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- Louisiana Critter Corner
A monthly newsletter on nuisance animals. (PDF Format Only)
Raccoons are found throughout Louisiana in a variety of habitats, from pine and hardwood forests to coastal marshes. (February 2013)
The cedar waxwing is a sleek, crested, brown bird. Slightly smaller than a robin, at about 6½ to 8 inches long, it has a black mask, yellow tips on the tail feathers and hard, red wax-like tips on the secondary wing feathers. (July 2013)
Mediterranean geckos are one of seven lizard species in Louisiana. While they were made famous by the lizard-like character in the Geico insurance advertisements, the real-life Mediterranean gecko is far from a fan favorite among homeowners in our state. (June 2013)
Snakes are an important component of Louisiana’s natural heritage, but they unfortunately also are a source of much worry and fear among our residents. The good news is that most snakes found in Louisiana are harmless, and many are beneficial as predators of insects and rodents. They also are a necessary component of the food chain and serve a valuable role in our state’s balance of nature.
The species occurs widely throughout the United States and is found everywhere in Louisiana with the exception of extreme southeastern portions of the state. Striped skunks are omnivores, about the size of domestic cats with glossy black bodies and white paired stripes extending down the back. (March 2013)
The American beaver is the largest rodent native to North America. Its distinctive broad, flat tail and webbed hind feet are among several features that make it well suited for an aquatic environment. (January 2013)
There is undoubtedly no other animal that has developed such a love-hate relationship around our homes and gardens as that of tree squirrels. (December 2012)
Some animals only occasionally earn the dubious distinction of “nuisance wildlife” when their habits interfere with human activities. The Eastern mole fits this category almost any time it invades landscapes because of its burrowing activities while engaged in feeding and traveling. (November 2012)
When talking to hunters, landowners, farmers and land managers across Louisiana, there is probably no greater concern in the area of wildlife damage management than that of the seemingly unstoppable invasion of feral hogs across our state. (October 2012)
When deer numbers begin to exceed their carrying capacity or when certain crops are present, deer can become very problematic in their eating habits. These large herbivores will browse extensively on fruit trees, soybeans, corn, tomatoes and many other agricultural and garden crops. (September 2012)
The burrowing and rooting habits of armadillos often are the cause of the animal coming into disfavor with homeowners. Characteristic armadillo activity in a landscape consists of shallow holes that are 1 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 5 inches wide. (August 2012)