Episode 5 of Series 4: Wildlife Encounters
In Episode 29, Your Wild Neighbors, we delve into the fascinating world of backyard wildlife encounters with Alyssa Ellison, the Chief of Louisa County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Division.
This episode uncovers a plethora of experiences and insights from Alyssa’s long career in animal care, offering a blend of amusing anecdotes and educational tidbits about living harmoniously with wildlife.
Working with Wildlife
Alyssa describes her current role managing the Animal Control Division, emphasizing the blend of law enforcement and public education. She highlights the importance of educating the public for the welfare of both domestic pets and wildlife, aiming to help pet owners remain compliant with laws and keep wildlife safe.
Encounters with Virginia Wildlife
The conversation transitions to the types of wildlife found in Virginia. Alyssa mentions common species like bears, snakes, and possums, each playing vital roles in the ecosystem. With possums being her favorite, Alyssa shares interesting facts about them, such as their role in cleaning up carrion and controlling tick populations, and their unique traits like having a low body temperature that makes rabies rare among them.
The Dynamics of Fear and Misunderstanding
Alyssa discusses the human-wildlife interaction dynamics, particularly the fear and misconceptions surrounding venomous snakes like copperheads. She emphasizes the need for education and understanding of these creatures instead of mere culling, pointing out that they are crucial for ecological balance and typically pose little threat if left undisturbed.
Personal Memories and Funny Anecdotes
Marika shares a personal anecdote about growing up thinking her basement was infested with snakes due to her parents’ warnings. This leads to a broader discussion about people’s often humorous and bizarre interactions with wildlife. Alyssa recounts resolving repeated cases of squirrels being drunk from fermented pumpkin, which was an amusing discovery for everyone involved.
Unusual Wildlife Encounters
The episode then focuses on unusual wildlife incidents. Alyssa talks about a rare case of a bear attacking livestock, which required intervention from the Game and Inland Fisheries department. She also discusses experiences with non-native species released into the wild, such as red-eared sliders and exotic pets like monkeys, highlighting the challenges they pose.
Advice on Living with Wildlife
A wide array of advice is provided for coexisting with wildlife. From bringing bird feeders inside in bear-prone areas to understanding the dangers of glue traps, Alyssa’s insights are practical and informative. The discussion includes humane ways to deal with common wildlife intrusions in homes, such as raccoons and bats, stressing the necessity of professional removal services to ensure safe and humane wildlife management.
Formative Experiences and Passion for Animal Advocacy
Alyssa shares her formative childhood experiences that led her to a career in animal advocacy. From rescuing a baby skunk to feeding a mouse caught in a glue trap, her stories illustrate a lifelong dedication to animal welfare. Her bond with her cat, who obeyed her request to give birth on her birthday, further underscores her deep connection with animals.
Key Takeaways
To wrap up the conversation, Alyssa gifts a book recommendation—“The Pit Bull Placebo”—which she believes offers a nuanced understanding of not judging animals based on their appearance, particularly pit bulls. Her closing thoughts reflect her belief in the importance of compassion, respect, and responsible care for all animals, whether wild or domesticated.
Conclusion
Marika and Alyssa’s engaging discussion not only entertains but educates listeners on fostering better relationships with their wildlife neighbors. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in animal care, wildlife management, and understanding the critical balance between human and animal cohabitation.
Guest Bio: Alyssa Ellison became chief of the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office’s animal control unit in 2019. She works closely with veterinarians and fellow law enforcement on everything from high-profile animal seizures to lost pets. -The Central Virginian. She has also worked in Washington DC as a Shelter Manager and an Animal Control Officer for The Washington Humane Society.
(This blog post was written with the help of AI and edited for content and accuracy by Marika Bell)
Comentários