AUSTIN — In a recent conversation on Inside Austin Lynn Raridon, Director of the Bill Hicks Foundation for Wildlife, discussed the common misconceptions surrounding local wildlife and emphasized the importance of humane treatment and education over interference.
Raridon addressed the viral online content featuring wild animals that often misleads the public into thinking these animals make suitable pets. She noted that wild animals naturally fear humans and urged against keeping them as domestic pets.
"If you're talking about a wild animal, this is an animal that does not want to be your friend and is afraid of you," Raridon said. "Raccoons don't want to be your pets, squirrels don't, and opossums... when they really just need to provide this animal peace and quiet and sanctuary".
She explained that well-meaning individuals often take in young animals, such as raccoons, only to find them unmanageable as they grow into full-sized adults with claws and sharp teeth. Raridon cautioned that releasing home-raised animals back into the wild often leads to negative outcomes because they lack essential survival skills.
Addressing common home encounters, she strongly discouraged the use of traps and poisons, noting the severe suffering and environmental risks involved. Instead, Lynn suggested non-lethal exclusionary methods, such as placing a light or playing a radio in dark spaces like attics to encourage animals to relocate on their own.
"We always look to exclusionary techniques first," Raridon stated. "Trapping is absolutely a last ditch effort. Let's look at where they are and let's see if we can figure out how to get them to leave on their own".
Raridon also discussed how the foundation operates as a volunteer-driven organization, funding much of its rescue work out of pocket. She pointed to reliable educational and referral resources for the public, including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Humane World for Animals, and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.
To support wildlife conservation efforts, Raridon encouraged community members to volunteer at local animal shelters or donate to organizations like the Bill Hicks Foundation for Wildlife.
"At the end of the day, that animal deserves to be wild," Raridon said. "You're much better off going and adopting an animal that wants to be your friend from our overflowing pet shelters".
Inside Austin airs every Sunday at 6am
