Have you ever thought about abandoning the city or suburb you know so well to connect with nature? You’re not alone. According to the latest census data, 60 million people in the US are living the rural life.

Well, rural living comes with rural wildlife, and that’s not a downside if you know what you’re doing. Let’s talk about the challenges of rural living and how to keep your property safe!

What Is Rural Living?

Rural living is coexisting with nature, away from the city, in a more naturalized location.

Most people who choose to live rurally do so because they love being in nature. If that’s the case, treat nature fairly and it will do the same for you. You are on the animals’ land, not the other way around. 

If you love wildlife, then you need to allow them to be what they are; wild. Coexisting does not mean domesticating.

That means you should not intentionally feed wildlife, no matter how cute they are, as this will eventually attract predators to your property. A birdfeeder is fine, as long as it’s high enough to prevent bears and away from your glass doors.

Protect What Needs Protecting

Land investments can cost a lot of money, and you’ll likely put even more into your property for homesteading or gardening. 

If you have egg-layers, small children, or small, outdoor pets, then they need protection. However, they need the right kind of protection.

Safe, preventative measures are always better for everybody. Proper fencing, food storage, livestock security, and more are critical for everybody’s safety.

If you are worried about wildlife eating your garden, then put up some fencing and be diligent to seal the cracks. Rabbits, groundhogs, and more can get through smaller holes than you think. A layer of cement below the fence will cost a little extra, but it will prevent any creatures from burrowing underneath, protecting your hard work. Deer love plants that we consider to be great for lawns, such as Hostas, Daylilies, and English Ivy. Try netting the plants you wish to keep away from deer or planting deer-resistant plants like fountain grasses, Marigolds, Snapdragons, Sweet Williams, or Moonflower.

Also, keep pet food inside, regardless of your pets’ outdoor status. Bears, coyotes, foxes, and other predators love pet food, and will gladly come by and check it out.

Picking food before it’s overripe is also a good idea. Leaving fruit on the trees past ripening will alert bears from miles away, so pick things on time and don’t leave them to rot on the ground.

Educate Your Family

Living rural life means that you and your family will take hiking or biking trails for your recreation, walk on the open road, or hang out by a body of water. Well, this is predator territory.

In the event that your children, spouse, or other family members encounter a dangerous animal, strong muscles won’t do too much, but knowledge will.

Make sure that everybody knows what to do upon an encounter with each animal. That means not running away, trying to pick a fight, or approaching their young.

Stay Safe

Now that you know how to stay safe while rural living, put these tips to good use and learn to coexist with the beautiful nature around you.

Staying safe also means protecting your investment. If you’re ready to start living the country life, contact one of our Land Professionals!