People can do simple things to help animals. The following are several suggestions. Of course, there are many other things a person can do. Use your imagination and you can come up with simple things you can do for animals.
Prevent Road Kill
Cars kill many animals as they try to cross busy roads. Working together, people have thought of creative ways to stop the carnage. One idea, implemented by The Forestry Commission of the U.K., was rope bridges in the treetops for red squirrels to safely cross the road. In Massachusetts, the local people constructed a tunnel for salamanders to use. In the U.K., badger admirers have placed signs saying “Badger Crossing” at places where badgers habitually cross. Local people can come up with effective ways to prevent road kill.
Stop Litter
Pick up litter. Do not pour harsh chemicals down water drains or into storm sewers. Adopt a wild area or park for periodic trash clean up.
Educate People About Helping Animals
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) offers suggestions on helping hedgehogs. Their suggestions also apply to other animals. BHPS tell people who have gardens to leave wild areas and or at least some untidy areas for animals. These areas provide shelter from predators and places to hibernate. Before moving a stack of leaves or branches, check for any sleeping animals underneath. Put away nets or things similar to nets, since animals can become entangled in them.
Plant Native Flowers and Trees
To attract native insects, butterflies, birds, and other animals, plant only flowers, bushes, and trees that are native to the local area.
Do Not Bring Non-native Plants and Animals into Any Area
Kudzu, a native plant in Japan, was planted in the 1930s in the southern United States for soil restoration. Since then, fast-growing kudzu has taken over the countryside---growing over trees, buildings, and streets. Authorities have spent millions trying to rid the South of kudzu.
Native to South America, the cane toad was brought to Australia to solve a cane beetle problem. Like kudzu, the cane toad did not solve the original problem but instead created a larger one. The overpopulation of the cane toad in Australia has seriously endangered several native species there.
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Drawing of "Bird Bath" copyrighted by Mary Ann Sterling
Va. Carper
May 2, 2008