Be careful pruning trees
Excerpted from PAWS Wildlife Center information

Many Washington wildlife species make their homes in our forests and individual trees, including those in our backyards.

Cavity-nesting owls, woodpeckers, native squirrels, bats and other species den in old or dead hollowed trees. A multitude of bird species' amazing nests grace thick limbs and tiny branches alike.

Now through September are the most active nesting months for Washington wildlife, when trees will be teeming with life. Pruning or cutting down trees during these months can displace, harm, or even kill a variety of wildlife species.

The Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) licensed wildlife rehabilitator in King County, receives hundreds of baby wild animals each year, many which are displaced when their nest tree is cut down or their nest site destroyed.

Before pruning or cutting down any tree, whether it's alive or dead, please consider the following:

• If possible, plan tree-cutting projects from November through January, well after nesting season.
• Thoroughly inspect the tree for active nests before beginning work.
• Consider cutting just the bare minimum of branches, leaving the nest section alone.
• Standing dead trees (snags) make great habitat for wildlife, often housing several different species. If the tree does not present a hazard, please consider leaving it standing.
• Many wildlife species are federally protected and the law prohibits destroying and/or disturbing their nests.

If a nest-bearing tree absolutely must be cut down, first call PAWS Wildlife Center at 425-787-2500 Ext. 817 for tips on the best course of action to ensure wild animals are not harmed.

See http://www.paws.org/wildlife/habitat/ for more information.