Living in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina means sharing our environment with diverse wildlife. While wildlife can often coexist peacefully with humans, certain situations require professional intervention. At Pee Dee Wildlife Control, we’re here to help you discern when a wildlife encounter constitutes an emergency requiring professional removal and when it may be safe to let nature take its course. Here’s a guide Is it a Wildlife Emergency? When to Call a Pro.
Definite Wildlife Emergencies
1. Venomous Snakes in Living Areas
If you spot a venomous snake near your home, especially close to play areas, gardens or inside your house or garage, it’s crucial to call a professional. These snakes pose a direct threat to the safety of your family and pets.
2. Bats or Squirrels in Your Attic
These animals can cause significant damage and pose health risks due to droppings and the potential for rabies. Their presence in your attic or walls definitely warrants a call to a wildlife professional.
3. Raccoons Nesting in Your Chimney
Raccoons can become aggressive, particularly if they are nesting with young. They also carry diseases, which makes their removal from areas like chimneys or crawl spaces a priority.
4. An Alligator in Your Swimming Pool
While it may sound uncommon, alligators wandering into residential areas can be a real threat, especially if they end up in your swimming pool or under your porch.
5. Aggressive Wild Animal Behavior
Any wild animal showing aggressive behavior, such as foxes or coyotes that appear unafraid of humans or are threatening pets, should be dealt with immediately by professionals.
6. Bees or Wasps Nesting in High-Traffic Areas
Large nests can pose serious risks, especially to those with allergies. Professional removal is necessary to handle these pests safely.
Situations That Are Not Wildlife Emergencies
1. An Opossum Passing Through Your Yard
Opossums are generally harmless and will move along on their own. They do not need to be relocated unless they appear injured or sick.
2. A Fox Wandering Through Your Yard
Foxes generally avoid humans and will not linger long. If a fox is simply passing through without showing signs of aggression or illness, it’s typically not an emergency.
3. Deer Grazing Nearby
Deer are common in South Carolina and seeing them near your property is not usually cause for concern. They typically pose no direct threat and will move on.
4. Turtles in Your Garden
Turtles can often be found wandering during their breeding season. They are slow-moving and pose no threat, so they can be safely ignored or enjoyed from a distance.
Understanding what constitutes a wildlife emergency can help keep both you and our local wildlife safe. At Pee Dee Wildlife Control, we are committed to providing prompt, humane wildlife removal services when you need them most. If you’re ever in doubt about a wildlife situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice or assistance. Remember, it’s better to be safe and let the professionals handle wildlife emergencies.