I am happy to report that the garage is now complete and I am back to helping people solve their wildlife issues starting today, June 15, 2020.
A new friend from the 2019 National Wildlife Control Operators Association Expo!
I met this critter during a class on reptile handling at the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) Expo in Myrtle Beach recently. He was a very polite little alligator but did pee on my hand. I also received my certification as a Wildlife Control Operator and a Certified Bird Management Operator.
Trap shy racoons
I have taken several calls lately from homeowners who have tried trapping one (or several) raccoons in their attics and called me in after period of time to help when they were unsuccessful. This is very challenging as the homeowner has basically “taught” the raccoon on how to avoid the trap and/or steal the bait. This fellow in the picture was driving people crazy for a month before they called me! Luckily, I have specialized traps and the experience to catch these “trap shy” raccoons.
Things Going Bump In the Night?
I have received quite a number of calls lately about “noises” in the attic. Most callers are quite sure it is a raccoon or squirrel or some type of monster. Which is understandable as any noise in the middle of the night in the attic is not a good sign and causes serious stress. But the good news (kind of) is that, in about 75% of the cases I have looked at lately, it is mice and not other wildlife. Hard to believe something so small can make so much noise but they are quite active, even when it is cold.
One easy trick to diagnose attic noise is the “knock” test. If you hear a noise in the attic, knock on the ceiling. If the sound stops for 30 seconds or so, and then it starts again, it is probably mice. They freeze in place and then quickly start moving again. If the sound stops for a longer period of time (minutes to hours), it is probably wildlife of some sort that left the area and then returned later.
This little guy showed up on camera after a night of running around and driving the clients crazy. Whether mice or wildlife, I can help!
That’s Not A Reindeer On The Roof!
Working with wildlife is about playing detective once in a while. An unknown animal was causing sporadic issues in this client’s attic and who should appear- this guy on a remote camera that I placed on the roof!
Dig Defence to protect against skunks
Skunks under the deck? A significant challenge is keeping animals from digging under decks, sheds, and other structures. On a recent job, I installed Dig Defence (digdefence.com) around this deck to keep skunks out. The metal spikes extend about a foot into the ground to prevent future digging. It is also a wonderful way to keep dogs from digging under fences.
Raccoons!
Noises in the attic? Don’t let the raccoons in! This hole was created by raccoons (they don’t have those claws and teeth for nothing) by pealing back 3 layers of shingles and removing the wood underneath. They were seriously determined to get in the attic. Lesson for the day- don’t ignore noises in the attic.
Coyotes!
Coyotes are one of my favorite animals and I receive quite a number of calls about them. I am always happy to help people understand these amazing animals that, in almost all cases, do not pose a threat to people. However, coyotes are wild animals and it is important that people supervise outdoor pets and do not accidentally feed coyotes with pet food or garbage. This video was from the Perkins Wildlife Center at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History- high recommended if you are in Cleveland for a visit!
Mike And The Opossum
This little opossum caught a break- I was after some raiding raccoons, so he got a free pass when he showed up in a raccoon trap. Ohio law prohibits moving certain animal species to prevent the spread of disease. They must be released on the site where they are captured (like this little guy) or be euthanized. It was this little opossum’s lucky day and he got to return to the woods unharmed after playing opossum for a bit.
The national conference of the Wildlife Society in Cleveland 2018
For the past five years, I have served on the executive board of the Ohio Chapter of the Wildlife Society and I currently serve as past president. The Ohio Chapter recently hosted the national conference of the Wildlife Society in Cleveland during Oct. 7-11, 2018. It was a great conference and highlighted the many diverse organizations working to conserve wildlife across the state, nation, and world. A number of wonderful field trips were hosted by Cleveland Metroparks and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Special thanks to Terre Donoghue for her beautiful artwork in support of the Ohio Chapter.
