Close Encounters of the Wild Kind
(Common Problems Encountered with Wildlife)
Download a PDF version of this page
Squirrels or Raccoons in the attic
Guides to humane removal of raccoons or squirrels are available at the links below. It is important to remember that simply removing the offending animals is only a temporary solution. Their routes of entry must be sealed off, and any sources of food for the animals within or around your home should be removed to discourage them from re-entering.
Raccoons in the Attic: Guide to Safe Removal
Squirrels in the Attic:Guide to Safe Removal
Contact a Trapper
Determine whether hiring a trapper is necessary, and find a local licensed, insured, and humane wildlife removal service at Wildlife-Removal.com
Opossum (or raccoon) trapped in garbage can
Opossums have no home base; they are nomadic and will travel to where the food is. Sometimes, they get trapped or fall asleep in a garbage can not properly covered. You can wait until the evening and see if the opossum left on its own. If not, tip the can and walk away. Once the opossum leaves the can, cover it properly or take it into the garage where wildlife will not be attracted to it.
Raccoons are more intelligent; they know where the available food is and will stick around until it is no longer available. As above, keep your yard clean and the garbage covered. If there is nothing around to eat, the raccoon will move on.
Try and be patient enough not to force the opossum or raccoon out of the garbage can during the daytime. Both are nocturnal, and if they are forced awake and are seen wandering around, it is possible that they will be perceived to be sick when they are not.
Raccoons out in the daytime
Pursuant to the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health, at this point all wildlife rehabilitators are barred from any work with raccoons due to the positive rabies cases in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Here are several numbers to call in the event you find a raccoon that appears to be sick or behaving strangely (possible signs of rabies or distemper). Please be advised that you will be instructed to hire a licensed wildlife trapper at your own expense, and that the raccoon cannot be relocated; it must be euthanized.
In Nassau County
Department of Health
Daytime: (516) 571-2290
Night/Weekend/Holiday: (516) 742-6154
In Suffolk County
Suffolk County Police Department
(631) 852-2677 (852-COPS)
You may call the following number to make a report of dead raccoons, skunks, or foxes in the Town of Huntington only:
Suffolk County Department of Health Services
Daytime: (631) 853-8405
Ducks in Yard
If you have a gate, open the gate and herd the duck (with ducklings, if applicable) out of the gate.
Divebombing Birds
In the spring, we often receive calls of people being “attacked by birds” when leaving the house. This is a very typical behavior in the spring. There is probably a nest nearby that the bird is trying to protect, or the bird is acting territorial. Very rarely do the birds actually hit a person, it is a scare tactic that works very well!
To break this behavior, go outside with an umbrella and open it when the bird approaches, or wave your arms. Without harming the bird, chase the bird away. Please note that the bird will only do this until its babies are old enough to leave the nest.
Birds Colliding Into Windows
For many reasons (migration, fledglings learning how to fly, seeing landscape reflection in glass) birds sometimes do not see windows and fly into them. One way to help these birds out are to purchase window clings for your window. We have some for sale in our gift shop, or you can check out Whispering Pines to purchase some online.
Bird Hitting Window Intentionally
Is it sick? Doubtful. Most likely it is seeing its reflection in the window and is trying to drive the “intruder” away and defend its territory, not realizing it is itself. You can try drawing the blinds, or hanging a sheet outside to block the reflection. Once the bird does not see its reflection, the behavior will stop.
Numerous Dead Birds in Neighborhood
It is possible that someone in your neighborhood put some type of chemical treatment (lawn treatment) or pesticide down. This can affect songbirds in various ways. You can call the NYS Hotline for Dead or Dying Birds at 866-537-2473, or contact the Department of Health for information on how to proceed.
None of the Above
If you have encountered a situation that is not outlined here, please call our Wildlife Advisory Hotline and leave your information; your call will be returned.
For Bee Problems...
The Long Island Beekeeper's Club can offer assistance with removal of bees on your property. You can locate a local beekeeper on their website, click here for more information.