Animals Out the Back Door Archives - Page 2 of 4

Considering the Critters: Your Deck and Wildlife

March 14th, 2016|Animals Out the Back Door, Deck Design Tips & Trends, Outdoor Living|

At DeckTec, we care deeply about the environment, which is why we continue to be the leading crafter of natural wood outdoor projects. We know that you enjoy spending time on your deck or patio, but we also know that other creatures might, too! It’s spring time, and besides a blossoming business season for deck construction and service, that can mean baby animals. Most common visitors are birds and squirrels, who after having spent a long, hard winter collecting nest materials, are just about to give birth to a batch of (soon to be) bushy tailed babies or feathery fledglings. Wooden structures placed off a warm home, like decks or roofs, can seem to be the perfect lodgings for wild animals looking for a place to nest. While you’re getting your house ready for a change in the season, make sure it’s wildlife- proofed as well. Scheduling your deck service [...]

Mule Deer, Icons of the West in Decline?

October 18th, 2014|Animals Out the Back Door|

For many people, one of the great attractions to Colorado is our abundance and wide array of beautiful wildlife. Some of us with homes in the foothills have the added advantage of being able to watch that wildlife from the comfort of our backyard decks. And this time of year is a great time to get out the binoculars for a glimpse at the magnificent wild mule deer. What is a mule deer? There are two main species of deer in our region—the whitetail and the mule deer. Both animals weigh between 130 and 280 pounds, support large antlers or "racks," and are seen in abundance throughout the year. The whitetail tends to be found more on the eastern plains of our state, while the mule deer or "muley" is scattered throughout Colorado and the entire west. The big visual differences between the two species are in the tails and [...]

Keeping Cats Indoors

September 27th, 2014|Animals Out the Back Door|

Once, at a local veterinarian, I saw a cartoon that read, "When you call a dog, he comes right to you for a treat… But when you call a cat, he'll take a memo." You have to love these independent, self-content creatures that wander in and out of our lives and who allow us meager humans to service their needs. But should you keep your cat indoors for 100% of its life? Shouldn't Fluffy enjoy the exercise and fresh air of a life outdoors? Isn't it inhumane to curtail such independent tendencies and hunting instincts? This is a topic that sparks debate at any time, and at every cocktail party. We love our pets and want what's best for them, yet our neighbors don't necessarily appreciate our intentions nor the "presents" of dead birds, mice, or poo left in their yards. Beyond the impact on neighbors and friends, there are [...]

A Snake In The Grass May Not Be A Bad Thing

July 26th, 2014|Animals Out the Back Door, Blog, Garden & Lawn Care|

Even the words we use to describe one of nature's most misunderstood animals are enough to give you the creeps—slithery, slimy, sneaky, and poisonous—snakes! And summertime in Colorado is when you're likely to have a snake encounter. Eew! But wait a minute. Are snakes truly as bad as their reputation would have you believe? Recently, we talked with Victoria Sutton, Park Interpreter at the South Platte Park Carson Nature Center in Littleton, and learned more about the nature of snakes in our area. "I love snakes," said Victoria. Originally from Arizona, a state that boasts 14 species of these reptiles, Victoria learned early on that snakes are an important part of our ecosystem. "They're critical in the environment when it comes to things like population control for rodents and other small vermin. They not only hunt them, but they use their rattles to scare away rodents too." In Colorado we [...]

Give the Dog a Groom

June 14th, 2014|Animals Out the Back Door, Blog|

What kind of dog do you have? Is yours a Rin-Tin-Tin in the making or Tramp, the smelly pound runaway? After you pet your dog, can you grab a potato chip, or do you run to the sink to wash your hands? Maybe it's time for Poopsy to have a bath. With the warmer weather, a lot of dog owners will be thinking of taking Fido out to the back deck for an annual bathing event, but if you listen to the grooming expert of Littleton's Wag 'N Wash, your key watch phrase is, "Be Prepared." "Everything needs to be right with you," said Mike Gacek, manager of Wag 'N Wash, "because the last thing you want to do is tell your dog, 'wait here, I need to run to the store for more shampoo.' "Working with dogs is like working with a two-year old. You have that window of [...]