When we think of Alabama, we often envision its beautiful landscapes and vibrant ecosystems. From the mountains in the north to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in the south, this state is full of a variety of wildlife.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at Alabama’s wildlife and learn more about the common species that can be found in your very own backyard.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply curious about the creatures that share our environment, this is your chance to learn more about Alabama wildlife. And if any of these animals start to cause problems in your yard, we’ll explain how our services at Covenant Wildlife can help!
Common Wildlife in Alabama
1. Raccoons
Known for their clever and mischievous nature, raccoons are very adaptable and thrive across the state of Alabama. Found in both urban and rural areas, these animals are known for rummaging through garbage cans and wreaking havoc on gardens at night.
While their antics may be amusing to some, raccoons can pose certain risks to humans and other animals. Unfortunately, they can be carriers of diseases, including rabies, which can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches.
So, if raccoons are regularly spotted in your backyard it’s important you seek professional assistance from wildlife removal experts to ensure the safety of both you and the animal.
2. Snakes
The variety of habitats in Alabama provide the perfect home for several snake species. While most snakes are harmless and help to maintain the ecosystem, it’s important to be aware of venomous snakes and know how to respond if you run into one.
The copperhead snake is the most prevalent venomous snake in Alabama, followed by the cottonmouth and various rattlesnake species. To minimize the likelihood of snake encounters, do your best to seal your property to keep them from entering.
One of the best ways to do this is by maintaining the cleanliness of your yard. This helps keep their prey, like rodents and insects, away, which deters snakes from entering.
3. Squirrels
Squirrels, with their bushy tails and acrobatics, are a familiar sight in Alabama’s urban and suburban areas. While these agile creatures predominantly feed on nuts and seeds, they have been known to cause property damage by chewing on electrical wires and insulation – a major inconvenience to homeowners.
Even worse, squirrels can carry diseases like Lyme disease and tularemia, which are most often transmitted through ticks and fleas. While this can be a concern for humans, it’s a larger concern for pets running around in your yard.
To safeguard your property, consider implementing preventive measures such as using squirrel-proof bird feeders or contacting the team at Covenant Wildlife if necessary.
4. Honey Bees
Honey bees are not only interesting but also play a massive role in Alabama’s ecosystem and agricultural industry. These social insects lead the way for pollination, transferring pollen from the male part (anther) of a flower to the female part (stigma), aiding in the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
In addition to their important contributions to agriculture, honey bees are also known for their highly complex and efficient communication system. Through the famous “waggle dance,” bees communicate the direction and distance of nectar sources to their hive mates. Pretty cool right?!
However, honey bees are facing a variety of challenges such as:
- Habitat loss
- Pesticide exposure
- Diseases
- Parasites
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), in which entire honey bee colonies die off, has become a significant concern globally.
To support honey bees in your backyard, you can plant a diverse range of native flowers that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Avoid using harmful pesticides or opt for bee-friendly alternatives. Consider creating or purchasing bee-friendly nesting sites such as bee boxes.
However, if honey bees have started taking over your backyard, you can give our team at Covenant Wildlife a call so that we can come out and safely remove them.
5. Moles
Moles are small, subterranean mammals that are known for their remarkable burrowing abilities. Their cylindrical bodies, velvety fur, and powerful, shovel-like forelimbs allow them to navigate and build intricate tunnel systems all over your yard.
While they might not be the most loved backyard visitors, moles play an important role in the ecosystem.
Moles primarily feed on earthworms and grubs, which help to control their population. By creating tunnels and feeding galleries, they help aerate the soil, making it more nutrient-dense. However, their burrowing activity can sometimes lead to unsightly molehills in lawns and gardens.
If mole activity is causing issues in your yard, there are different methods for controlling their presence. One option is to use mole traps designed to catch and remove them humanely. Another approach involves modifying the habitat to make it less suitable for moles, such as reducing soil moisture and removing their preferred food sources.
For the most effective mole removal, reach out to our team at Covenant Wildlife!
6. Flying Squirrels
Among the various squirrel species found in Alabama, the southern flying squirrel stands out because of its ability to glide through the air. A loose fold of skin stretches between their forelimbs and hindlimbs, enabling them to glide from one tree to another, making it look like they can fly.
Flying squirrels primarily feed on nuts, seeds, and insects which helps dispers seeds in forests. However, they also eat things like:
- Acorns
- Berries
- Fungi
- Bird eggs
Because they can glide between trees, they are able to access food sources other mammals can’t reach.
Although flying squirrels generally prefer to avoid human contact, they occasionally find their way into attics or crawl spaces. If you encounter a flying squirrel inside your home, you should contact our team right away. We have the expertise and experience to:
- Safely and humanely remove the flying squirrels
- Ensure their well-being
- Release them back into their natural habitat
Covenant Wildlife: Your Partner in Common Wildlife Removal in Alabama
If you’re dealing with common wildlife issues on your property in Alabama, Covenant Wildlife is here to help. As a professional wildlife removal service, we specialize in ethically and safely managing wildlife conflicts, ensuring the well-being of both humans and animals.
Our experienced team is knowledgeable about the local Alabama wildlife and uses humane practices to address common wildlife issues effectively.
Expertise and Knowledge
At Covenant Wildlife, we understand the behavior and habits of common wildlife species found in Alabama. Our trained professionals can accurately identify the wildlife causing the issue and determine the appropriate removal and control methods. Whether it’s raccoons, moles, snakes, or other animals, we use our expertise to provide effective and long-lasting solutions.
Humane Practices
We prioritize the well-being and safety of wildlife. Our approach to wildlife removal focuses on humane practices, aiming to minimize stress and harm to the animals while solving the problem.
We follow ethical guidelines and comply with applicable laws and regulations in Alabama to ensure responsible wildlife management.
Customized Solutions
Each wildlife situation is unique, and we recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective. At Covenant Wildlife, we provide customized solutions tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Our team conducts thorough assessments of your property to identify:
- Entry points
- Potential attractants
- Contributing factors
Based on this evaluation, we develop a comprehensive removal and prevention plan to address the wildlife issue at its root.
Removal and Wildlife Exclusion
Our trained professionals employ a range of techniques to remove wildlife from your property safely. Whether it’s trapping and relocating animals or utilizing exclusion methods to prevent re-entry, we take the necessary steps to restore your property to a wildlife-free state. We ensure that the wildlife removal process is carried out without causing additional damage to your property or posing risks to your safety.
Preventative Measures
Covenant Wildlife goes beyond just removing wildlife. We understand the importance of preventive measures to avoid future wildlife conflicts. Our team provides advice and implements strategies to modify your property to make it less attractive and accessible to wildlife.
We work to minimize the likelihood of future wildlife issues, whether it’s:
- Sealing entry points
- Installing barriers
- Implementing habitat modifications
Safely Removing Common Wildlife in Alabama
Understanding the habits and characteristics of the common wildlife in Alabama is crucial for peacefully coexisting with them. By implementing preventive measures, seeking professional assistance when necessary, and learning how they impact the ecosystem around us, we can ensure that Alabama’s wildlife continues to thrive for generations to come.
However, it’s understandable when common wildlife starts to negatively impact our yards and homes. They can cause a nuisance, so getting rid of them quickly, efficiently, and safely is essential.
At Covenant Wildlife, our mission is to provide effective and ethical wildlife removal services while promoting responsible stewardship of wildlife in Alabama. If you’re experiencing common wildlife issues, contact us today, and our professional team will work with you to resolve the problem and restore peace to your property.