Central Oregon’s Think Wild urges you to ‘BAT-ten down the hatches’ this winter, to prevent wildlife conflicts
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - Winter is the most effective time to prevent wildlife conflicts before they start, Central Oregon's Think Wild reminded property owners on Monday.
"With many species less active, homeowners have a limited opportunity to address entry points, complete humane exclusions, and install habitat features that reduce conflicts before spring nesting and activity increases," the organization said in a news release that continues below:
Think Wild encourages property owners to schedule humane wildlife services during the winter months to avoid emergency situations later in the year. Addressing problem areas now helps prevent animals from establishing nests or dens in structures and ensures that safe alternative habitat is available when wildlife activity ramps up.
Think Wild offers humane, non-lethal wildlife services grounded in an understanding of natural history and seasonal behavior.
Services that can be scheduled and completed this winter include onsite consultations, site assessments, humane exclusions, flicker damage solutions, raptor perches, nest box installation, and beaver conflict mitigation tools such as water flow devices and protective fencing.
Site visits and installations start at $80, with full quotes provided following consultation.
“All of our work is non-lethal and grounded in an understanding of wildlife and different species’ natural history,” said Jake Sandler, wildlife services coordinator at Think Wild. “By working with seasonal behavior and species needs, we can make recommendations and prevent conflicts in a way that is safer, more effective, and better for humans and wildlife in the long run.”
Bat work requires special timing. Bat exclusions cannot legally be performed between June 1 and August 30, when young bats are unable to fly. Scheduling bat assessments and exclusions outside of this window is critical for bat conservation and compliance with wildlife protection laws. Winter planning helps ensure this work is completed before restrictions are in place.
Humane exclusion techniques focus on making properties less attractive or accessible to wildlife while providing alternative options elsewhere. Removing outdoor food sources such as pet food and bird seed, securing trash, sealing holes and crawl spaces, reducing shelter like wood piles and debris, and using lighting or other deterrents can dramatically reduce wildlife conflicts. These methods are effective, long-lasting, and environmentally responsible.
Think Wild does not trap or relocate wildlife. Relocation is harmful to animals, illegal for most native species, and does not solve the underlying causes of conflict. Extermination is not a permanent solution either. Humane exclusion offers safer, lawful, and more effective alternatives for both people and wildlife.
Think Wild can assist with conflicts involving bats, flickers, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, rabbits, small mammals and rodents, deer, rattlesnakes, geese, and beavers. Nest boxes and habitat features can also be installed to provide safe alternative shelter and encourage natural pest control by native predators.
Think Wild offers and installs boxes for flickers, bats, songbirds, and small raptors, as well as raptor perches and osprey nest platforms.
Property owners are encouraged to act now, while wildlife activity is low. To learn more or schedule a consultation, community members can fill out Think Wild’s Wildlife Services contact form, and staff will follow up to schedule a consultation or installation.
Taking preventative action this winter helps protect homes, reduce stress on wildlife, and create safer coexistence year-round.
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About Think Wild
Think Wild is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is to inspire the High Desert community to care for and protect native wildlife through education, conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation. We provide veterinary treatment and care at the wildlife hospital, staffed by expert wildlife rehabilitation staff, animal husbandry volunteers, and our staff veterinarian. We also provide wildlife habitat installations, native plantings, and wildlife education programming for youth and the community, and can help with conflicts with wildlife. Wildlife injuries can be reported to our Wildlife Hotline at 541-241-8680, which is monitored seven days a week from 8 AM to 4 PM. Visit us online at thinkwildco.org, or on Instagram or Facebook @thinkwildco.
