Critter Movers - Animal Removal

If there is something strange (or wild, or rabid…) in your neighborhood, who do you call? Well, that depends. Different states and municipalities operate on varying rules with respect to stray and wild animal control. There are some common things everyone should know, however, about staying safe when having animals removed.

Why Are You In MY Backyard?

Thanks to a growing human population, and its resulting impact on development and urbanization, many wildlife species have been driven out of their native habitats. This has resulted in many animals having to enter urban areas in search of food, shelter, and other items necessary for survival. Sick animals, hungry animals, and the like all have the potential to wander into unfamiliar territory, in their attempts to survive. Unfortunately, they don’t always see your prize-winning garden or beloved pets as much more than convenient foodstuffs.

A Change in the Rules

The common solution for critter removal used to entail a call to the local police department and animal shelter. Specially trained handlers were dispatched to trap, shoot, or tranquilize suspect animals. However, lack of funding and increased risks to these handlers has led toward a movement whereby many counties no longer provide animal removal services. Instead, this task is now done by paid or volunteer organizations. From possums and snakes, to gators and wayward deer, specialists employed by critter removal agencies are trained to safely and efficiently rid the area of wild animals.

Critters and Disease

Some even provide disposal service of carcasses in the case of dead animals. It should be noted, however, that if a dead animal is spotted, the Department of Natural Resources and other officials should be notified. If no obvious cause of death is apparent, then the animal should be collected and tested for diseases such as West Nile, Avian Flu, Rabies, or other illnesses which can be transferred to humans. It is important, therefore, that no one touch the animal with their bare hands, to prevent contraction of any disease. Animals, including pets, may also be quarantined pending the outcome of tests if they are believed to have come in contact with a suspicious animal. Check with your local authorities to find out what the protocols are in your area for animal and pest removal.