What does coexistence mean in practice?
It means accepting that wild animals live on and move across your land, and making choices that keep people, pets, livestock and wildlife reasonably safe. It does not mean letting animals destroy crops or put your family at risk.
Most conflicts come from food, shelter and water. Remove or secure those, and the animals often move on. Think of your property as part of a larger habitat, and remember that animals pass through no matter where the fence sits.
Predators such as coyotes, foxes and raptors are part of the system and may take poultry or small animals. Strong housing is the best defense, and your state agency can explain what options are lawful.
How do you reduce attractions?
Store feed, pet food and garbage in secure containers, clean up spilled grain and fallen fruit, and keep compost covered. Close gaps under porches, sheds and coops where animals might den. Cleanups after storms or harvest also remove hiding places and food that draw pests.
Secure poultry and small livestock at night with sturdy, well-built housing. Ask your extension office or state wildlife agency about methods that suit the species you see.
Deer and other grazers can damage young trees and gardens. Ask extension about plants that are less appealing and about protection for young trees.
- Secure feed and trash
- Pick up fallen fruit and spilled grain
- Close gaps under buildings
- Lock up poultry at night
What about fences, crops and gardens?
Fencing, netting and deterrents can reduce damage, but animals learn. Combine methods, change them over time and protect the most valuable plants first. Planting less appealing varieties near edges may also help. Keep records of damage with dates and photos, since wildlife agencies and some programs ask for them.
Your state extension service and wildlife agency offer guidance for the species causing trouble, and some offer technical help to landowners.
Do not feed wildlife, even with good intentions. Feeding draws animals together, can spread disease and makes them lose their wariness of people.
Which wildlife is a health or safety concern?
Do not touch or feed wild animals. Rabies, parasites and other diseases can pass from wildlife to people and pets. Keep pets and livestock vaccinated as your veterinarian advises, and keep your distance from sick or odd-acting animals. Livestock owners should also ask their veterinarian about diseases that wildlife can pass to animals.
If an animal seems sick, injured or aggressive, call your state wildlife agency or animal control. If someone is bitten or scratched, wash the wound and call a doctor or county health department.
Tell neighbors what you are seeing. Many wildlife problems are shared, and working together on fencing and food storage works better than acting alone.
What do the laws say about hunting, trapping or removing animals?
Rules on taking, trapping, relocating or even feeding wildlife differ by state and sometimes by county. Some species are protected by federal or state law, and a permit may be needed. If you are unsure whether an animal is protected, treat it as protected until an official tells you otherwise.
Check with your state wildlife agency or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before taking any action, and do not trap or kill an animal until you know what is allowed.
Take children out to learn about the local animals and plants. Appreciation and respect make coexistence easier.
How can you make your land better for wildlife?
Leave brush piles, native plants, water sources and unmowed edges where practical. These help pollinators, birds and small animals and can reduce erosion.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and your local conservation district can explain voluntary conservation programs and technical help. Ask what applies to your land and whether assistance is available.
What should you do if you find injured or orphaned wildlife?
Resist the urge to pick up a baby animal that appears alone, since the parent is often nearby. Do not feed it, and keep pets away. Call your state wildlife agency or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice.
In many places it is illegal to keep wildlife without a permit. Handling wild animals can also expose you to disease and injury, so wear gloves, keep children away and wash your hands afterward if contact happens.
- Observe from a distance first
- Call the state wildlife agency or a licensed rehabilitator
- Do not feed or keep the animal
- Wash hands and keep pets and children away
Key takeaways
- Most wildlife conflicts begin with food, shelter and water.
- Secure feed, trash and poultry, and combine deterrents.
- Do not touch wild animals, and report sick or aggressive ones.
- Check state and federal rules before trapping, removing or feeding.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.