Wildlife such as foxes, raccoons, opossums, and skunks often choose quiet spaces like porches, sheds, or outbuildings to raise their young, especially in spring. If traps are set or pest control is hired during this time, the mother may be caught or scared away, leaving her babies abandoned. Providing food, water, or shelter (or having neighbors who feed stray cats) can unintentionally attract wildlife into your yard, but it’s simple and far more humane to encourage them to move on without harming them. Coexisting with wildlife is not only kinder, it’s usually much cheaper than pest control. Click below for humane solutions and guidance on helping these animals safely move along. You want to focus on why they are coming to your yard (food) and where are they staying or living (under your porch or shed). You need to make changes to their living space so they do not feel comfortable in your yard. The more positive interactions they have with humans and your space, the more likely they are to stay around. Make your backyard unfriendly by using use sight, sounds and smell changes and scare them off with loud noises. If you don't want them there, then don't make them feel comfortable in your yard! This is cheaper and more humane than hiring pest control.