Wildlife

If you have a problem with wildlife in your home or on your property (chimney, attic, under decks and sheds, etc.) state law dictates that these animals cannot be relocated. Therefore, you should not be setting traps for wild animals.

Reasons Wildlife Cannot Be Relocated

  • Capturing a wild animal and releasing it somewhere else may spread disease(s) into populations of animals (including pets) that did not have the disease(s) previously
  • Wild animals already live where you release your problem animal. Wherever you plan to release a problem animal, there are already resident animals with established territories competing among themselves for food and denning sites. When a new animal is introduced, competition for these limited resources is intensified, causing increased social stress and conflict within the resident population, as well as hardship or death for the introduced animal.
  • Relocated animals often return to where you caught them. Squirrels, raccoons and other wildlife can return from translocations of 5, 10 or even 15 miles. Such animals are more likely to be killed by automobiles or succumb to other accidents as they cross unfamiliar areas while attempting to return to their original territories.
  • Relocation only transfers your problem to someone else. In an unfamiliar territory, an animal accustomed to living near people is likely to seek out human habitations and damage someone else’s property.
  • Moving an animal does not solve the problem. Within a short period of time, other individuals of the same or another species will move in, unless food (garbage, pet food, grain) is removed, and access to gardens, chimneys or attics is blocked.

If we are unable to help you, we may recommend that you contact a problem animal control (PAC) agent or an exterminator. These agents are licensed to trap and remove problem animals. It is recommended you have your chimney capped and secure any openings where animals may be getting into your home, under your shed, etc.

If you have an issue involving sick, injured or possibly rabid animals on your property, we will assess the situation and take appropriate action, which may involve euthanizing the animal.

Maybe Babies, Not Rabies

Many people become concerned when they see wildlife out in the daytime. Several species are nocturnal but not exclusively, especially in the spring and/or early summer. Spring and early summer is the time of year when many animals are giving birth. The mothers will stay with the babies at night to protect them. For this reason they need to venture out during the daytime to get food to feed their young. Take notice of how the animal is behaving. A rabid animal will look disoriented, often going in circles – some people say they look like they are “drunk.” Please contact us if you are unsure about an animal’s behavior.

Please visit the following links for helpful information on wildlife: