Geese, coyotes and bears: How to avoid wildlife conflicts in your yard

Wildlife watching can be a thrill — until the wild animals get a little too comfortable near our homes.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, conflicts with geese, deer, turkey, coyote and bears are most common in the spring and summer. The DNR recently shared the following proactive steps that people can follow this spring, ensuring fewer conflicts this season and for the rest of the year.

Geese: Avoid a lawn full of geese by making your yard less attractive to waterfowl: This can include planting native shrubs along your shoreline to create a natural barrier between your lawn and any waterfront, letting your grass grow longer, and not fertilizing or watering your lawn. Scare tactics like loud noises and plastic flags can also deter geese from your yard space.

The DNR notes that it’s especially important to take action this year because the Canada Goose Round Up and Relocation Program has been paused due to highly pathogenic avian influenza. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services should be contacted to help remove any inappropriate nests.

Deer: Keep white-tailed deer from snacking on your garden and landscaping by using fences or wiring around gardens and plants can protect them from damage. You might also consider using repellant sprays or planting deer-resistant plants.

Turkeys: Wild turkeys are prone to eating from bird feeders and young plants, so removing food sources can help them move along if they become a nuissance or aggressive. Covering or disguising shiny surfaces like windows and hubcaps can also deter encroaching male turkeys, who can sometimes be attracted to shiny objects.

Coyotes: Bird feeders, garbage and pet food left out overnight may unintentionally attract coyotes; to address this issue, eliminate food sources and try hazing tactics like yelling and making loud noises if you happen to see one.

Bears: Black bears, the only type of bear found in Michigan, are typically only found in the northern parts of the state but sometimes can be spotted farther south. According to the DNR, black bears animals have enormous appetites, an excellent sense of smell and can remember the locations of food sources from year to year. Bear prevention measures include removing food sources such as bird feeders, exposed garbage, pet foods and grills with food debris, and protecting bee hives, fruit trees and gardens with electric fencing.

Find more tips on wildlife at michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife.

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