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About Tony

Tony, owner and operator of Chimney and Wildlife Specialists, has a big heart for rescuing wildlife and returning animals back to their natural habitat. When Tony is not climbing up a roof, he loves spending time with his beautiful family and their two dogs.

Why Santa Claus Would Have Trouble Entering a House Through The Chimney

At Chimney and Wildlife Specialists, we (obviously) spend quite a bit of time looking at chimneys. In fact, it’s pretty safe to say that we’re experts on the subject. So, with a great deal of confidence, we’d like to propose the following radical idea: contrary to popular belief, Santa Claus does not enter houses through their chimneys. […]

By |December 21st, 2017|Chimney|Comments Off on Why Santa Claus Would Have Trouble Entering a House Through The Chimney

What To Do If a Wild Animal Is In Your Yard

“There’s a Bobcat on the Porch!”

What would you do if you went outside to get some fresh air and saw a coyote cutting across your backyard? How would you react if you heard a ruckus near your garbage cans and found a bobcat rifling through your trash? Would you respond well to a bear trying to knock down your birdfeeder? […]

By |December 13th, 2017|Wildlife|Comments Off on What To Do If a Wild Animal Is In Your Yard

“Are Bats Really Blind?” More Questions and Answers About Unique Wildlife Behavior

A few months ago, we answered some common questions that people tend to have about wildlife behavior. Well, we had so much fun with that post that we’ve decided to do it again! Here are three more explanations for animal behavior and biology that often leave humans scratching their heads in confusion
or shaking their fists in annoyance: […]

By |December 5th, 2017|Wildlife|Comments Off on “Are Bats Really Blind?” More Questions and Answers About Unique Wildlife Behavior

Fireplace Cooking- good idea or bad idea?

If you’ve ever been camping, then chances are, you’ve cooked food on a campfire at least once. There’s just something about a hot dog or a marshmallow roasted over an open flame that seems rustic and fun! With cold weather fast approaching, most of us will be saying goodbye to camping and similar activities
but must we also say goodbye to campfire cooking, as well? […]

By |November 15th, 2017|Chimney|Comments Off on Fireplace Cooking- good idea or bad idea?

Veterans Day- Hero Animals of World War I and World War II

November 11th is Veteran’s Day, a holiday in which we should all take a moment to thank those who have risked their life in order to serve in the armed forces. At Chimney and Wildlife Specialists, we often find ourselves dealing with animals in our day-to-day operations. In light of this fact, we thought it would be appropriate to discuss a couple of non-human veterans in today’s post. Here are two stories about animals who served—and showed incredible valor—during the world wars: […]

By |November 8th, 2017|Creative|Comments Off on Veterans Day- Hero Animals of World War I and World War II

“Red and Yellow; Catch a Fellow” Venomous Snakes of North Texas

Here’s a fact that will make a lot of people uncomfortable: there are venomous snakes in North Texas. When we think about pest animals, we tend to picture woodland critters like skunks, opossums, mice, and rats. But it is entirely possible for a venomous snake to wander onto your property, too! […]

By |November 1st, 2017|Wildlife|Comments Off on “Red and Yellow; Catch a Fellow” Venomous Snakes of North Texas

Chimneys and Fireplaces in Fairy Tales

With October in full swing, Halloween will soon be upon us! This is the time of year when many people are in the mood to hear spooky stories, and if we’re being honest, chimneys can be a bit scary sometimes. But instead of discussing horror fiction, we’re going to head in a slightly different direction. Let’s talk about fairy tales: those fanciful, fun, and occasionally violent fables that have been entertaining—and disturbing—folks around the world since time immemorial. […]

By |October 25th, 2017|Chimney|Comments Off on Chimneys and Fireplaces in Fairy Tales

Smoke Damage and Water Spots: How to Clean Up Chimney-Related Mishaps in Your Home

Question: “How are chimneys like children?”
Answer: “Both words start with a ‘chuh’ sound. Oh, and they both can totally wreck your house if you don’t watch them carefully.”

Please forgive the bad joke; it is relevant to today’s post. Chimneys are surprisingly complex structures, and when properly maintained, they typically function smoothly and safely. But if things do go wrong, the end result can be smoke damage, water damage, or even bird damage to your home. These messes need not be permanent, but it is crucial to know what you’re doing before you attempt to clean them up! […]

By |October 18th, 2017|Chimney|Comments Off on Smoke Damage and Water Spots: How to Clean Up Chimney-Related Mishaps in Your Home

Preventing Forest Fires While Camping

As we leave summer behind us and head into autumn, more and more people are taking advantage of cooler weather by spending time outside. Temperatures in Texas are notoriously unpredictable, so folks who are interested in camping and hiking may want to take a trip sooner rather than later. But here’s something to keep in mind: […]

By |October 12th, 2017|Wildlife|Comments Off on Preventing Forest Fires While Camping

Salmonella 101

Salmonellosis, or Salmonella Poisoning if that first name wasn’t scary enough, is a type of illness brought on by exposure to certain strains of salmonella bacteria. Food, water, and other items tainted with salmonella usually look and smell normal, but if the destructive bacteria finds its way into your stomach and intestines, it can wreak total havoc on your digestion—and ruin your entire week. […]

By |October 11th, 2017|Wildlife|Comments Off on Salmonella 101