Animal

Benefits

Frequent Complaints

Changing water patterns – flooding, rerouting, creek drying up, etc.

Danger to children and pets.

Eating bird eggs, baby birds, baby mammals (squirrels and cottontails).

Traffic hazard.

Out in daytime.

Threat to pets or children.

Denning under decks, sheds, etc.

Seen in daytime

Getting into house through pet door

Roosting – fecal droppings

Disturbing garbage or bird feeders

Getting into house through pet door

They eat bird eggs and baby birds.

Eat bugs, insects.

Chewing on deck or mortar.

Taking over bird feeder.

Nest in vents, gutters, attics

Driving other crevice-dwelling birds out

Nesting in strange or awkward places

Destroying wood siding

Animals in chimney or fireplace

Spring (March/April) or late summer/early fall:
Most likely raccoons: raccoon babies twitter and may be confused for birds.

April/May:
Raccoons still possible,  but more likely sparrows.

July-August:
Chimney swifts!! Do not bother! Sometimes callers say they are louder than last year – there could be more than one nest. – See  Bird Page for more information.

Recommendation: Close damper if open. Wait it out. Raccoons leave in 8-10 weeks, chimney swifts or sparrows about 3 weeks. Babies cannot climb out on their own, so most measures taken (such as smoking out) will injure or kill babies. If persistent, call a licensed rehabilitator in your area

Animals in Attic

Spring (March/April) or late summer/early fall:
Most likely raccoons: raccoon babies twitter and may be confused for birds. Birds also possible.

February/March or late summer/early fall:
Possibly squirrels with babies. Other times: single squirrels.

Bats also live in attics year-round and most people may not know until there is an accumulation of urine or feces or a bat accidentally gets in the house. Bats should not be evicted from May-August when there are babies present! To evict at other times (but not during hibernation) the attic should be sealed off except for one entrance – when they leave for the evening, that entrance should be sealed. This is best done by an expert.

Recommendation: Need positive determination of what is there and whether there are babies.

If there is any possibility there is a nest, encourage caller to wait out the baby period. Raccoons leave in 8-10 weeks, birds in 3-4 weeks, squirrels in 6-8 weeks. Gray squirrels build 2-3 nests and will move babies if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. However, we try not to force that issue unless absolutely necessary because mothers may lose one or more babies in the process.

Grey squirrels can do significant chewing damage and damage wiring.

If extensive damage is resulting from the situation,  try some things at home first like putting out a bowl of ammonia, moth flakes or naphthalene in flakes, a bright light, or a loud radio with a talk station close to the nesting area. As soon as the animal and all babies leave, the  do a visual check with a flashlight to ensure that all babies are gone before sealing off the area.

If home remedies fail contact a licensed rehabilitator in your area.

Birds in dryer or stove vent

For more information on bird nests in unsafe or undesirable place see Bird Page

These are invariably starlings. Starlings are cavity nesters and can easily slip under a vent flap. They are great escape artists. Whenever possible, encourage the caller to wait it out until all the babies have left the nest, then clean out nest residue and screen over the vent. If babies have been or must be removed, also see instructions for renesting starlings using a milk jug (page Bird Rescue –11).

Birds striking windows or cars

Birds strike windows for one of two reasons (see page Bird Rescue –14). If the problem persists, the reflection must be broken through pulling curtains, covering with paper, etc. Other possible deterrents are strips of mylar tape, mylar balloons – anything that moves in the wind and will scare the bird away. If one thing doesn’t work, try something else until the behavior stops.

Animals loose in house

Opossums can be "swept" out of the house using a broom and guided toward the door. In general, open a door and allow animal to go out on own. Caller should definitely stay back. Ways to get additional animals out of the house are described in rescue sections. If in doubt refer to wildlife rehabilitator or animal control.

Raccoons are most likely entering through attic or a pet door and trying to get to food. Opossums will also use a pet door. Caller should close access for some time to prevent recurrence. Once animal has moved on they can try reopening it. If no pet door, should look for other points of access.

Animals eating fish in pond

Herons, snapping turtles, and raccoons are common culprits for eating fish in a back yard pond. There is little that can be done to deter. Some suggestions are:

• Stocking pond with inexpensive feeder fish (not expensive Koi)
• Putting a fine mesh netting over the top of the pond but being careful and watchful that there are no turtles or amphibians trapped or that birds aren’t getting beaks trapped in the netting. On the whole, netting is hazardous and should be used very carefully!
• Putting a large pipe or other "hiding place" in the bottom of the pond where fish can hide.
• Removing fish from pond until predator moves on.

Animals Nesting Under a Deck or Slab

Commonly, calls are received about skunks, foxes, or opossums nesting under a deck. They are usually only there during baby season and are not a threat to humans – they will keep their distance. If at all possible, allow them to stay until the babies are old enough and they will move on their own. If this is not an option  try ammonia-soaked rags or dog repellent near the entrance to the den (but not inside the den itself). When Mom and babies have moved on as confirmed by a visual inspection with a flashlight, repairs can be made that will seal off the entrance. Opossums carry their babies with them, so if the mother opossum leaves the den it is generally safe to seal it off after checking with a flashlight.

Dp not trap the animal. The babies will be left behind. Call a  licensed rehabilitator in your area.

Deer creating traffic hazard

This generally happens during the mating season (fall) when they are not exactly paying attention. There is little that can be done about this.

Also, deer normally tend to stay within a small area and cross at particular points – hence a "deer crossing" warning is a good idea.

Woodpecker Problems

Woodpecker drumming on corner of house:
This usually occurs during mating season when woodpecker is trying to impress prospective mates. It should pass in a couple of weeks. If intolerable, try tying mylar strips or balloons in that area to scare it away. Or reduce the resonance by using cloth, foam padding, plastic sheets, or anything else that makes drumming unsatisfactory.

Woodpecker pecking into wood siding:
Is it constructing a cavity?

If it is it has probably lost its nesting cavity (tree cut down) and has built itself a new cavity for protection from the elements. Shallow cavities can be filled in with caulking or wood filler; larger holes with wooden plugs or wadded window screen and then caulked. Never fill in with bird or eggs inside; or when weather is very cold. If weather is cold get a nest box designed for woodpeckers and hang it out, and then fill in the hole when weather warmer.

If it is not the siding may be infested with insects that the woodpecker is eating. You may need to call an exterminator and subsequently have siding repaired. During the extermination and for several days afterward it is a good idea to cover with plastic so birds will not be endangered – also distract with suet cakes in another part of yard.

Beavers in Neighborhood

Beavers cause tree damage (which can be prevented by wrapping trees in a heavy gauge wire) and general anxiety in a neighborhood. Generally, it is illegal to relocate them. Beavers actually do a lot of good by creating habitats that invite new species of birds, but owners who see the damage frequently aren’t willing to wait for the long term effects. Beaver calls may be referred to  licensed rehabilitator in your area

Squirrel Problems

Robbing bird feeders: Squirrels sometimes irritate bird lovers because of their persistence in robbing bird feeders. "Squirrel proof" bird feeders may be purchased but frequently don’t work after a while. Also some are designed with strong springs and have been known to trap and injure persistent squirrels.

One suggestion is to install a freestanding feeder on a metal pole at least six feet high, away from overhanging trees and shrubs. Attach a metal cone to the pole to prevent squirrels climbing up. Callers could also consider giving squirrels their own food source if they are persistent – although if it is just open it may attract crows or rats. Special squirrel feeders are sold which have lids only the squirrels can open.

Chewing on decks: Squirrels have rootless teeth that continually grow and need to be filed down. Caller should move all food sources away from deck and try putting out (in yard, again away from deck) soup bones, antlers, or bones sold for dogs.

Licking of mortar between bricks: Put out a salt lick (with minerals) from pet store.

Pigeons

If a concentration of pigeons is a problem, the caller must look carefully at eliminating food sources so they will move on.

Pigeons need a flat ledge for roosting and nesting – installing coils, wire, or a 45 to 60 degree wood or metal sheathing will discourage roosting.

Mice/ Rat Infestation

Pull all access to food; seal in sturdy metal containers. Put a catch tray under bird feeder so there will be no spillage on the ground.

Mice can get into a garage or house through a gap as little as ¼". Check doors for weather-stripping. If chewed through, wrap metal flashing around bottom edge of door. Caulk/fill in any cracks around foundation of house. Steel wool can be used to fill in larger holes

Mice can be caught by putting a deep pail with a food in the bottom, with a ramp up on the outside. They will be able to get into the pail but not out afterward.

Rats are difficult to eradicate. If they are seen in daytime, there are juveniles competing with adults for food. Try filling in holes in ground (after making sure they are not chipmunk holes) and eliminating food sources. Rats can be live-trapped and taken to the shelter, but they are smart and difficult to live trap. If they persist, professional help may be needed. Poison is not recommended because other animals may eat it.

Snakes

Very few snakes are dangerous. If a caller is bitten by a snake he/she should go to a doctor immediately. It is unlikely that the snake is venomous. If venom was injected, there will be a severely painful burning sensation at the bite site. Never attempt to cut the bite or apply a tourniquet.

If a snake is seen outdoors: do nothing and it will go on its way. If it stays around, it is because it has found a source of food – mice or rats or baby birds or eggs – and if the food sources disappear it will move on.

If a snake is seen indoors: use a long handled broom to "sweep" the snake into a large metal or plastic garbage can with a tight fitting lid. Carry the garbage can to the edge of your property or a nearby park. Do not move snakes more than a mile from where they were found. Never put your body within striking distance (about ½ the length of the snake’s body) and always keep children and pets away while you are trying to move the snake.

If you are unable to pick up the snake, put a trashcan or cardboard box over it, weighted down, until professional assistance arrives.