Our backyards are shared spaces. The feeders, plants, water, and shelter we provide for birds can also attract squirrels, deer, raccoons, bears, bats, pollinators, and many other animals.

Supporting wildlife responsibly means finding a balance. We can provide valuable habitat while keeping feeding areas clean, preventing wildlife from becoming dependent on human food, and avoiding situations that could endanger animals or people.

Explore the guides below for practical ways to coexist with Colorado Springs wildlife.

Quick Answers About Backyard Wildlife

How can I keep squirrels, raccoons, and deer away from my bird food?

Feeder placement, pole systems, cages, baffles, tidy foods, and hot-pepper products can all help. The best solution depends on the animal and your feeding-station setup, but we can help!

What should I do if bears visit my yard?

If a bear reaches or repeatedly investigates your feeders, remove all accessible bird food immediately. Preventing bears from receiving a food reward protects your neighborhood and the bear.

Can I intentionally support other wildlife?

Yes. Native plants, water, natural shelter, responsibly maintained wildlife houses, and carefully selected foods can support many species.

 

Preventing Wildlife Conflicts

Bird feeders can sometimes attract animals other than the birds we intended to feed. The right equipment and careful maintenance can reduce conflicts while keeping your feeding station enjoyable.

Wildlife-Resistant Bird Feeding

Learn how to discourage squirrels, raccoons, deer, and other determined visitors with appropriate feeders, cages, baffles, pole placement, hot-pepper foods, and tidy feeding practices.

Remember that wildlife-resistant does not mean wildlife-proof. Successful feeding stations often combine several strategies.

Explore wildlife-resistant bird-feeding solutions.

Bird Feeders and Bears

Colorado Springs is bear country, including neighborhoods where people may not expect bears to appear.

Bird seed, suet, peanuts, and hummingbird nectar can provide a significant food reward. Learn when feeders should come down, how bear-resistant feeding systems work, and what you can do to prevent a bear from associating your home with food.

Learn about bird feeding responsibly in bear country.

 

Supporting Backyard Wildlife

Wildlife support goes beyond filling a feeder. Clean water, appropriate shelter, native plants, and safe nesting spaces can help animals while allowing them to continue their natural behaviors.

Supporting Squirrels Responsibly

Squirrels are entertaining backyard neighbors and important seed dispersers. If you choose to feed them, offer appropriate foods in moderation, maintain a clean feeding area, and discontinue feeding if bears or other concerning wildlife appear.

A properly designed squirrel house may also provide shelter where natural tree cavities are limited.

Learn about squirrel feeding and squirrel houses.

Bats and Bat Houses

Bats are an important part of Colorado’s ecosystems and consume large numbers of flying insects.

A well-designed bat house can provide additional roosting habitat, but placement is critical. Learn how sunlight, height, installation location, clear flight paths, and responsible maintenance affect the success of a bat house.

Learn how to support bats and install a bat house.

Pollinators and Solitary Bees

Bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, hummingbirds, and other pollinators support the plants and habitats that wildlife and people depend upon.

Native flowers, pesticide-free spaces, bare soil, hollow stems, clean water, and properly maintained solitary bee houses can all help create a healthier pollinator habitat.

Learn how to support pollinators and solitary bees.

Create a Complete Wildlife Habitat

Food is only one part of a healthy habitat. Wildlife also needs water, shelter, safe places to raise young, and enough space to carry out natural behaviors.

You can make your property more welcoming by providing:

• Native trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers
• Clean water
• Natural cover and nesting areas
• Bird houses appropriate for local species
• Seasonal food sources
• Reduced pesticide use
• Safer windows
• Less artificial light at night
• Protection from outdoor cats

Even a patio, balcony, schoolyard, or small garden can provide meaningful resources when those features are chosen thoughtfully.

Learn how to create a wildlife habitat at home.

 

Let Us Help You Find the Right Balance

Every backyard is different. Visit Wild Birds Unlimited of Colorado Springs at 2450 Montebello Square Drive for help with wildlife-resistant feeding, squirrel feeders and houses, bat houses, solitary bee houses, bird baths, native habitat resources, and other ways to care for the wildlife around your home.

Bring photographs of your yard or feeding station if you are working through a particular challenge. Our team is happy to help you develop a solution that supports birds while respecting the entire backyard ecosystem.