As humans encroach upon wildlife habitats to construct buildings and roads, animals are left with fewer and fewer places to go. That often leads to situations in which homeowners find wild animals living in their attics and sheds, rummaging through their trash, or eating pet food left outdoors.
If you have found yourself in a situation like this, it’s best to address the problem as quickly as possible. If an animal has gotten into your home, it will stay there and may cause major damage to your home and its contents by scratching, chewing, and leaving waste. An animal that has figured out that food is readily available on your property will keep coming back for more.
Wildlife Control Regulations in Connecticut
The State of Connecticut issues licenses for Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators. They must complete training and pass an exam on animal identification, wildlife control practices, and regulations related to humane handling methods and euthanasia. They are also required to keep records of their activities and to submit annual reports. Although the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection sets licensing requirements and regulates the actions of NWCOs, NWCOs are not DEEP employees.
Many homeowners and wildlife control professionals prefer to live-trap and relocate nuisance animals whenever possible. Some species, such as squirrels, can be transported to another location, such as a park, and released.
Connecticut law is different when it comes to animals that are prone to rabies, such as raccoons and skunks. It’s illegal to relocate rabies-vector species since a rabid animal could infect other wildlife and pets in a new area, which could contribute to the spread of the disease across the state.
A rabid animal may be aggressive toward humans or animals for no apparent reason, may have difficulty moving or lack of coordination, or may make unusual sounds. An NWCO may trap or remove species that are prone to rabies only if an animal appears sick, has caused property damage, or is a threat to public health and safety. An animal that is suspected to be rabid and that poses a danger to people, pets, or livestock may be captured and killed by police or Animal Control.
If possible, an NWCO should use strategies such as harassment or tools such as one-way doors to get animals that might be infected with rabies to leave a building or yard. Once the animal has been removed, the structure can be modified to prevent animals from returning.
Get Professional Help with Nuisance Wildlife
If you’re concerned about wild animals on your property, contact Anderson Wildlife Control. We can safely live-trap the animals and relocate them if Connecticut law allows us to do so. We will return to your home every day to check the traps to take care of your nuisance wildlife issue as quickly as possible. Contact us today to get help with an animal problem.
