Key Points
Some backyard animals may seem scary, but they play a vital role in keeping your garden healthy.
Animals like bats, snakes, and toads help control pests that can damage your plants and soil.
Creatures such as vultures and opossums clean up waste and improve the balance of your garden’s ecosystem.
Looks can be deceiving, and that’s especially true when it comes to certain backyard animals. Creatures like snakes, vultures, and opossums might not look particularly friendly—and they’re definitely not warm and cuddly—but they can be a gardener’s best friend. Each animal serves as an important part of the ecosystem, whether that’s cleaning up dead animals or preying on common garden pests. Ahead, wildlife experts share which animals may seem frightening but add a healthy balance to your garden.
Meet the Expert
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Bats
Although they may seem intimidating and mysterious, bats are wonderful additions to a garden. “A single bat can consume hundreds of insects in just one night, including moths, beetles, and other species whose larvae can do real damage to plants,” says Peter Gros, veteran wildlife expert and co-host at Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild. “When you have bats in the area, they help keep pest insect populations in balance.” So, while they may fly under the radar (quite literally), bats are one of the most valuable partners your garden could have and are a sign that your backyard ecosystem is hard at work.
Vultures
While they likely won’t win any beauty contests, vultures play a significant role in the environment. “They are nature’s cleanup crew,” says Gros. By feeding on carcasses, they play an important role in preventing the spread of disease and help protect wildlife, pets, and the environment around your home. That said, if you see a vulture in your yard, it’s best to keep small pets inside until it’s gone.
Opossums
They may look like giant rats, and their grimace can be off-putting to some, but having opossums in your yard has an array of surprising benefits. “They move through an area almost like a nighttime maintenance crew, feeding on insects, fallen fruit, organic waste, and even carrion,” says Gros. As they dig for garden pests, opossums simultaneously help aerate the soil, improving drainage for plants. Plus, these animals are generally non-aggressive, not known to carry disease, and tend to keep to themselves, Gros adds.
Snakes
Don’t panic the next time you see a snake in your garden. “They are effective, all-natural pest control,” says Melissa Amarello, executive director at Advocates for Snake Preservation. “As strict carnivores, snakes won’t raid your garden, but they will eat the critters that do.” Snakes, such as garter snakes and thread snakes, eat snails, ant larvae, and other invertebrates, while gopher snakes, rat snakes, and other larger snakes are excellent mousers and will even take packrats, Amarello says. Plus, a vast majority of snakes you encounter are not venomous and prefer to avoid human interaction altogether, Gros adds.
Toads
Toads are among the most helpful garden allies. Toads help control snails, slugs, caterpillars, and other invertebrates—pests that have the potential to harm your garden plants, says Amarello. Gros agrees, adding: “Toads tend to be most active at night, quietly doing their work when the garden is at rest.”
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