Plants
and Wildlife Q&A
Below are some commonly asked questions regarding the wildlife in our area. If you have a question or want more information about your local wildlife please visit our library located in the museum building or feel free to contact us via email with your question.
Plants
Birds
How do I get rid of a woodpecker that is knocking on the side of my house?
While out at the pond I saw a duckling all by itself, should I try to find its mother?
Mammals
Bats: There is a bat in my attic, should I worry about carrying rabies
Do bats get tangled in your hair and suck human bloodRaccoon: I am worried about seeing a baby raccoons out
How do I keep raccoons out of my trash cansSquirrel: I have a squirrel in my attic, how do I get rid of it
How do I keep squirrels and rodents away from my bird feeders
I found a young squirrel that has fallen from its nest. . .Woodchuck: How do I get rid of a woodchuck?
Insects
There are large hornet-like insects making holes in my lawn, how do I get rid of them?
What are the beetle looking bugs in my house and why are they here?→
Reptiles & Amphibians
Plants
I have a plant I can't identify
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Bergen
County has a volunteer master
gardener program that trains individuals throughout the County. They
operate a Garden Helpline April through October and give advice to
homeowners on how to solve garden & landscape problems by applying
Integrated Pest Management tactics to minimize the use of pesticides.
Their is also a horticulture consultant available for questions
Monday-Thursday from 10 am - 2 pm at 201-336-6788.
What do I
do if I touch Poison Ivy
Washing the affected areas with soap and cool water as soon as possible may
prevent a rash from developing or minimize the effects of the exposure. To
relieve itching, apply cotton cloths soaked in cool water or see a physician
for medication and if symptoms worsen.
Poison Ivy is a woody shrub or vine. The vine climbs by aerial rootlets that
cling readily to trees. Three leaflets borne on a single petiole make up the
leaf. Each leaflet can be up to four inches long and is a dark waxy, shiny
green above and lighter green and fuzzy beneath. The flowers grow like
berries on very thin stems. During the summer, the flowers are lost and the
leaves turn fire-engine red. All parts of the plant have the
oily irritant urushiol which makes it "poisonous" (ex. leaves, stems,
branches and roots). This oily substance can be found even on dead or
dormant parts of the plant. It affects exposed skin and can contaminate
clothing, tools and other objects (including pets). Contact with urushiol
can produce a rash in three out of four people. The rash can begin within a
few hours or may take three to five days to develop. It starts with an itchy
feeling, the formation of red inflammation and tiny pimples, followed by
blisters. The fluid in the blisters hardens to a yellow crust. Left
untreated, the rash will last from three to five weeks. The determining
factors in a person’s response to exposure to poison ivy include the number
of times the person has been exposed in the past and the sensitivity of the
individual. Minimal or limited exposures to these plants can often be cared
for without the need for medical attention. However, some people are highly
allergic to urushiol. If a rash develops within four hours of exposure and
the eyes swell shut and blisters form, medical assistance should be sought
immediately.
Birds
I found a
baby bird on the ground and it seems to have
difficulty flying. . .
Determine
whether it has fallen from the nest prematurely, or if being out of the nest
is its intention.
A nestling
is a baby bird without feathers. As the name implies, a nestling should
not be out of the nest.
The best thing you can do for a nestling is to locate its nest and place
it back inside. Even if you find that the nest has blown out of
the tree, put it back in the tree securely along with the nestling.
Do not worry about getting your scent on the bird; it will not affect
the mother’s care. Contrary to common belief, birds have extremely
weak sense of small and human scent on a baby bird doesn’t bother them
in the least so they will not reject the baby bird if you put it back in
the nest.
A fledgling is a young bird that has recently
acquired its feathers and is learning to fly.
Sometimes these young birds who are learning to fly will spend some time
on the ground before they fledge. It is not necessary to help
these birds even though it may appear to be struggling on the ground and
you will probably see or hear the birds parents nearby. You can
help a fledgling’s chance of survival by keeping your cats and dogs
away. Domesticated cats are the number one predator of small birds.
However, if the nest is visible and easily accessible, it is perfectly
acceptable to put the baby back.
Taking care of a bird yourself is illegal. If the parent is not seen or heard for many days or is known to be dead click here for the name of a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
How do I stop a woodpecker that is knocking on the side of my house?
Woodpeckers might be banging on the side of your house if their are insects present inside the exterior walls. If this is the case you will need to eliminate the insect problem before the woodpecker issue. Another reason that they might be disturbing you is for creating a loud enough noise to distinguish their territory.
Here are several things that you can try:
Wait, often times the woodpecker will leave after a week or so.
Install silver bird flash tape, which can be purchased at gardening stores.
Place a plastic owl outside near the area the woodpecker strikes
Put up “scare-eye” balloons in the damaged
areas. These are balloons with large eyes painted on; they resemble the face of
an owl and frighten the woodpeckers. The balloons can be bought or made.
How do I stop a bird from flying into my window?
You might have a male bird that is seeing its reflection in the window and perceives it as another male and is challenging the other male by flying towards the window. It is an instinctual behavior and the bird will hit the window repeatedly. Another reason for this behavior is that sometimes birds do not see your window. Here are some solutions to this problem:
Do something to break or stop the reflection: close your curtains, put up shapes on the window, or hang streamers in the window. In extreme cases the window may need to be covered from the outside for a few days.
Put up a silhouette of a hawk in your window.
Put a dark see though liner over you window.
While out at the pond I saw a
duckling all by itself, should I try to find its mother?
Ducklings will easily imprint, which means
they will consider who ever handles it to be its mother. So try your best to
leave solitary ducklings alone. If the hen duck is dead, ducklings can be
fostered w/ another female duck of the same species.
Canada Geese migrate to New Jersey
when it is winter because the quantity and quality of the marsh and
grassland plants become reduced due to the extreme cold and blanketing of
snow that falls during the winter months.
Is it harmful to feed waterfowl?
Yes. Waterfowl depend on the ability to make use of their food and habitat to maintain healthy populations. In some cases, the food offered is in the form of small grains such as corn and wheat. Most often, it is in the form of “junk food” such as popcorn, potato chips and bread. Unfortunately, these handouts, while filling, do little to satisfy a birds nutritional needs for survival. Over time, the birds come to perceive these handouts as non-threatening, easily attainable food sources. They soon become dependent upon them and stop seeking out natural, more nutritional foods.
Another problem is that food handouts result in large numbers of birds competing for very limited food supplies in small, concentrated areas. Such crowding and competition for food, combined with the stresses of unhealthy food and harsh weather, increase their susceptibility of life-threatening diseases – diseases like avian cholera, duck plaque, and avian botulism, which have the potential to kill off large numbers of waterfowl.
Also of increasing public concern is the damage waterfowl cause to parks, golf courses, and residential lawns where large numbers of birds graze, trample, and defecate on the grass. Excess nutrients in ponds caused by waterfowl droppings may also result in water quality problems such as noxious algal blooms in the summertime.
The end result can be a continuing cycle of the birds becoming nuisances and being subjected to diseases that can spread like the common cold in humans.
Mammals
I have an
animal in my attic/garage/under deck. . .
When animals cause damage indoors,
they should be removed before repairs are made. Repairs must be made or
other animals will surely find their way in.
To get rid of a trapped animal (please note that by removing one animal it
does not guarantee that another will not move in):
We suggest that you use a Havahart® trap (these can be purchased at your local garden store and online) and released on your own property. We have a few “Hav-a-hart” traps here that can be loaned out to members as available.
If releasing the animal on your property is impossible then the animal must be released within the township of origin in suitable habitat and with permission from the landowner.
It is prohibited to release any wildlife on Tenafly Nature Center Property
No releases within the township may be greater than a 10-mile distance from the capture site for raccoons and 5 miles for skunks and woodchucks.
No releases are allowed on federal, state, county or municipal land.
If no private land is available for release, the Division may approve a release on the closest state Wildlife Management Area on a case by case basis.
Persons wishing to release a nuisance or rehabilitated adult rabies vector species must first contact the Office of Permit Management at 609-292-2966.
For more information on relocating animals in New Jersey
please see the State of New Jersey -
Policy on
the relocation of wildlife.
I’m concerned that the animal I saw during the day is rabid
Animals that look healthy, are probably
healthy. It is normal for most animals including raccoons to be out during some daylight hours, especially during mating season and while feeding their
young. Mother raccoons often search for food during the day to help feed her
cubs. However if the animal is foaming at the
mouth, circling, staggering or showing signs of aggression, then it may have
distemper or rabies and you should call an animal control officer. For more
information on rabies and other wildlife transmitted diseases please visit the
New Jersey's department of health and senior services website by
clicking here.
I have a squirrel in my attic, how do I get rid of it
Loud music, an ammonia soaked rag in a can or
bright lights may all be used to deter the squirrel. After they leave try to
close up all possible entrances. Squirrels can also be trapped in a have-a-heart
trap baited with seeds and peanut butter and relocate more than 5 miles away.
For more information on squirrels please
visit the following links: www.squirrels.org/
How do I keep squirrels and rodents away from my bird feeders
Squirrels can jump about 5 feet vertically so you need to place your feeders 5 to 6 feet off the ground. They can also jump about 10 feet horizontally so place your feeders at least 8 feet away from any Trees, bushes, railings, etc. Here at TNC we have our feeders hanging from a wire between two trees. We have placed empty 2 liter bottles along the wire which prevent the squirrels from accessing our feeders. For our pole-mounted feeders we use baffles and place them at least 4 feet from the ground. We also have feeders that close when the weight of a squirrel is applied to the perch.
Other solutions you might try:
Set up a squirrel feeding station away from your bird feeders.
Use birdseed mixes that contain a spicy pepper-like substance that squirrels supposedly find distasteful
We do not suggest that your attempt to live-trap the squirrels and move them to another locations. Remaining squirrel populations typically just move in.
One of the best ways to keep other rodents
away is by keeping birdseed
off of the ground. Use seed trays under your feeders to catch the birdseed
that is being discarded and clean up the discarded seed and debris from under your feeders frequently.
How do I keep raccoons out of my trash cans
Raccoons are smart animals that can find ways to get into our trash cans. The following are a few things you can do to help keep them from becoming a nuisance:
Keep garbage cans in your garage until morning of trash day
Use metal cans only and keep them closed with bungee cords
Try a spray (brand name “Ro-pel)
that tastes bad, to be used on trash cans and bags. You may find it in
local hardware stores (ex. Benjamin Brothers).
There is a bat in my attic, should I
worry about carrying rabies
Less than 1% of bats carry the rabies virus,
so chances are that your bat is rabies free. If the bat appears healthy and you
have not come in contact with the bat leave the windows open to allow it to
escape. For more information on bats found
here in New Jersey and what you should know about them please visit the
New
Jersey's department of health and senior services.
Do bats get tangled in your hair and suck human blood
Bats are quite agile fliers fully capable of avoiding crashes into even the most monumental of hairstyles. By using echolocation, a sonar system for locating objects by listening for the reflection of high-frequency sounds produced by their vocal cords, bats can easily circumvent large obstacles as well as identify, track, and capture very small, moving prey in the dark. That bats swoop around people’s heads at night is a testament to the ability of human beings to attract insects like mosquitoes that are attracted by a warm body, or moths which are drawn by bright lights.
All of the bats found here in New
Jersey are strictly insect eaters (insectivores); a bat can consume hundreds
of insects in an hour. Think of the mosquito problems we would have without
our friendly bats! There are bats that feed on blood, known as vampire
bats but they live in Central America. In fact, bats are actually
quite harmless and are important indicators of a healthy environment. Since
they are vulnerable to pollution and pesticides, their presence or absence
can tell scientists a lot about the overall health of the local environment.
For more information on bats found here in New Jersey and what you should
know about them
click here.
I am worried about seeing a baby raccoons out
A few minutes ago, I was walking through the woods behind out house and saw several baby raccoons on the ground near a large hallow tree. I wonder if they fell out of the hole way up in the tree and the mother had abandoned them because she can’t put them back in their nest. Should I bring them home to care for them?
No. Most likely,. The young raccoons are merely
exploring, and their mother is nearby. They are probably old enough to be
fully capable of climbing back up the tree to their den when they are ready
to return. If they were too young to climb, the mother would carry them
back.
I found a young squirrel that has fallen
from its nest. . .
As well meaning as we humans are, we
cannot duplicate the specialized care provided by a mother animal. In most
circumstances, if a wild animal is raised by humans, its chances of
long-term survival in the wild are vastly reduced. Young squirrels that
have fallen from their nests are commonly discovered near the trees from
which they fell. If it is possible to put them back, that is the best
option. After all, there is no substitute for the care that the mother
squirrel can give the young. With the squirrels (and rabbits) the less they
are approached and touched by humans, the better.
A fawn is alone in my yard, has it been orphaned
A doe will leave her fawn for long periods
during the day and visit only when nursing. Fawns have little or no scent so
they are difficult for predators to find. Please leave the fawn alone; your
scent on its fur may attract predators. If you have brought the fawn into your
house to save it immediately, take it back to the spot where you found it,
and leave it there. The mother should come back again looking for the
fawn. Even one or two days after removal from the wild, fawns have been
successfully reunited with their mothers by returning them to the place
where they were found. When you picked up the fawn, the mother was probably
eating not far away. Usually young fawns are quite safe when left alone
because their color pattern and lack of scent help them to remain undetected
until their mother returns.
I found a rabbit nest with no adult
present. . .
Rabbits will often raise their young right on the ground (sometimes in a small depression called a form) covered by a thin layer of grass or leaves, so their nests are easily discovered by both people and pets. A mother rabbit is likely nearby in a bush keeping watch. Because rabbits have little defenses, mothers do not stay with their young as it would attract predators. Instead, they leave their young for hours while eating, but they do return to the nest and nurse their babies at dawn and dusk. Please do not move or disturb the babies. If you accidently kicked open a nest of baby rabbits it is best if you still just replace the top of the nest that you uncovered and leave. The mother will not return as long as you are present but after you leave the mother will return and care for the young. Do not attempt to care for the babies yourself. Rabbits are one of the most difficult wild animals to be reared by humans. Simply the stress of being taken from their outdoor home can cause them to die.
Take time to assess the situation. Are they really orphaned?
If orphaned, take them to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
For more information on rabbits in the wild please visit the New Jersey House Rabbit Society by clicking here.
How do I get rid of a woodchuck?
Woodchucks (also known as groundhogs) is a medium sized rodent that is commonly found throughout Central and Northeastern United States. The woodchuck is the largest member of the Sciuridae family which includes marmots, squirrels and chipmunks. The woodchuck is a compact, short-legged animal weighing from five to ten pounds. Fur coloration varies from yellowish-brown to blackish-brown. Its feet and short bristly tail are dark brown to black.
Known for nesting underground Groundhogs can remove about 700 pounds of soil to create a 25 foot long burrow with multiple chambers. They usually live for two to three years, but can live up to six years in the wild, and up to ten years in captivity. As with many rodents they have many predators such as coyotes, large hawks, owls, and snakes. On occasion, the woodchuck’s burrowing and feeding habits conflict with human interests. Damage often occurs on farms, in home gardens, and around buildings. Therefore many people consider these animals to be a nuisance and try to eliminate them from their property.
Woodchucks are burrowing animals and hibernate during the winter months. They become active in March when the males are seeking mates, high activity, however, does not occur until the young are born and warm weather sets in. Litter size averages four and young are dropped in late April or May. Young are born blind and naked and are weaned in six to eight weeks. Woodchucks have one litter per year and by July, shortly after weaning, the young disperse and frequently take up occupancy in abandoned dens. Woodchucks are strict vegetarians and normally range no more than a half mile from their dens. Over the years woodchucks have developed a high taste for domestic legumes. In general, it is their feeding and burrowing habits that conflict with agricultural and other land use.
To get rid of a woodchuck (or raccoon and skunk). . . Remember that by removing one animal it does not guarantee that another will not move in.
We suggest that you use a Havahart® trap (these can be purchased at your local garden store and online) and released on your own property.
If releasing the animal on your property is impossible then the animal must be released within the township of origin in suitable habitat and with permission from the landowner.
It is prohibited to release any wildlife on Tenafly Nature Center Property
No releases within the township may be greater than a 10-mile distance from the capture site for raccoons and 5 miles for skunks and woodchucks.
No releases are allowed on federal, state, county or municipal land.
If no private land is available for release, the Division may approve a release on the closest state Wildlife Management Area on a case by case basis.
Persons wishing to release a nuisance or rehabilitated adult rabies vector species must first contact the Office of Permit Management at 609-292-2966.
For more information on relocating animals in New Jersey please see the State of New Jersey - Policy on the relocation of wildlife.
Insects
There
are large hornet-like insects making holes in my lawn, how do I get rid of them?
Eastern Cicada Killer are a large wasp
that is found throughout the Eastern and Midwest United States. Typically
emerging in mid-July they are known as a cicada killers because they hunt and
paralyze cicadas and place them in their nests. They are also sometimes
known as Sand Hornets (however they are not hornets) because they tend to dig
their burrows in sandy, well drained soil that is exposed to full sunlight.
Although their size might frighten most people, cicada killers are typically not
aggressive and the male cicada killers cannot sting. Considered a beneficial insect for controlling cicada populations, using pesticides as a
control method is not recommended. However, if you want to discourage
their presence this can be done by reducing or eliminating the breeding area
(which consists of exposed, sandy soil) by mulching or covering the area with
grass. For pictures and more information on cicada killers and way to get rid of
them please check out the following links:
What are the beetle looking bugs in my house and why are they here?
Brown
Marmorated Stinkbugs are a fairly new arrival to the United States.
Natively found in Asia, they are considered an agricultural pest, both
at home and abroad. These bugs use the warmth of homes in winter to
survive the season. Though they may seem like they are multiplying in
your house, they only reproduce outdoors in the summer.
Reptiles & Ampnibians
I have a turtle
that needs a home . . .
There are many species of turtles that can be
found living here at the nature center however Red Eared Sliders are
not native. Red Eared Sliders were originally from the
Southeastern United States however due primarily to the pet trade their
distribution has expanded. They are now present in many areas
of the world, to the point of being called one of the 100 "World’s
Worst" invaders by the ISSG (Invasive
Species Specialist Group).
Many people who want a pet turtle find out that
the New Jersey Department of Health mandates that turtles and
tortoises cannot be sold in New Jersey. Getting a turtle
as a pet can be a long term
commitment as many species can live for
30-50 years and some are known to live for ~100 years. If you have a pet turtle and you no longer want
it do not release it into
the wild. It is illegal to
release pet turtles into the wild and it is also prohibited to
release any animal at the Tenafly Nature Center.
This can spread disease and hurt
native turtle populations as well as other animals.
So what can you
do if you no longer want a turtle? For most species of turtles (including red-eared sliders) you can
contact Turtle Rescue of Long Island
a non-profit organization that places turtles and tortoises with
individuals, organizations, and animal care establishments willing
to provide species-specific care. They also may be contacted
if you are willing to adopt a turtle.
Can touching a toad give you warts?
Warts on humans are caused by the
human papilloma virus. Therefore, touching a human can give you warts. The
“warts” and bumps on the skin on a toad are not viral infections at all, but
glands that produce a foul-tasting poison excreted through the skin. A toad’s
bitter, slimy taste and its ability to inflate its body combine to produce a
defensive strategy that makes the toad either too big or too nasty to be
swallowed by some of its predators. It is also true that, from time to time,
toads will urinate on the humans that pick them up. This release of fluid is
another act of self-preservation intended to keep the toad out of the mouths of
other animals. But, like the skin secretion, toad urine doesn’t cause warts in
humans either. Nevertheless, always wash your hands after holding a toad.
Are snakes slimy?
Fish, toads, and frogs are slimy. They need to live in
the water for at least part of their lives and dry skin means death for them.
Reptiles, snakes included, are truly land animals, covered with scaly skin that
keeps them from drying out. The smooth glossy l9ook of some snakes’ scales is
enough to fool some people into assuming sliminess. Snake scales, especially on
the belly, are both smooth and dry, allowing the snake to slide more easily
across the ground as it moves. Sometimes a person’s own fingertips can help it
furthering the misperception that snakes are slimy. When a warm-blooded animal,
nervous human touches a smooth, cold-blooded snake, the wetness felt by both
parties is actually from the person, not the snake.
Can I donate my pet to the nature center?
We appreciate your thinking of us but unfortunately due to staff and
space limitations we cannot always accept unwanted animals.
Are there any no kill shelters in this area?
Yes you can check the following sites to locate the nearest no kill
shelter to your location.
2) Petfinder
Visit NJ Audubon's Wildlife FAQ's webpage by
clicking here
Contact the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife.
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Main Office (Trenton)
N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife Email the Division of Fish & Wildlife General Information 609-292-2965
Wildlife
Management 609-292-6685
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