Below are some simple techniques that North Carolina property owners can use to prevent or resolve conflicts with wildlife:

• If you are feeding wildlife, you should stop. Wildlife will lose their fear of people through a prolonged period of direct and/or indirect feeding.
  
  
• Make sure you are not indirectly feeding wildlife:
• If you are feeding your pets outdoors, keep the area clean between feedings. Pet food left outdoors will attracts wildlife right to your door.
• Keep all trash around your yard contained and secure.
• Keep compost in a secure container that prevents wildlife from getting into it.
• Remove bird feeders if problem wildlife species are seen around the feeders.  The seed in birdfeeders attracts many small-l and medium-sized mammals (i.e. squirrels, chipmunks, mice). These will attract larger mammals that prey on squirrels, chipmunks, mice etc.  If possible, try to find a birdfeeder that does not allow seed to spill onto the ground. 
  
  
• Fencing can be useful in keeping wildlife out of certain areas and structures:
• Establish protective barriers to prevent wildlife from entering and damaging property, such as crawl spaces and attics. Wildlife will use these areas as dens for resting and raising their young.
• Permanently repair buildings to prevent re-infestation.
• Monitor buildings and grounds periodically for recurring problems, taking appropriate, immediate attention to control and prevent damage.
  
  
• Clear overhanging tree limbs or other means of access that the wildlife is using to enter a structure.  
  
  
• Clear fallen fruit from around fruit trees in the fall so as not to attract wildlife species.
  
  
• Humanely remove wildlife from buildings and release outside. 

Talk to your neighbors.  Pass this information along since your good efforts could be futile if neighbors are purposely or unintentionally providing food or shelter for wildlife.