Meet the Top 18 Wildlife Species That Can Invade Your Large Backyard

Have you ever wondered about the wildlife that roams near your home?

When you have a large backyard, it becomes a gathering place for various creatures. This guide introduces the top 18 wildlife species that you might find exploring your outdoor space. From curious deer to the elusive fox, your backyard is a bustling habitat.

We’ll help you understand who your wild neighbors are, how they live, and what brings them into your yard. Get ready to explore the fascinating world right outside your back door!

1. Raccoons

Raccoons are one of the most common visitors to large backyards. These clever creatures are easy to spot with their distinctive black mask and bushy tail. They are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals, which makes your backyard a perfect place for them to find food.

Raccoons are especially known for their ability to open trash cans, remove lids, and even unlock cages! They usually come out at night, so you might hear them before you see them.

Remember, while raccoons can look cute, they are wild animals. It’s best to enjoy watching them from a distance and secure your trash to discourage them from coming too close.

2. Opossums

Opossums are the only marsupials found in North America. These creatures might scare you with their hissing, but they’re mostly harmless and can even be beneficial for your backyard. They feast on unwanted pests like snails, slugs, and even small rodents, keeping the balance of your backyard ecosystem in check.

Opossums are also known for their unique defense mechanism of playing dead when threatened. They are nocturnal, so they search for food at night. If you spot an opossum wandering around, it’s just looking for a meal, not trouble.

3. Skunks

Skunks are well-known for their powerful defense mechanism – a spray of foul-smelling liquid that can deter predators and curious pets alike. Despite their smelly reputation, skunks are actually peaceful creatures that play a role in controlling insect and rodent populations. They are mostly nocturnal, foraging for food at night, and their diet includes pests such as beetles, grasshoppers, and mice.

Skunks have distinctive black and white markings that serve as a warning to would-be threats. While their presence might cause concern, skunks only spray when they feel threatened. Keeping a respectful distance and securing food sources in your backyard can help avoid unwanted encounters.

4. Squirrels

Squirrels are lively creatures often seen darting across your yard or climbing trees. These animals are fun to watch, especially when they chase each other or work hard to bury nuts.

Squirrels mainly eat seeds and nuts, but they also like fruits and veggies from your garden. They have big fluffy tails and can be gray, red, or even black. These animals are smart and can figure out how to get to bird feeders, no matter how tricky you make it.

While squirrels are mostly harmless and add life to your backyard, they can sometimes dig up plants. Watching them from your window can be a real treat!

5. Deer

Deer are majestic animals that might visit your large backyard in search of food. They love to eat plants, leaves, and flowers, which might be bad news for your garden.

To spot a deer, look for their tall, graceful bodies and big ears. Male deer, or bucks, have antlers they shed once a year. If you want to keep deer away from certain plants, try using fences or deer repellent.

However, watching a deer quietly graze in the early morning can be a peaceful sight. Just remember, it’s important to keep a safe distance because deer are wild animals and can be unpredictable.

6. Coyotes

Coyotes are smart and adaptable animals that might show up in your yard looking for food. They are part of the dog family, with grayish-brown fur and a bushy tail. Coyotes eat almost anything, including fruits, vegetables, and small animals.

If you hear howling at night, it might be a coyote. They are very clever and can find ways to get into trash cans or pet food left outside.

To keep coyotes away, make sure you don’t leave food outside and secure your trash cans. Always watch your pets when they are outside, especially at night, to keep them safe from coyotes.

7. Foxes

Foxes are beautiful animals with red, black, or gray fur and bushy tails. You might see them in your backyard because they are looking for food. They eat plants and small animals like birds and mice.

Foxes are shy and usually avoid people, but they are curious. They come out mostly at night, so you might not see them often.

If you want to keep foxes away, it’s important to keep your yard clean and not leave pet food outside. Remember, foxes are wild animals. If you see one, enjoy watching from a distance but do not try to feed or touch it.

8. Wild Turkeys

Wild turkeys are big, impressive birds that you might find strutting in your yard. These birds have dark feathers with shiny, colorful touches and big tail fans they spread out to show off.

Wild turkeys eat seeds, leaves, and insects, pecking around the ground to find their food. They can fly short distances, mainly to get away from predators or reach their roosting spots in trees.

Seeing a group of wild turkeys, called a flock, is pretty exciting. They usually travel together, looking for food and staying safe. If you’re quiet, you can watch them without scaring them away. Just remember to keep a safe distance to respect their wild nature.

9. Rabbits

Rabbits are common visitors in many large backyards. These small, furry creatures are known for their long ears and fluffy tails. They mostly eat plants like grass, clover, and some flowers, which makes gardens an ideal spot for them.

Rabbits are fast and can be seen hopping around, especially in the morning or late afternoon. They have a gentle nature but can quickly damage your garden by eating the plants.

To keep your garden safe, you might want to use fences. Watching rabbits can be enjoyable as they play and explore. Just remember, they need to be watched from afar to keep both your garden and the rabbits safe.

10. Groundhogs (Woodchucks)

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are interesting creatures you might find in your backyard. These animals are part of the rodent family and are known for their burrowing habits. Their tunnels can be quite long, with multiple entrances.

Groundhogs eat plants, and they especially like young, tender greens from your garden. They have chunky bodies, bushy tails, and they hibernate during the winter.

If you see a groundhog, it’s likely looking for food. While their burrowing can cause problems for your yard, watching a groundhog can be quite fun. Just make sure to protect your garden with fences or barriers.

11. Snakes

Snakes are fascinating reptile animals you might find slithering in your large backyard. These creatures are often misunderstood, but they play a crucial role in controlling pests like rodents and insects.

Snakes vary in size and color, but they all move smoothly and can be shy around humans. If you see a snake, it’s probably just passing through, looking for food. Most backyard snakes are harmless, but it’s important to give them space and avoid trying to catch or touch them.

Learning which snakes live in your area can help you feel more at ease. Remember, snakes are an important part of the ecosystem and can be beneficial for your garden.

12. Birds of Prey

Birds of prey, or raptors, bring awe and excitement to any backyard. These birds, including hawks, eagles, and owls, hunt for food from the sky. They have sharp eyes to spot their prey, like mice and insects, from far away.

Their strong talons and beaks help them catch and eat their food. Seeing a bird of prey can be rare, but it’s thrilling. They often visit large backyards near forests or open fields.

To attract these magnificent birds, keep your yard open and reduce pesticides that kill their food. Watching a bird of prey in action is a powerful reminder of nature’s beauty and strength.

13. Rats

Rats are a common sight in many residential areas, including large backyards. These small rodents are known for their sharp survival skills, allowing them to live close to humans.

Rats eat almost anything they can find, such as seeds, fruits, and even pet food. Although they might not be the most welcome guests, they play a role in the ecosystem by acting as food for predators like owls and snakes.

To keep rats from visiting too often, secure your trash bins and avoid leaving food outside. Spotting a rat might be surprising, but remember, they are just doing their best to survive like any other wildlife.

14. Mice

Mice are tiny, curious creatures that might sneak into your large backyard. They have small, round bodies with big ears and long, thin tails. Mice love to eat seeds and crumbs, making gardens and outdoor eating areas perfect spots for them.

They are mostly active at night, so you might not see them, but you can spot signs like tiny footprints or nibbled plants. Although they look cute, mice can be a bit of trouble by eating your plants and possibly getting into your house.

To keep mice away, keep your yard clean and store food in sealed containers. Remember, they’re just looking for food, like any wildlife in your backyard.

15. Feral Cats

Feral cats are wild cats that live outdoors without a home. Unlike pets, they are not used to people and can be part of the wildlife species in your big backyard. They hunt small animals like birds and mice for food.

If you see a feral cat, it’s best to watch it from a distance. They help control the mouse and rat population but can also scare away or hurt other small backyard creatures.

To help them stay healthy, some people choose to give them food and water. Remember, feral cats are survivors, and they play a unique role among the wildlife species in your area.

16. Beavers

Beavers are incredible builders, known for their skill at constructing dams and lodges in waterways. These large, brown animals have strong teeth they use to cut down trees and branches, which helps them build.

Beavers are mostly active at night. They create ponds by blocking streams with wood and mud, which can help other wildlife and plants but might also cause issues for people’s land.

If you have a beaver in your backyard, you’ll likely notice trees being chewed on or missing. While it’s amazing to watch them work from a distance, it’s good to keep an eye on the impact they have on your property.

17. Ground Squirrels

Ground squirrels are active rodents that you might find digging in your yard. They look a bit like their tree squirrel cousins but live on the ground.

These little animals eat seeds, nuts, and plants. They can dig long tunnels under the ground where they live and store their food.

Ground squirrels are usually out during the day, especially when it’s warm. They can cause problems by digging in gardens and lawns.

If you see mounds of dirt or holes, ground squirrels might be living nearby. While they can be a nuisance, they are also interesting to watch as they gather food and scamper around.

18. Scorpions

Scorpions are intriguing yet frightening creatures that might wander into your backyard, especially in warmer climates. These arachnids are known for their sharp stingers and tough exteriors.

Scorpions usually hunt insects at night, which can help with pest control, but their presence can be alarming. Most scorpions prefer to avoid people, but it’s important to be careful around them.

For scorpion control, keep your yard clean and remove any debris where they could hide. Seal your house well to prevent them from coming inside. If you see scorpions often or worry about their sting, you might want to call a professional to check your home and yard.

Make Your Large Backyard a Welcoming Haven for All

A large backyard is more than a place for fun and relaxation; it’s a lively community of wildlife. By learning about the animals that may visit, we can make our yards welcoming and safe for them and us.

This guide has shown you the beauty and diversity of creatures that can share your space. Enjoy the wonders of nature that a large backyard brings to your doorstep.

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