Animals of all types love to take up residence in your chimney.
There are many good reasons NOT to let this happen in your chimney.
For the obvious, animals and their nests can block your chimney, forcing
dangerous fumes into your home. Animal nesting is also a prime fuel for a
chimney fire. Even if you are not using your chimney there are many good reasons
to keep animals out. Animal droppings can be a serious health hazard and should
not be allowed to accumulate in your chimney.
Besides birds (chimney swifts), squirrels
and raccoons also love to live in chimneys and bring with them the threat of rabies.
You really don't want a rabid raccoon in your chimney! And finally, some animals
are protected by federal law and cannot be disturbed or removed once they set up
housekeeping in your chimney. (You have to wait for them to leave on their own)
The best protection against animals in your chimney is a good quality
chimney cap.
You
really should get one today.