How to Safely Handle Unexpected Wildlife Encounters at Home and Outdoors

Encountering wildlife can be both exhilarating and challenging, especially when it happens unexpectedly in human habitats. By gaining insight into the behaviors, tendencies, and habitat preferences of various wildlife species, individuals can better prepare for and respond to encounters, minimizing risks and potential conflicts.

Species You Might Encounter Unexpectedly

• If a bat is discovered inside a house, remain calm and avoid direct contact with the animal. Attempting to capture or handle a bat can increase the risk of bites or scratches, potentially leading to exposure to rabies or other diseases. Instead, it's advisable to close off the room or area where the bat is located to prevent it from moving to other parts of the house. Provide an avenue for the animal to escape by opening windows and doors leading to the outdoors. Turn off bright lights and minimize noise to encourage it to leave on its own. If the bat does not leave on its own or if there are concerns about potential exposure to rabies, contact wildlife experts for assistance. Outdoor encounters are relatively uncommon unless individuals intentionally seek out habitats or participate in activities such as bat watching or bat conservation efforts. When encountering bats outdoors, it's important to respect their space and avoid disturbing roosting sites to minimize stress and disruption to bat populations.

• Encountering a raccoon indoors can be troublesome due to their size, agility, and potential for causing damage. In urban and suburban areas, raccoons may enter homes in search of food, shelter, or a suitable denning site, particularly during the breeding season. They may become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Maintain a good distance and refrain from attempting to handle or corner the animal. Provide an exit route by opening doors and windows. They are smart and want to get out as quickly as they can. When encountered in an outdoor settings, raccoons exhibit diverse behaviors, including foraging for fruits, vegetables, insects, and small mammals, as well as scavenging from garbage bins and compost piles. They seek shelter in den sites such as hollow trees, burrows, and human-made structures, primarily active during the night to avoid predators and disturbances. To minimize conflicts, responsible waste management and avoiding direct interaction are essential practices for coexisting with these resourceful opportunists.

• To avoid snake encounters in outdoor settings, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking in natural areas with dense vegetation or rocky terrain. When hiking or exploring outdoor areas, watch where you step and avoid placing hands or feet in areas where snakes may be hiding. Snakes are more active during warmer months, so exercise extra caution when spending time outdoors in spring and summer. If a snake shows up indoors, it's essential keep away from it and discourage others from approaching it. Most snakes prefer to avoid confrontation and can retreat if given space. If possible, confine the snake to a single room by closing doors and blocking any potential escape routes. This helps prevent the snake from moving to other areas of the house. Attempting to handle or capture the snake without proper knowledge and equipment can result in injury to both the individual and the snake. Contact Veteran’s Pride Wildlife Control for removal.

• To reduce your chances of  having a skunk encounter outdoors and mitigate the risk of being sprayed, individuals can take proactive measures to deter skunks from their property. They are attracted to garbage bins and compost piles in search of food scraps. Use tightly sealed lids and secure bins to prevent access. When threatened, skunks often raise their tail, stamp their feet, and emit warning signs before resorting to spraying a noxious scent from glands located near their tail base. It is always wise to heed their warnings. If a skunk finds its way inside a building, keep noise levels low and avoid sudden movements to prevent alarming it. Make sure it has access to the outside with no obstacles obstructing its path. If the skunk refuses to leave or poses a threat to human safety, it’s time to contact the professionals. 

• Squirrells' nimble agility allows them to navigate complex landscapes with ease, effortlessly scaling trees and leaping between branches. They can find their way into a house with relative ease. In response to encounters indoors, it's essential to approach the situation with caution and care. While dealing with a squirrels' entry to your home, avoid startling or agitating the squirrel, as it may become stressed or defensive, they can be very aggressive. Keep noise levels low and move slowly and calmly to prevent further agitation. As with most wildlife, provide an exit opportunity. If the squirrel refuses to leave or poses a persistent nuisance, consider using humane deterrents such as bright lights or loud noises to encourage its departure. 

Discovering wildlife on your property can be unnerving, and there are several telltale signs that you might be dealing with unwelcome visitors. Recognizing some of the signs that any kind of problem wildlife creatures are invading your property is vital to knowing how to handle the issue. One common indicator is the presence of droppings or tracks around your yard or home, which can help identify the type of animal encroaching on your space. If you notice small holes or burrows in the ground, particularly near building foundations or among garden vegetation, this is often a sign of rodents or small mammals seeking shelter or food. Noises in your attic or walls, especially at night, such as scratching, rustling, or thumping, are strong indicators that animals may have found a way inside. Structural damage, including chewed wiring, gnawed wood, or torn insulation, can also signify an infestation, posing significant risks to home safety and structural integrity. Unusual pet behavior can also be a clue; pets often become agitated or alert in the presence of invasive wildlife due to their heightened senses. Lastly, overturned garbage bins or disturbed compost heaps can suggest the presence of larger animals, like raccoons or bears, looking for food. If you observe any of these signs, it's advisable to promptly assess the situation to prevent further damage or risk to your property and health.

At Veterans Pride Wildlife Control, we understand the importance of peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing responsible and humane wildlife removal services. Contact Veterans Pride Wildlife Control today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards restoring harmony between you and the wildlife in your surroundings.