Coexisting with Wildlife - Keeping Pets from Disturbing Native Animals and Habitats

Coexisting with Wildlife: Keeping Pets from Disturbing Native Animals and Habitats

Australia’s wildlife is extraordinary. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. From the laughing kookaburras to the quirky echidnas, we’re blessed with an abundance of unique species. But let’s not sugarcoat it—our native animals are struggling. And while habitat destruction and climate change get most of the blame (rightfully so), there’s another major factor we often overlook: our pets.

Now, before you start clutching your fur babies like I’m accusing them of crimes against nature, hear me out. I’m not anti-pet (far from it—I’m obsessed with animals). But we do need to face some hard truths about the impact our pets can have on native wildlife. Trust me, I’ve seen it firsthand. Injured possums ripped apart, turtles “played with” in rivers, blue tongue lizards with puncture wounds so deep their organs are exposed—and snakes killed outright by dogs trained to attack. It’s heartbreaking, unnecessary, and completely avoidable.

But here’s the good news: we can fix this. With a few thoughtful changes, we can keep our pets safe, happy, and healthy without them becoming a threat to the wildlife we share this land with. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to make that happen.

Why It Matters

Let’s talk numbers, because they’re eye-opening. Cats in Australia kill over 2 billion animals each year. That’s birds, reptiles, small mammals—you name it. Even well-fed domestic cats with loving homes can’t help but indulge their instincts when they’re allowed to roam freely. And dogs? While they might not rack up the same kill count, they’re responsible for countless injuries and disruptions, especially in sensitive areas like bushlands or creeks.

Blue tongue lizards are a prime example. Often mistaken for snakes, they’re commonly attacked by dogs who are either untrained or left unsupervised. The injuries I’ve seen over the years as a wildlife carer are harrowing—puncture wounds so severe that lungs or intestines are left hanging out of the body. One blue tongue in particular sticks in my mind, and not in a good way. It was found with its lung protruding through a gaping wound from a dog attack. This isn’t rare—it’s common. And it’s completely preventable with responsible pet ownership.

Then there’s the issue of snakes. Too many people think a “good dog” is one that instinctively kills snakes. Let me tell you why this is wrong. Snakes are wildlife too, and they’re a crucial part of the ecosystem. They help control rodent populations, keeping everything in balance. Killing snakes doesn’t make your backyard safer—it throws nature out of whack. Plus, it puts your dog in serious danger. A dog that’s encouraged to attack snakes is far more likely to get bitten and suffer life-threatening injuries. Coexistence is the answer, not carnage.

Practical Tips for Coexistence

Cats: Balancing Freedom and Safety

I have a twelve-month-old rescue cat, and like most cats, he has a wild side. But here’s the deal—letting him roam freely outside isn’t an option. Instead, I leash-trained him. Yep, you read that right. Every day, weather permitting, he gets supervised outdoor time, where he can sniff, roll, and explore to his heart’s content—safely.

All animals, including our indoor cats, need to ground themselves. Being kept indoors 24/7 for their entire lives can cause emotional, physical, and mental stress. If leash training isn’t for you, there are other ways to bring the outside in. Try adding cat grass to your home, setting up a dirt bath (those plastic kiddie clam shells work brilliantly), or creating a “catio.” These little touches allow your cat to connect with nature without threatening wildlife.

And don’t forget the power of play!

• Interactive Toys Are Your Friend
  Toys that mimic hunting (feather wands, laser pointers, or even a cardboard box) keep their instincts busy indoors. It’s all about balance—your cat stays stimulated, and the birds outside stay alive.
• Double Down on Bells
  A bell on your cat’s collar is a great start, but clever cats can figure out how to stalk prey without triggering the sound. Adding a second bell (or even using different types) increases the chance that wildlife will get an early warning.

Dogs: Stop the Chase

Here’s where I get personal. As a wildlife carer, I’ve seen the devastation caused by dogs left to their own devices. Possums with shredded tails, blue tongue lizards with punctured lungs, turtles dragged from rivers like chew toys—it’s gut-wrenching and entirely preventable.

• Redirect the Instinct
  Dogs love to chase—it’s in their nature. But chasing isn’t just playful; it’s dangerous for wildlife. Proper training to control this instinct, especially in sensitive areas, is critical. If your dog tends to bolt after moving creatures, don’t brush it off—address it.
• Keep Them Close
  Even the most well-behaved dogs can cause unintended harm when left to roam in areas where wildlife is active. Keep them close to you, especially near bushland, creeks, or parks, where animals are trying to survive and thrive. A simple leash or enclosed yard can be the difference between life and death for local wildlife.

General Tips: Small Changes, Big Results

• Supervise at Dawn and Dusk
  Wildlife is most active during these times, so it’s best to keep pets indoors. If you do let them out, watch them closely.
• Create a Wildlife Haven
  Transform your backyard into a refuge for native animals. Plant native trees, set up water sources, and make sure your backyard is a refuge—not a hunting ground. Keep these areas fenced off from your pets, so everyone stays safe.

A Shoutout to Habitat for the Future

David and his team at Habitat for the Future are doing incredible work to protect wildlife, restore ecosystems, and combat climate change. Through hands-on initiatives, education, and community engagement, they’re creating spaces where nature can thrive. From restoring habitats to planting native trees, their efforts are a beacon of hope for Australian wildlife.

Want to help out? Visit their website: Habitat for the Future. Every donation, volunteer hour, or share makes a difference.

National Parks: Rules Exist for a Reason

National parks aren’t just pretty places for a stroll—they’re critical habitats for vulnerable species. Rules banning pets aren’t there to inconvenience you; they exist to protect wildlife. Yet, some people think they’re the exception. You know the type—the ones who say, “There’s no one around” or “It’s such a nice trail.” Sorry, but those excuses don’t cut it. Wildlife doesn’t take the day off just because you don’t see it.

Ignoring these rules isn’t just selfish—it’s destructive. Respect the laws and keep pets out of national parks, full stop.

Conclusion: Be the Solution

Here’s the bottom line: being a responsible pet owner means looking beyond your own backyard. It means thinking about the impact your pets have on the world around them and taking steps to minimize it. It’s not hard. It’s just about caring enough to do better.

Start today. Leash your dog, build a catio, and plant a wildlife-friendly garden. Small actions add up to big changes. Australia’s wildlife is counting on us—and frankly, we owe it to them.

Author: Majella Gee

Images: Main photo - Australian Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Other images: The Kill; A Dog on the Chase; and walking responsibly - Matt and Rocky. 

 

#ResponsiblePetOwnership #CoexistingWithWildlife #HabitatRestoration #AustraliaWildlife #ProtectNativeWildlife #WildlifeConservation