When The Bite Is More Severe Than The Bark

Damage caused by a groundhog

Mike Merchant (Wildlife Resolutions) will be quick to tell you that many of these critters roaming Oxford and Lafayette County have teeth like a chainsaw if they get near you or a pet.

Many left unprovoked are typically neighborly unless they are hunting for food or are hurt or ill. Here’s a synopsis on six of these local residents according to Mike’s experiences.

A. Opossums....A major danger to pets, these animals carry bacteria that causes infections. Their defense is to play dead, however, they will fight. Their teeth are  extremely sharp.

B. Groundhogs….As the Coleman cooler found out, these guys are capable of chewing through anything, although in this instance the cooler prevailed.  Groundhogs are a growing menace in Oxford and can chew through
woodwork and decks, especially those they are living beneath. Basically they are vegetarians and they will challenge a pet.

C. Coyotes……Their teeth are designed for killing. The danger to pets is significant as these bad boys have a high incident rate of consuming dogs and cats for dinner. There is now a healthy population around town.

D. Beaver……..Because their teeth are constantly growing, they must file them down in order to maintain. They are notorious around lake areas and will attack a boat dock. They employ a 180 pound bite force per square inch. Mike shared a recent story wherein a man who was on a fishing trip tried to take a photo of one, got too close and the Beaver attacked his leg. The man did not survive the photo shoot. At age two, they are most aggressive.

E. Squirrels…..There may be more on campus than students, at least our dog Daphne thinks so. These critters destroy wires and are known to chew through woodwork to gain access to houses and buildings. They are capable of tremendous damage.

F. Raccoons…..These nocturnal creatures can often be seen between dawn and dusk and when you do, beware. They are known to carry distemper and rabies and possess an attack bite. They are especially dangerous when they lose the the fear of humans. Mike conveyed a situation where a lady was attacked by five of these after she had been feeding them on her porch.

If you’re experiencing damages or feel a threat from any of these characters, give Mike a call at 662-832-WILD. His response time is normally same day or up to two if he is already on the hunt. The teeth of these critters are best to observe in photographs rather than up close as neither you, nor your pets or property want to be on the receiving end
of one of their attacks!

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.