Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 9/12/2009

Question
I know animals are displaced all the time due to deforestation and the construction of shopping centers, houses, etc., but I would like more information on the subject.

This summer in my town, fields were cleared to make way for some construction and improvements. Around the same time, I have frequently seen deer in my backyard, as many as six at a time. I have also seen a fox a couple times. A few days ago, one of my rabbits was killed by a predator, which I suspect was the fox.

Wildlife has always been a plenty in  my subrban area, but never to the point it was a problem. When development causes the death and starvation of wild and domestic animals, and inconveniences residential areas, what are the options? Forgive my ignorance, but aren't there any laws to prevent this sort of thing from happening?

Answer
You will need to do some research on land use and development. Remember, farming displaces animals too. Government websites are where you will need to begin. I would suggest federal government and start there, probably in the dept. of Interior then work down to states.