Frequently Asked Wildlife Questions
Does Wake County Animal Control remove wildlife?
Animal Control does not respond to wildlife calls unless the animal appears sick, injured or is a cause for concern for the transmission of rabies.
Is it normal to see a fox or raccoon around my home during daylight hours?
As populations grow and we expand our neighborhoods into natural habitats, it is not uncommon to see raccoons or foxes during daytime hours. This is more common in neighborhoods where these animals may not have had a direct encounter with humans or learned a fear of them.
What should I do if I see a raccoon or fox acting strange?
If you observe a fox or raccoon walking very slow, acting disoriented or lacking motor skills, then you should contact Animal Control. Most of the time this is distemper, but this behavior could also be rabies.
Should I intervene with young wildlife that appears to have been abandoned by its mother?
You should not intervene with any young wildlife. Deer will often leave newborn fawns for hours at a time, but normally come back for them. To find out more about orphaned wildlife, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission website for guidance.
What do I do if I see a bat in my house?
You should contact Animal Control immediately. Bats will often cling to curtains or drapes and will not fly around if left undisturbed. Try to close off all other doors and contain the bat to one room.
NOTE: Animal Control will only respond to calls about bats WITHIN the home. They will not respond if in the garage or attic.
What should I do if I come into physical contact with wildlife?
Please contact Animal Control and request a call back from an Animal Control Officer. Describe in detail what type of animal and the type of contact you had with the wildlife. The Officer will advise you on the appropriate steps to take. If you are injured, please call 911.
North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission
Have a wildlife problem or question? Do you want to know about certain species, how to prevent conflicts with wildlife or what to do with injured/orphaned wildlife? The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission has all of this information and so much more!!
NC Wildlife Resource Commission