A: No. This is usually true for mammals because they have a very good sense of smell. Most birds have a poor sense of smell and will sometimes even accept "foster babies" of the same age in their nests.

Q: Help! Something keeps digging up my lawn and/or garden at night…

A: It is most likely skunks feeding on the grubs in the soil. In the larval stage these grubs eat the roots of grass and other garden plants. To get rid of them go to your local nursery or home center and ask for "beneficial nematodes." Apply them according to the directions and this biological control should eliminate both the grubs and the skunks.

Q: What should I do about opossums or skunks that hang around the house or actually come in through the pet door.?

A: Stop leaving pet food outside or near the pet door!

Q: How can I keep migrating ducks from taking up residence in my pool?

A: Usually, brightly colored objects floating freely in the water will discourage them from landing on it. Things like beach balls or kids’ toys can be used effectively. You can also can cover the pool until they have moved on.

Q: I have birds nesting above my front door and they are making a mess. What can I do?

A: Wait until the babies have fledged. Then devise some sort of barrier (i.e., rolled chicken wire) to prevent future nesting. DO NOT disturb the nest!

Q: A hawk has flown into our warehouse and won’t come down from the skylight.

A: The most effective method to coax the hawk to come down is to go up on the roof and remove the skylight. To do this, use a power drill (preferably cordless) with a hex bit (size will vary). If this is not available, a small crescent wrench or adjustable wrench (or even pliers) may work. If the bird cannot be freed during daylight/dusk hours, it should be left alone until morning.

Q: Help! Rabbits are eating my garden!

A: Try fertilizing your garden with Blood Meal which can be found at garden centers and nurseries. Apparently it smells like predators to the rabbits.

Q: Is it OK to feed baby birds bread and milk?

A: NO! Wild birds and mammals require specialized diets. NEVER feed an animal unless instructed by a wildlife rehabilitator.

Q: If I find a wild animal in distress what should I do?

A: Safely contain the animal. Put the animal in a warm, dark, quiet place and immediately contact Project Wildlife or a wildlife rehabilitator/center near you.

Q: I am not in the San Diego area, are there other organizations that can help me find a wildlife rehabilitator/center near me?

A: Yes, contact the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council at 707-864-1761 (Pacific Time) or the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association at 320-259-4086 (Mountain Time). You can also contact your local Department of Fish and Game.

Q: My children found a baby bobcat. Can we keep it as a pet?

A: No. It is AGAINST the law to have ANY wild animal or bird as a pet. Wildlife rehabilitators have special permits issued by the State and Federal governments to care for these animals. Wild animals/birds are just that - WILD! They make poor pets and if kept too long in captivity can NEVER be released back into the wild.

Q: I found a hawk that was hit by a car, should I just let "nature take its course"?

A: NO! Of the eleven thousand wild animals that Project Wildlife cares for annually, approximately 25% of the cases are caused by contact with people. PLEASE, get help immediately. The sooner the animal is cared for the greater the chance of survival and eventual release.

Q: What time of the year is best to trim trees and bushes?

A: In Southern California birds can start nesting as early as January. Most birds are protected under the "Migratory Bird Treaty Act" which states that any known "active" nest cannot be disturbed until the babies have left that nest. Always inspect bushes and trees before trimming. Play it safe and trim in the FALL. Nesting season is usually complete by September.

Q: What does the word "imprint" mean?