a wild animal isn’t your idea of a good time in the wilderness, you’ll need to take some steps to keep the wildlife away. Knowing which items to bring along can make the difference between a fun-filled family excursion and one that will live in your memory for all the wrong reasons. It can also be helpful… Read More