YOU'VE MADE YOUR BED...

June 24, 2017

Our mothers caution us, "You make your bed, you lie in it," which means we have to live with the consequences of our actions. Oh, bother, what fun is that?!
It's rather interesting how many people don't get it. Ever.
Years ago when I worked at the Cooperative Extension Service, I answered a phone call from a distressed homeowner. She wanted to know how to silence the frogs that were getting on her last nerve. "We built a pond, and now we have frogs that never stop croaking!" Well, yes, frogs live around ponds. She wanted a pond absent of the wildlife it attracts. A lesson in habitat ensued.
Habitat is simply an environment in which organisms thrive. We disrupt habitats when we build our homes, but if left untouched, areas of the landscape will quickly revert to successional growth--transitioning from grasses to forbs (broadleaf plants) and trees. When wildlife returns, we think they are invading our space. The reality is, we invaded their space. We battle to keep undesirable guests out. I especially want to keep snakes and rodents out. The only 'rodents' I welcome are cute little chipmunks--Alvin!
In most cases the solution is simple: reduce/eliminate food sources and coverage/nesting sites. My husband started tossing apples to deer in our backyard. They loved it and began coming every evening for their special treat. One occasion when David was out of town, I looked out the window to see a deer staring me down as if to say, "Hey, lady! Where's my apple?" Once we stopped feeding, they moved on.
What about frogs?
The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management provides recommendations for controlling frogs: "Keep the shoreline of ponds free of vegetation to minimize cover for adult frogs and allow predators to assist in control." Hmmm, snakes eat frogs. Now not only does the homeowner dislike the chorus of frogs, she also will have to endure their predators.
You've made your bed.... I held my tongue and wished her luck. Lots of luck.
[see the more posts at https://lowtideexplorer.blogspot.com]
Learn more about wildlife management at:
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Management - http://www.georgiawildlife.org/NuisanceWildlife
- Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management - http://icwdm.org/handbook/index.asp


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