Wild animals can be fascinating to watch, but living near them can also have some benefits. Here are some benefits of living beside a forest that has wild animals, as well as the risks and what you must do to protect yourself and your property.
Some Benefits of Living Near a Forest
1. Forests are home to a variety of plant and animal species, providing opportunities to see wildlife up close. This can be a great opportunity to watch and learn about the animals, and maybe even take some pictures.
2. Another benefit is that it can help you feel more connected to nature. Even if you don’t go into the forest, just being able to see and hear the animals can help you feel more in touch with the natural world.
3. Forests are excellent places for children to explore and learn about nature firsthand.
4. Living near a forest can improve your physical health by providing opportunities for exercise, fresh air, and nature exposure.
5. A natural environment provides a sense of calm that is often lacking in urban areas.
6. Forest environments are known to have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress levels and improving moods.
7. Forest living can increase creativity and problem-solving skills.
8. Exposure to forests can boost attention span and concentration abilities.
9. Living near a forest can help reduce allergies and asthma symptoms because trees act as natural filters, cleaning the air you breathe.
10. The presence of trees helps to cool the surrounding air, which can save on energy costs during hot summer months.
Some Risks of Living Near a Forest
1. There is a risk of encountering wildlife on your property. You may find yourself with a raccoon in your trash can or a deer in your garden.
2. You can be attacked, scratched, or bitten by wild animals.
2. There is also the risk of encountering ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. You can also get other diseases from wildlife such as rabies, West Nile virus, and hantavirus.
4. Forests can be a fire hazard. There is the risk of wildfires spreading to your property from the forest.
5. There is the risk of losing power if there is a major storm. Living near a forest can increase the risk of downed power lines during a storm.
6. Wild animals can sometimes damage homes or other structures, so it’s important to be prepared for this possibility.
10. There is a risk of losing access to your property due to wild animal encroachment.
11. Forests are often damp, and there is a risk of developing black mold in your home if proper precautions are not taken.
12. There is a risk of being struck by lightning if you are near tall trees during a storm.
13. There is a risk of being injured while hiking or camping in the forest.
14. Forest environments can be noisy, with the sounds of leaves rustling in the wind and animals moving about. This can be disruptive if you are trying to sleep or want some peace and quiet.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Property
1. Make sure your home is properly secured against wild animals getting in. This may include installing fences and chimney caps, and animal proofing your garbage cans. Install motion-sensor lights around your home to deter animals from entering.
2. Keep all food indoors and properly stored so that animals can’t get to it.
3. Be aware of your surroundings when you are outdoors, and make noise if you are walking in the forest so that animals are aware of your presence.
4. Do not approach or try to feed wild animals.
5. If you encounter an animal on your property, make loud noises or spray it with water from a hose to scare it away. If the animal is dangerous, contact your local wildlife officials for assistance.
6. Keep your yard clean and free of debris so that animals don’t have any reason to come onto your property.
7. Be sure to trim trees and shrubs around your home so that animals can’t use them as a way to get onto your roof or into your attic.
8. Keep an eye on children and pets when they are outside, and make sure they are not left unattended in areas where wild animals may be present.
9. Vaccinate your pets against rabies and other diseases carried by wild animals.
10. If you are camping or hiking in the forest, be sure to follow all safety guidelines and regulations.
11. Be aware of fire danger in the area and take precautions to prevent wildfires from starting on your property or spreading. Have a well-maintained fire extinguisher and keep your yard clear of flammable materials.
12. Keep an emergency kit stocked with food, water, and supplies in case you lose power or have to evacuate due to a wildfire.
13. Make sure your home insurance policy covers damage caused by wildlife so that you are prepared in case of an incident.
Overall, living near a forest with wild animals can provide many benefits to people, but it’s important to be aware of the risks as well. By being aware of the animals in your area and taking some simple precautions, you can protect yourself and your property while still enjoying the benefits of living near these fascinating creatures.
