Burning is still prohibited in most of El Dorado County, and there may be some time to go before it is allowed as a way to dispose of the summer's accumulated forest and lawn debris.

Sierra Wildlife Rescue would like to remind home and business owners that, even though this time of year is not thought of as the "nesting" season, cleaning up property during fall and winter, even without burning, can still pose a threat to wild neighbors.

In late October, a Sierra Wildlife squirrel rehabber was brought five tiny, baby Douglas squirrels (aka "chickarees"), just two to three weeks old. They were rescued by a Department of Forestry employee when tree-trimming inadvertently felled a branch with their nest, also killing their mother. It is a good reminder that some animal species are still giving birth into the fall. Many species also keep their older young with them in nests and dens throughout fall and winter, and others even well into their second year.

Because of increasing loss of natural habitat, these wild homes are often located in and around human habitation, including planted trees, lawns, shrubbery and brush piles, and under woodpiles, roofs and decks. Even if the young have departed, adult animals need homes for the winter.

It's possible to clean up property in a way that will avoid harming wildlife. Carefully check for bird or squirrel nests on branches and in tree hollows, or ensure that workers do so, before trimming trees or pruning shrubbery. Check under roof and deck structures, fallen trees, logs, woodpiles and outbuildings and in culverts for dens or nests to ensure they are deserted before they are cleaned out.

Brush piles make extremely nice habitat for many small mammals and birds, and are safe if property is cleared around them, so it will benefit wildlife not to disturb them. If needing to remove a brush pile, move small portions to an adjacent site and check them over before chipping or cutting them into smaller pieces (or burning, when allowed), to avoid harming any small animals or birds nesting there.

These simple efforts can save home and business owners a great deal of heartache from inadvertently killing or injuring a wild mammal or bird. For more information, call (530) 621-2650 or visit www.sierrawildliferescue.com. If you find an orphaned or injured wild animal, call (530) 621-4661 for immediate assistance.