Visit a national wildlife refuge

Avoid pesticides

Herbicides and pesticides may keep yards looking nice, but they’re hazardous pollutants that affect wildlife at many levels. These chemicals can take a long time to degrade, building up in the soil or throughout the food chain. Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to chemical pollutants, and predators like hawks, owls and coyotes can be harmed if they eat poisoned animals. For alternatives to pesticides, visit http://www.beyondpesticides.org

Keep wildlife in the wild

Avoid attracting wild animals into your home by using garbage cans with locking lids, feeding pets indoors and locking pet doors at night. Disinfect bird baths often to avoid disease transmission. Place decals on windows to deter bird collisions.

Go native

Because native species compete with their non-native counterparts for resources and habitat, the spread of invasive species has greatly impacted native populations around the world. Plant locally native trees, shrubs and perennial plants. These plants provide food and shelter for birds and native wildlife, and they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. For a listing of plants native to Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, visit http://www.plantnative.org/rpl-nes.htm

Slow down!

One of the biggest obstacles to wildlife living in developed areas is roads. Roads divide habitat and present a constant hazard to animals attempting to cross them. When you’re out and about, slow down and keep an eye out for wildlife.

Shop smart for souvenirs

Never purchase products made from threatened or endangered species. Avoid supporting the market in illegal wildlife, including tortoise-shell, ivory and coral, among others. Be careful of products including fur from tigers, polar bears, sea otters and other endangered wildlife. Check out WWF's Buyer Beware Guide for a listing of items to avoid.

Do not disturb

Harassing, trapping or shooting threatened or endangered animals is illegal and can lead to their extinction. Don’t participate in these activities, and report sightings to your local state or federal wildlife enforcement office. You can find a list of state wildlife departments at http://www.fws.gov/offices/statelinks.html