When it comes to sharing your living space with nature, it’s essential to know which animals are protected by law and can’t be removed from your home and garden without proper procedures.
Here’s a comprehensive list of such creatures, along with guidance on how to legally handle their presence should they decide to make your property their home.
1. Barn Owls
Barn owls are not just beautiful, they are also protected by law. Their distinctive heart-shaped faces and ghostly appearance make them a striking sight in any garden.
Yet, you may not disturb these creatures as they are safeguarded under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If you find a barn owl nesting in your garden, it’s vital to leave it undisturbed.
Attempting to remove or relocate them without a license can result in hefty fines. Instead, appreciate the natural pest control they offer, as they help manage rodent populations.
Should their presence pose a problem, consult with a professional wildlife control expert who can guide you on obtaining any necessary permissions or licenses to handle the situation legally.
2. Skunks
Some of the most often misunderstood creatures are skunks, and it’s all due to their infamous defensive spray, but they play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
These nocturnal mammals help control insect and small rodent populations, making them beneficial garden visitors. In many regions, it’s illegal to trap and remove skunks without specific permits.
They are protected under various local and national wildlife conservation laws that aim to preserve their natural role in the environment.
To live happily alongside skunks, make sure your garbage cans are tightly closed and don’t leave pet food outside.
Aside from doing these things, there are animals that can scare skunks away, which can really help keep them at a distance.
However, if a family of skunks decides to make a home under your porch or shed, it’s a good idea to call a professional wildlife removal service to find safe and legal ways to get them to leave.
3. Frogs And Toads
Frogs and toads are essential to healthy garden ecosystems, acting as both predator and prey within their environment. Their presence often indicates a thriving, pesticide-free garden. However, many species of frogs and toads are legally protected, especially during breeding seasons.
Removing them from your property without proper authorization can disrupt local biodiversity and is often illegal. Instead, create a welcoming habitat by maintaining a garden pond with shallow edges and plenty of plant life.
Should you need to relocate them, perhaps due to construction, contact local environmental agencies to guide you through the legal channels for relocating amphibians safely and without legal repercussions.
4. Bats
Bats are vital for controlling insect populations and pollinating plants. Despite common misconceptions, they are not interested in getting tangled in your hair.
In fact, all bat species are protected by law in many countries due to their ecological importance and declining numbers. It’s illegal to handle, disturb, or remove them from your property without a special license.
If bats have taken up residence in your attic, avoid blocking their exit points or using pesticides. Instead, contact a bat conservation organization or wildlife control service.
They can help you obtain the necessary permissions and implement bat-friendly exclusion methods to ensure these nocturnal guests relocate without harm.
5. Bees
Fundamental to pollination, bees and their role in food production are unmatched. Over recent years, their declining numbers have prompted many countries to enact protective laws preventing the unlicensed removal of bee colonies from gardens and homes.
If you discover a bee hive on your property, resist the temptation to remove it yourself. Instead, contact a local beekeeper or a pest control expert with experience in bee relocation.
They can safely and legally move the hive to a more suitable location. Creating a bee-friendly garden by planting native flowers can also encourage bees to thrive without becoming a nuisance. Providing habitats and avoiding pesticides helps maintain their population.
6. Swallows
Swallows, known for their elegant flight and chirpy songs, are protected birds in many regions. Their nests are often found under eaves or in barns, and disrupting these nests during the breeding season is illegal.
These migratory birds contribute to insect control, feeding on flies and mosquitoes. If swallows choose your home as nesting grounds, embrace their presence as a seasonal guest.
Removing or disturbing active nests can lead to fines and penalties. To prevent them from nesting in unwanted areas, install deterrents outside the breeding season.
Consult local wildlife authorities for guidance on legal measures to manage swallow populations responsibly.
7. Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are beloved creatures that provide natural pest control by feeding on slugs and insects. Their declining numbers have led to increased legal protections in many areas, making it illegal to harm or remove them from their natural environment.
Creating a hedgehog-friendly garden can support their conservation. Ensure they have access points through fences and provide piles of leaves or logs for shelter.
If a hedgehog is found during the day, it may need help; contact a local wildlife rescue for advice. Avoid using slug pellets and other chemicals that could poison them.
Engaging with conservation groups can offer additional tips on how to legally assist these charming garden visitors.
8. Newts
Newts are fascinating amphibians that depend on aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Various species, especially the great crested newt, are protected under wildlife conservation laws, which prohibit their capture or disturbance.
Garden ponds are essential for their breeding and should be maintained with care. If you encounter newts during gardening, avoid moving them. Instead, enhance their habitat by adding aquatic plants and maintaining a clean, chemical-free pond.
For construction projects impacting their habitats, consult with environmental agencies to obtain necessary licenses and ensure legal compliance with handling or relocating newts. Their presence is a testament to a garden’s ecological health.
9. Raccoons
Raccoons are intelligent mammals often seen as nocturnal nuisances raiding trash bins and gardens. However, they are protected under various statutes aimed at preserving wildlife and maintaining ecological balance.
These adaptable creatures are crucial for controlling pests and seed dispersion. It’s illegal to trap or relocate raccoons without a permit.
To mitigate issues, secure trash cans with locks and seal entry points to attics or basements. If a raccoon becomes a persistent problem, consult wildlife control experts who can offer humane and legal solutions.
Coexisting with raccoons requires respecting their role in urban ecosystems and adhering to local wildlife protection laws.
10. Squirrels
Squirrels are lively creatures that add charm to any garden with their acrobatics and antics. Despite their appeal, they can sometimes become pests, damaging trees and property.
Many regions have laws protecting certain species, limiting how they can be controlled or removed. Providing squirrel-proof feeders and trimming tree branches away from roofs can minimize conflicts with these agile rodents.
Attempting to handle or relocate them without proper licenses can result in legal repercussions. When squirrels nest in unwanted areas, professional wildlife services can assist in providing legal and safe removal options, ensuring that both your home and the squirrels remain protected.
11. Deer
Deer are majestic creatures often depicted as symbols of grace and beauty. However, when they wander into gardens and residential areas, they can cause significant damage to plants and landscaping.
In many places, it’s illegal to capture or harm deer without specific permits. They are protected to maintain their populations and natural habitats. Fencing your garden and using deer-resistant plants are effective measures to prevent them from nibbling on your greenery.
For persistent deer issues, consult with wildlife agencies to explore legal management strategies that align with conservation efforts while protecting your property. Balancing coexistence with these graceful animals is key.
12. Foxes
Some of the most agile hunters that adapt well to urban and rural environments are foxes. Their presence is vital for controlling the populations of small mammals and insects.
Many regions classify foxes as protected or managed species, limiting removal methods. To discourage them from frequenting your property, secure food sources and eliminate potential den sites.
It’s often illegal to trap or relocate them without proper authorization. If foxes become problematic, consult with wildlife experts to find humane and legal ways to manage their presence.
Engaging with local conservation groups can also provide insights into fostering positive interactions with these cunning animals.
13. Badgers
Badgers are burrowing mammals that live in family groups in setts. They are legally protected due to their ecological importance and conservation status.
Disturbing or destroying a badger sett without a license is illegal. Badgers play a role in controlling insect populations and enriching soil fertility through their digging activities. If they settle in your garden, observe them from a distance and avoid blocking their pathways.
For gardens impacted by badger activity, consult with wildlife authorities to explore options such as installing barriers or using deterrents that comply with legal protections. Encouraging natural wildlife corridors can also help balance their presence with garden maintenance.