How to Handle Wildlife Emergencies Before Professional Help Arrives

Wildlife emergencies can be unsettling, especially when you find yourself face-to-face with an unexpected animal in or around your home. At Covenant Wildlife, we understand how stressful these situations can be. While professional help is always the safest and most effective solution, there are immediate steps you can take to protect yourself, your property, and the animal involved.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to handle wildlife emergencies before professional help arrives. By staying calm, prepared, and informed, you can minimize risks and create a safer environment for everyone involved.

Understanding Wildlife Emergencies

A wildlife emergency can take many forms, such as:

• An animal trapped in your attic, chimney, or walls.
• A bird flying inside your home.
• A snake found in your yard or house.
• A raccoon, squirrel, or opossum creating a nest in your home.
• A bat colony taking over your property.
• Injured, sick, or orphaned animals in your vicinity.

Wild animals often act out of fear when cornered, which can make them unpredictable and potentially dangerous. They may scratch, bite, or spread diseases such as rabies or histoplasmosis. Knowing how to respond appropriately is crucial.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

When you encounter a wildlife emergency, your first step should be to assess the situation.

1. Stay Calm
   Panic can escalate the situation, because it increases the likelihood of injury or property damage. Take a deep breath and maintain a calm demeanor.
2. Observe from a Safe Distance
   Do not approach the animal. Instead, observe it from a safe distance to identify the species, behavior, and condition (injured, aggressive, or passive).
3. Determine the Risk Level
   Ask yourself:

• Is the animal inside your home or outdoors?
• Is it showing signs of aggression or illness?
• Are people, pets, or the animal itself in immediate danger?

This assessment will help you decide on the best course of action.

Step 2: Protect Yourself and Others

Your safety and the safety of your family or pets should always come first.

1. Keep Children and Pets Away
   Children and pets are often curious about wildlife, but they’re also more vulnerable. Secure them in a separate room or area away from the animal.
2. Avoid Direct Contact
   Never attempt to touch or handle a wild animal, even if it seems harmless or injured. Wild animals can carry diseases, and even small creatures can cause harm if they feel threatened.
3. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   If you must approach the area where the animal is located, wear gloves, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes to reduce the risk of scratches or bites.

Step 3: Contain the Animal (If Safe to Do So)

If the animal is in a confined space like a room, you can take steps to contain it until professional help arrives.

1. Close Off Access Points
   Close doors or windows to prevent the animal from moving into other areas of your home.
2. Create an Exit Path
   For animals like birds or bats, open a window or door leading outdoors and allow them to escape on their own.
3. Block Dangerous Areas
   If the animal is near hazardous areas, such as stairs or sharp objects, use barriers like furniture or boxes to guide it away.

Step 4: Avoid Provoking the Animal

Provoking or startling a wild animal can lead to defensive behavior.

1. Minimize Noise and Movement
   Turn off loud appliances, lower your voice, and move slowly.
2. Do Not Attempt to Trap or Chase the Animal
   Using makeshift tools to trap or corner the animal can increase stress and danger for both you and the animal.
3. Give the Animal Space
   If the animal feels trapped, it may act aggressively. Allow it to remain where it is until professionals can intervene.

Step 5: Handle Specific Wildlife Situations

Birds Indoors

• Close all doors to other rooms.
• Turn off lights and ceiling fans.
• Open windows or doors leading outside to encourage the bird to leave.

Snakes

• Identify if the snake is venomous. If you’re unsure, treat it as venomous and stay away.
• Do not attempt to kill the snake, because this can increase the risk of being bitten.
• Seal the room by closing doors and placing a towel under them.

Bats

• Do not swat at or chase bats.
• Close interior doors and open windows leading outside.
• If a bat lands, cover it with a container and wait for professionals to remove it.

Raccoons, Squirrels, or Opossums

• Do not corner or provoke them.
• Close doors leading to other areas of your home.
• Place barriers to prevent access to sensitive areas, such as kitchens or bedrooms.

Injured Animals

• Avoid handling the animal because injuries can make it more unpredictable.
• Place a box or container nearby to shield the animal from further harm, but do not force it inside.

Step 6: Contact a Wildlife Professional

Once the immediate situation is under control, contact Covenant Wildlife or another licensed wildlife professional to resolve the issue safely and humanely.

1. Provide Detailed Information
   When calling, describe the type of animal, its location, and any observed behavior. This helps the professionals prepare for the situation.
2. Follow Their Instructions
   Wildlife experts may provide specific advice on how to manage the situation until they arrive.
3. Be Patient
   Wildlife removal can take time, especially if the animal is in a hard-to-reach location. Trust that professionals have the tools and expertise to handle the situation effectively.

Step 7: Prevent Future Wildlife Emergencies

Once the animal has been safely removed, take steps to prevent future incidents.

1. Seal Entry Points
   Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, or holes that wildlife could use to enter. Pay special attention to:

• Roof vents
• Chimneys
• Attic spaces
• Crawlspaces

2. Secure Food Sources

• Keep trash cans sealed and stored away from your home.
• Remove pet food from outdoor areas after meals.
• Clean up fallen fruit or birdseed that may attract wildlife.

3. Trim Vegetation
   Overhanging branches or dense shrubs can provide easy access to your home for climbing animals like squirrels or raccoons.
4. Install Barriers
   Consider installing screens, mesh, or fences to block animals from accessing your property.

Why Professional Help Matters

While DIY efforts can help manage wildlife emergencies temporarily, professional services offer several advantages:

• Expert Knowledge: Professionals understand animal behavior and know the safest ways to handle and relocate wildlife.
• Humane Methods: Covenant Wildlife prioritizes humane trapping and relocation techniques to protect both animals and homeowners.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Beyond removal, professionals can identify and address vulnerabilities in your home to prevent future incidents.

Covenant Wildlife Is Here to Help

At Covenant Wildlife, we specialize in resolving wildlife emergencies with safety, efficiency, and care. Whether you’re dealing with a single animal or a larger infestation, our team has the expertise to handle any situation.

If you’re facing a wildlife emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to protect your home and restore your peace of mind. Call us today for professional assistance!