CWR pest control technicians provide expert wildlife trapping, animal control, raccoon removal, bat removal, squirrel removal and bird removal services for Cleveland and Northern Ohio homeowners and businesses. You can contact CWR at 216-236-8114 or Cleveland’s Division of Animal Control at 216-664-3069. Cleveland residents have several service options to choose from regarding nuisance wildlife.

Raccoon Trapping And Removal Services In Cleveland, Ohio 

If you want to find out how much does raccoon removal, raccoon trapping or raccoon control cost or how you permanently get rid of raccoons in Cleveland, Ohio, call 440-236-8114.

Ohio Wildlife Removal Experts

• CWR Wildlife Experts Get Squirrels Out Of Attics, Yards, Chimneys, Soffits, Roofs, Sheds And Gardens For Ohio Residents
• The CWR Company Traps And Get Rid Of Skunks, Opossums And Groundhogs Out From Under Decks, Porches, Sheds, Patios And In Yards For Ohio Homeowners
• Safe And Effective Commercial And Residential Nuisance Wildlife Removal And Wild Animal Trapping Services In Ohio
• CWR Pest Control Technicians Remove Rodents From Attics, Basements And Walls In Homes In Ohio
• Beaver Trapping, Control, Removal And Damage Prevention Services For Property Owners Owners In Ohio

About CWR Bat Removal And Bat Exclusion Services In Ohio

Bat exclusion involves using netting or tubes at entry points, which allows bats to drop down and fly away but which prevent re-entry. Exclusion devices are left in place for a week, so that the bats give up. After the bats are gone, plugging, sealing and caulking work is done.

Bird And Bat Inspections And Bat Exclusion Costs In Ohio

Costs for bat inspections, bat removal, bat feces cleanup, bat sanitizing, bat guano decontamination, bat cleanup and bat exclusion services in Ohio start at $399. Rates for bat exclusion and bat proofing in Ohio start at $1,495.

The bat exclusion experts at the Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company pay close attention to detail when they are bat proofing a home in Ohio in order to ensure that the roof or attic is totally secured and sealed tightly. If you have bats in your house, roof or attic, find out what to do, here. Excluding a bat colony from a home, attic or roof in Ohio should never take place between May and August.

To keep bats out, the Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company seals cracks and openings with heavy-duty bat control screen mesh, aluminum flashing, sheet metal, expandable foam, caulk, stainless steel hardware cloth, chimney caps, flue guards, adhesive sealants, 3/8″ polyethylene knotted mesh, bat netting and other bat exclusion products.

Wildlife Rehabilitators
Posted On YouTube On January 12, 2018 By OhioDNR [OhioDNR.gov]

Who Do You Call When You See An Injured Animal In Ohio?

Learn what you can do if you believe a wild animal in Ohio is orphaned or injured, here. The goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to provide professional care to sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals so ultimately they can be returned to their natural habitat. Wildlife rehabilitation is the treatment and care of injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals so that they can be released back to the wild. Find out if wildlife trapping and wildlife relocation is the best option, here.

Some concerned citizens in Ohio want to know who to call for injured wildlife. If the animal has bleeding, broken bones or another obvious injury – you can bring the animal to Ohio Wildlife Center’s Hospital during open hours. See rescue and transport instructions.

Ohio wildlife officials rescue injured bald eagles. Wildlife lovers in Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Dayton, Canton, Athens, Marietta, Ashtabula and Cincinnati search online for a local wildlife rehabilitator near them to take care of an ill, injured or orphaned animal. Get phone numbers for a wildlife rescue service or wildlife rehabilitation center near you in Ohio, here. Wildlife rescue services are available near Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Dublin, Toledo, Akron, Canton, Troy, Lima, Mansfield, Zanesville and Lake County.

Hire The Best Bat Control Company In Ohio

It is recommended that Ohio homeowners call a specialty bat control company to inspect their home if they see a bat inside a living space.

CRW is a local (Ohio only) bat control service that does not exterminate bats or use live traps to catch bats. The wildlife professionals at CRW will not kill your bats. Rather, bats are safely removed from homes and buildings in Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Dayton, Canton, Mansfield, Hamilton, Springfield, Lancaster and Cincinnati, Ohio through the wise use of bat exclusion processes and devices.

CRW bat control “wizards” use multiple bat exclusion processes, one-way bat doors (bat valves), bat exclusion devices, funnels (cones), netting and tubes to get bats out.

The 6 bat removal masters (pictured here) that work at the Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company certainly know the tricks to getting rid of bats in houses. One secret trick to get rid of a single bat in a living space is to open a window or door, eureka!

These 6 gentlemen are very well educated for performing bat exclusion, bat eviction, bat venting and bat poop cleanup services. Alex, Kyle, Nathan, Mike, Tyler and Jason know how to clean environments contaminated with bat droppings in residential and commercial structures. CRW bat control specialists know how to minimize the potential for transmission of white-nose syndrome (WNS) when handling bats. They take all the necessary precautions when handling bat waste. CRW bat control technicians can see the signs and damage caused by various species of bats. CWR bat control technicians use the best protective particulate respirator masks when removing bat droppings from outside houses, attics, walls and cars. Learn more about acceptable management practices for bat eviction and structural remediation, here.

Wildlife Relocation Options In Ohio

Wild animal babies in Ohio are unintentionally orphaned and too often die of starvation, because their mother is trapped and removed. People and wildlife can peacefully coexist in most situations. However, there may be times when conflicts arise. Get a phone number for a local wildlife rescue, permitted wildlife rehabilitation services or a wildlife rehabilitation center near you in Ohio, here. Hire a wildlife removal professional in Ohio that uses humane and effective practices to remove raccoons, bats, groundhogs, birds and skunks. Download the “Humane Wildlife Conflict Resolution Guide” from The Humane Society of the United States, here.

How Do To Get Raccoons Out Of Your Attic [In Ohio] 

CWR has been providing animal removal services, humane trapping, wildlife control services and raccoon control services to communities in Northern Ohio since 1986. CWR pest control technicians follow all of the relevant nuisance wild animal removal and trapping laws set forth by Rule 1501:31-15-03 of the Ohio Administrative Code.

Services Offered By The Cottom’s Wildlife Removal In Ohio

• Damage Repair Services For Roofs, Attics, Vents, Soffits, Eves And Chimneys
• Animal Feces Removal, Bird Dropping Removal, Bat Guano Removal And Wildlife Waste Cleanup Services In Ohio
• Mice, Rat And Rodent Removal And Extermination Services In Ohio
• Attic Repair, Sanitizing, Decontamination And Restoration Services For Ohio Homeowners
• Wildlife Removal, Animal, Bat, Bird And Pest Control Services In Ohio From $399+
• Bat Exclusion And Bat Proofing For Ohio Homes From $1,495+
• Animal Exclusion, Animal Proofing And Wildlife Infestation Prevention Services In Ohio
• Insulation Removal And Replacement Services For Ohio Homeowners

DIY Skunk Removal In Ohio

Find out how to remove the smell of skunk spray, here. Learn how to get rid of skunk odor, here. Get tips on removing skunk smell from your house, here. Find out how to remove skunk smell from a dog, here. Find out the best way to get rid of skunks from your garden, here. Find out how to get rid of skunks permanently, here.

However, you many want to consider that the quickest and easiest way to remove a skunk or exclude it from your yard in Ohio is to hire the Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company to do it for you. The cost of skunk trapping in Ohio is not that expensive.

In Ohio, contacting CWR to get rid of a skunk is a better option than shooting and killing a skunk in your yard. Read the Ohio Administrative Code, Rule 1501:31-15-03 about killing skunks, here.

In Ohio, it is illegal to fail to euthanize, or release on site, any nuisance skunk that is captured, trapped or taken. It is also illegal to take a skunk with the use of dogs outside of a structure during the closed season.

Get information about the skunk hunting season in Ohio, here. Download the Ohio Hunting And Trapping Regulations for 2020-2021, here.

Costs To Trap And Remove Skunks, Opossums And Groundhogs In Ohio

• The cost to remove a skunk, opossum, groundhog or woodchuck that has been trapped by a homeowner starts at $399.
• If a skunk, opossum or groundhog needs to be trapped by CWR, an on-site inspection costs start at $399. This fee will be applied to the total cost.

Humane And Emergency Wildlife Extermination/Control/Removal And Wildlife Extraction Services In Ohio

• For humane commercial and residential nuisance wildlife removal and animal trapping services in Cincinnati, Portsmouth, Athens and Southern Ohio call 513-808-9530.
• Call 614-300-2763 for local residential wildlife removal and management services in Columbus and Central Ohio.
• Call 440-236-8114 for emergency wildlife removal services and humane wild animal control services for homeowners and businesses in and near Cleveland, Ohio. You can call 24/7 if you need emergency wildlife removal services or emergency bat removal services and your property is located in Northern Ohio.
• Call 440-236-8114 for emergency wildlife removal services and humane wild animal control services for homeowners and businesses in and near Akron, Ohio. You can call 24/7 if you need emergency wildlife removal services or emergency bat removal services and your property is located in Akron, Ohio.
• Call 440-236-8114 for emergency wildlife removal services and humane wild animal control services for homeowners and businesses in and near North Royalton, Ohio. You can call 24/7 if you need emergency wildlife removal services or emergency bat removal services and your property is located in North Royalton, Ohio.
• Call 513-808-9530 for emergency wildlife removal services and humane wild animal control services for homeowners and businesses in and near Cincinnati, Ohio. You can call 24/7 if you need emergency wildlife removal services or emergency bat removal services and your property is located in Southern Ohio.
• Call 614-300-2763 for humane emergency wildlife removal and wild animal control services for homeowners and businesses in and near Columbus, Ohio. You can call 24/7 if you need emergency wildlife removal services or emergency bat removal services and your property is located in Central Ohio.
• For humane commercial and residential animal control, wildlife removal, nuisance wildlife removal and animal trapping services in Northern Ohio call 440-236-8114.

Schedule An On-Site Visit For An Inspection And Request A Written Estimate

Although Cottom’s Wildlife Removal office managers can frequently assess the wildlife removal and exclusion job requirements and determine a ballpark cost of over the phone, on-site inspections are the best option to determine an optimal plan to permanently get rid of wild animals, bats and birds in houses in Cleveland and Northern Ohio.

Please feel free to ask for to request an inspection and a written estimate. CWR’s on-site inspection fee will apply toward the work that is contracted. During our on-site inspection visit, CWR pest control technicians will identify the types of animals that are living in the attic, house or structure.

Entry points and potential entry points will be determined. CWR wildlife control experts will find out if there are offspring that need to be removed.  Pictures can be provided to explain how the animals or birds are using the structure and what needs to be repaired to ensure the structure is wildlife proof.

Co-Existing With Bats In Ohio

Despite being well known for their pest control abilities, bats remain understudied and misunderstood, and their numbers have been on the decline for various reasons. Now research is showing that these mammals may be invaluable to farmers. Bats come out in Ohio and are active March through September. Some Ohio residents call the Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company to ask if one bat in their house means they have more.

CWR bat control experts advise our clients that there is a good chance there are more bats in the walls or attic, if one is seen inside the house. Bats rarely fly in through open doors and their presence on a wall or ceiling is probably an indication of a minor or major bat infestation.

A thorough inspection is recommended to find out if there are more bats in the house.

Humans and bats can live in peace with each other. Bats are flying mammals that are found in nearly every habitat throughout Ohio.

Ohioans should not fear bats simply because they enter attic spaces, construction gaps and wall voids looking for shelter. Most bites occur happen when people try to grab a bat with their bare hands.

The Little brown bat is Ohio’s most common species of bat. Two Ohio bat species live in houses and attics; the Big brown bat and the Little brown bat.

In Ohio, bats normally hibernate from late October to early April in caves, houses, walls, barns, churches, bridges, abandoned mines, cracks in large rock outcroppings or attics and buildings.

Bats in Cleveland, Ohio include the Eastern Red Bat, the Big brown bat, the Northern Long-Eared bat, the Little brown bat and the Tri-colored Bat.

The Hoary bat is the largest bat found in Ohio and most widespread American bat. The Hoary bat can weigh up to 35 grams.

In Ohio however, the Little brown bat population size has declined dramatically due to habitat loss and a deadly disease (fungus) known as White-nose Syndrome (WNS). The fate of bats is hanging in the balance. That could have very real consequences for us.

The deadly white-nose syndrome has been found on bats in Cuyahoga and Geauga County parks in Ohio.

Some colonies of brown bats removed in Ohio by licensed wildlife control specialists at CWR may total a dozen or more.

Bats are mammals that use adapted forelimbs as wings to fly and they are more maneuverable than birds.

The Ohio Division of Natural Resources classifies bats as a nuisance species. Some of the most common species of bats that the Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company gets out of attics and homes in Ohio are colonial bats such as Big brown bats, Little brown bats and Mexican free-tailed bats.

According to Barbara French, a biologist with Bat Conservation International, many people have a few bats in their attic and never know it. But a large colony of bats can become a noise or odor nuisance. Bats should not be allowed to enter interior living quarters.

Bat Inspections, Bat Proofing And Bat Exclusion Costs In Ohio

Costs for bat inspections, bat removal, bat feces cleanup, bat sanitizing, bat guano decontamination, bat cleanup and bat exclusion services in Ohio start at $399. Rates for bat exclusion and bat proofing in Ohio start at $1,495. Bat guano removal costs start at $895 in Ohio.

Costs to remove a single bat from a house in Ohio starts at $399. The average cost of bat removal and bat exclusion for a one story house is $1,495 to $3,000, $1,995 to $8,000 for a two story house and $2,995 to $40,000 for a commercial building or church. Bat guano removal, decontamination and sanitizing start at $895 in Ohio. The cost to remove bats in walls starts at 1,495. Costs to get bats out of attics start at 1,495. Costs to remove bat guano from walls starts at $895.

If you see signs of a bat infestation and you live in Central Ohio, call a professional pest-control company such as Cottom’s Wildlife Removal at 614-300-2763 for an assessment. Bat infestation assessments in Columbus and Central Ohio cost $399. CWR pest control technicians will humanely remove the bats from the attic and seal it up to protect against future bat infestations.

Bats are normally removed by using a valve system that enables bats to fly out of the house but not come back into the residence. The valve system requires that all entry points are sealed prior to the installation of bat valves. Services also include an initial inspection, sealing of soffits, caulking of brick face gaps, screening of ridge vents, screening of louver vents, screening of roof vents, sealing of chimney gaps, installing and removing bat valves.

The bat exclusion experts at the Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company pay close attention to detail when they are bat proofing a home in Ohio in order to ensure that the roof or attic is totally secured and sealed tightly. If you have bats in your house, roof or attic, find out what to do, here. Excluding a bat colony from a home, attic or roof in Ohio should never take place between May and August.

Who Do You Call To Remove Wild Animals In Ohio?

Wild animals can cause serious problems such as disease and property destruction. In Northern Ohio (Toledo, Sandusky, Lorain, Elyria, Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Mentor, Youngstown, Ashtabula) call 440-236-8114 to have wild animals removed from your home, property or business.

Cottom’s Wildlife Removal is a wildlife control, wild animal trapping and animal removal company that captures wild animals and provides services for Columbus, Cleveland, Akron and Cincinnati Ohio homeowners and businesses. CWR is a professional wildlife control operator that gets animals, pests, critters, birds and bats out of houses and buildings and keeps them out.

Learn More About Our Wildlife And Pest Control Company On Facebook Or YouTube

• Find Out More About Our Ohio Wildlife Control, Animal Trapping, Bat Removal And Pest Prevention Services On Facebook
• Watch Videos Of Our Ohio Pest Control Technicians In Action On YouTube

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Wild Animals In Ohio?

Home inspection rates in Cleveland and Northern Ohio cost $399. This fee is applied to the total cost of wild animal removal. A written estimate to remove wild animals will be prepared after the inspection has been completed. Costs start at $399 and go up from there. Get more information on the cost of wild animal removal, here.

Overview of Animal Trapping, Removal, Relocation, Control and Exclusion Services In Ohio

Wildlife can be extremely dangerous – especially when they’re in your home or office. They can carry disease, inflict wounds, and cause substantial damage to your property. When animals break in, it’s nice to know there’s a company that cares about your safety as well as your home’s protection. Since 1986, Cottom’s Wildlife Removal has responded to wildlife emergencies with trained wildlife removal experts, the most advanced trapping methods and state-of-the-art trapping equipment (including our patented “Cottom Gott ‘em”) to get the job done quickly and efficiently.  If animals are in your home we suggest you call a licensed animal removal specialist to solve the problem.

Cottom’s is licensed, bonded and insured to remove dangerous wildlife from your residential or commercial property, and protect you and your property by performing building inspections and repair due to wildlife damage or threats.

Wildlife we relocate in Ohio includes but is not limited to:

• Raccoons
• Bats (CWR provides professional and affordable bat removal and bat guano cleanup services for Ohio homeowners.)
• Birds
• Skunks
• Snake Removal Services
• Muskrats
• Opossum/Possum
• Groundhogs
• Squirrels and Chipmunks
• Mice and Rodents
• Woodpecker Deterrent And Repair Work
• Deer Carcasses and More

Call us even you have an animal that is not on the list.

Humane Raccoon, Skunk, Bat, Bird, Squirrel, Mice And Rodent Removal Services In Cleveland And Northern Ohio

Call 440-236-8114 if you are located near Cleveland, Cuyahoga County or Northeast Ohio if you are having problems with wildlife, animals, pests, birds, rodents, bats or snakes. Read this page to learn more about safe nuisance wildlife infestation prevention, animal control, pest control, wild animal trapping, wildlife removal, wildlife rescue services and wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

Professional Wildlife Removal, Wild Animal Trapping, Pest Control And Rodent Infestation Prevention Services For Ohio Residents And Businesses

Cottom’s Wildlife Removal and Environmental Services is a full-service wildlife removal, pest control and damage repair company serving the needs of residents of Cleveland other cities in Northern, Central and Southern Ohio. The company is licensed by the state of Ohio and is fully insured.

• CWR Wildlife Control Technicians Use Humane And Ethical Eviction/Exclusion Techniques Such As One-Way Doors And Hands-On Processes To Remove Animals And Birds From Houses, Attics And Other Structures
• CWR Gets Raccoons Out Of Attics, Yards, Chimneys, Garages, Walls, From Under Decks And Out Of Garbage Cans For Ohio Homeowners And Businesses

Wildlife Removal, Trapping And Prevention Company Serving Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati And Other Ohio Homeowners And Property Owners – Founded In 1986 By Mike Cottom Sr. In Columbia Station Ohio

Hire A Local Professional To Get Wildlife Out Of Your House Or Off Your Property

If you live in Ohio, the Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company (440-236-8114) is a better choice than trying to remove wildlife and animals yourself. CWR is a reliable and experienced company that gets rid of animals, squirrels, raccoons, bats, skunks, birds and bats through the use of live traps and a wide array of rodent excluders and one-way exit doors.

What Are People Saying About Cottom’s Wildlife Removal?

• Read Reviews From Our Wildlife Removal Customers On Google
• Visit Facebook To Read Wildlife Removal Reviews
• Visit Angi To Read Animal Control Reviews
• Check Out HomeAdvisor For Reviews Of The Cottom’s Wildlife Removal Company
• Visit YouTube To Watch Pest Control Videos

CWR Gets Rid Of Starlings In Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Youngstown And Marietta Ohio

CWR Gets House Sparrows Out Of Roofs, Eaves, Awnings And Outdoor Signs For Ohio Homeowners And Businesses

House Sparrows are an invasive species to Ohio that cause property damage. They nest in areas under awnings and tiles at roof edges above fascia boards and soffits. The House Sparrow is one of the most adaptable and prolific bird species on Earth and they kill native birds.

The Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company uses professional and humane sparrow control methods, sparrow repellents and sparrow deterrent techniques to trap, exclude and get rid of sparrows for homeowners and businesses throughout Ohio.

CWR Ohio Pest Control Technicians Get Snakes Out, Exterminate Snakes And Remove Snakes

If you live in Ohio and see a snake in your home, yard, attic or basement – don’t freak out. It is “probably” not poisonous. Stay calm, find your phone and call the Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company at 440-236-8114 in Cleveland, 614-300-2763 in Columbus or 513-808-9530 in Cincinnati. CWR gets rid of snakes fast.

If you are looking for snake removal services near Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Cincinnati, Marietta, Youngstown, Canton, Strongsville, Medina Or Ashtabula, call 440-236-8114. Free snake removal services near you in Ohio may be difficult to locate. Call for a quote if you need a snake exterminator or for snake removal services.

There are 25 types of snakes native to Ohio. Although most snakes in Ohio are not dangerous, there are three venomous, or poisonous, snakes in Ohio. These are the Eastern timber rattlesnake, northern copperhead, and the massasauga rattlesnake. Every year people claim to see the dangerous water moccasin, also known as cottonmouth, in Ohio’s waters. Two types of poisonous snakes in Ohio have rattles at the end of the tail.

CWR pest control technicians get snakes out of yards, houses, garages, basements, gardens, sheds, attics and ponds for Ohio homeowners. We specialize in getting snakes out from under houses, decks, patios and porches. Call 440-236-8114 for professional snake removal services in Ohio.

The exterminators at Cottom’s Wildlife Removal get rid of snakes in homes so that residents don’t have to worry about it. Costs to remove a snake from a home in Ohio start at $399. To keep snakes out of your yard, remove piles of branches and other materials that snakes can hide in.

Don’t worry, snakes rarely come through the toilet. Most government sponsored animal control services in Ohio don’t remove snakes from houses, so call CWR at 440-236-8114 if you don’t want to remove the snake, or snakes, yourself and want to know snake exterminator costs. CWR offers outstanding snake control and prevention programs. We prevent snakes from hiding out on people’s property. We get rid of snakes and keep them away. Snake removal services and snake control services near Cleveland, Ohio are available 24/7, but are not free.

Find out more about what to do about snakes from The Humane Society Of The United States, here.

Learn How To Keep Birds Out Of Attics And Gable Vents – Tightly Install Stainless Steel Mesh Screens To Keep Birds From Going In Through Small Holes

Birds are extremely beneficial and valuable to mankind due to the outstanding pest control and seed dispersal work they perform. However, at certain times and in certain locations, birds and bats can also become pests and a nuisance.

Learn about the methods that CRW bird control technicians, such as Mike Cottom Jr. and Mike Cottom Sr., use to eliminate or deter pest birds from landing, nesting and roosting. These methods are used for birds considered pests, such as geese, nuisance black birds, woodpeckers, feral pigeons, grackles, gulls, house sparrows and crows, here. CWR uses a wide variety of non-lethal techniques and humane exclusion devices to fix pigeon problems, minimize bird dropping health risks and correct bat infestation hazards.

These products include anti-roosting stainless steel bird spikes, electric bird shock systems and tracks, bird slides, 2″ mesh pigeon nets, bird wire systems, bird netting, transparent bird repellent gels, Scare Bird Garden Stakes, super sonic outdoor sound devices and visual bird deterrents. CWR bird control professionals in the United States never uses harmful polybutylene gels. Download an informative PDF guide to retail sources for products to resolve wildlife conflicts from The Humane Society of the United States, here.

To contact a highly trained bird control service that uses non-lethal, safe, humane, effective and proactive methods near you, call 440-236-8114 to schedule an inspection and to get a written estimate. CWR certified bird removal specialists are experts in safe and effective bat exclusion, pigeon control and bird removal methods used to get birds and bats out out of attics, chimneys, signs, warehouses, dryer vents, roofs, garages and soffits. The PMPs (Pest Management Professionals) at CRW are experts at using different exclusion tricks and repellent strategies to move and remove birds.

If you need a professional bird removal and animal control company in Ohio to get rid of birds and bird nests in your house or vents, call Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company. To schedule an inspection, to request bat exclusion services or get costs for bird damage management services, bird dropping removal and sanitizing, contact the Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company at 440-236-8114 in Cleveland or Northern Ohio, 614-300-2763 in Columbus or Central Ohio or 513-808-9530 in Cincinnati or Southern Ohio.

Professional Pigeon Removal Services In Ohio

CWR pigeon control specialists quickly get rid of pigeons from houses, balconies and outdoor signs in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron and other Ohio towns.

We install decoy owls and hawks, anti-roosting spikes and commercial gel repellents, repellents, poisons, parallel wires, bird netting and lasers to keep perky pigeons off our customer’s property. We also remove pigeon poop and sanitize infested areas.

We remove pigeons from barns, gardens, warehouses, trees, sheds, outbuildings, roofs, attics, eaves and chimneys for Ohio homeowners and businesses.

The Cottom’s Wildlife Removal Company Knows How To Permanently Get Rid Of Woodpeckers In Ohio

Woodpecker Removal, Woodpecker Deterrent, Woodpecker Repellent, Woodpecker Management, Woodpecker Control And Woodpecker Trapping Services Near Cleveland, Columbus And Cincinnati For Ohio Homeowners

If your house has caught the attention of woodpeckers, they may be looking for insects or a place to nest. Woodpeckers can damage wood siding and soffits on structures. These birds normally forage for insect prey on the trunks and branches of trees. Woodpeckers are adored visitors to our backyards. While woodpeckers may be nice to watch, they cause damage to your homes and trees so it is important to know how to get rid of woodpeckers.

CWR is an Ohio bird removal and bird next removal company that also removes feces and sanitizes infected areas. Cottom’s Wildlife Removal provides bird removal, control, exclusion, cleanup, decontamination and damage repair services in Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo and Cincinnati, Ohio. Our bird control specialists remove and clean up animal and bird waste and feces from homes and businesses in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and other cities in Ohio. We provide environmental, disinfecting, sanitizing and decontamination services.

If you are looking for woodpecker removal services in Cleveland, woodpecker control services in Cincinnati, woodpecker removal services in Toledo or woodpecker pest control near you in Columbus, contact Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company to permanently get rid of woodpeckers and to stop woodpeckers from pecking at your house or making holes in your cedar siding. If you want to effectively prevent woodpecker damage, call 440-236-8114.

CWR bird control specialists provide permanents solutions by installing safe and reliable products such as readymade artificial decoy owls with reflective eyes, woodpecker deterrent netting (3/4″ mesh), plastic woodpecker netting and wire mesh.

Please note that Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company is NOT classified as a “woodpecker exterminator“. There are penalties for killing woodpeckers they have special federal protection. All woodpeckers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. (MBTA).  This law states: “No person may take (kill), possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such bird except as may be permitted under the terms of a valid permit…”

When warranted, woodpeckers can be killed, but only under a depredation permit issued by the Law Enforcement Division of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Authorization by the relevant state wildlife agency also may be required before lethal control methods are initiated. Sound justification must be present for the issuance of depredation permits. Hazing woodpeckers does not require a permit. Download the Depredation Permit, here.

Application for a depredation permit for some species of woodpeckers may be an option, but should be considered as a last resort. Proper exclusion, harassment, and monitoring will be necessary to demonstrate that need. Permits will be issued only if non-lethal methods have previously been tried and failed. The applicant must show strong justification (i.e. where significant structural damage has resulted in an economic hardship).

You many need a pest exterminator to get rid of an underlying insect problem because woodpeckers like to peck on houses to feed on insects. Woodpeckers eat carpenter bees, termites, wood-boring beetles, carpenter ants, leafcutter bees and grass bagworms. Woodpeckers also hammer on homes in Ohio to create a nesting cavity, to store food or to attract a mate.

Why Are Woodpeckers Drumming On My Property?  [From The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]

Woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and flickers drum and drill on a variety of surfaces. Siding (aluminum or wood), trim boards, and wood boards on any kind of structure can be appealing to woodpeckers. The resulting damage can appear as simple dents (usually a line) or as large as 2-inch diameter holes. Woodpeckers drum and drill in their search for food, territorial and social displays, and to nest in the cavities created. Sapsuckers drill small holes for sap, while many other woodpeckers drill for woodboring insects such as carpenter bees, leafcutter bees, grass bagworms, etc. Drumming for territory or social reasons will most likely occur in the early spring at the start of the breeding season. Drilling for nest cavities usually occurs in the early spring, although some drilling occurs in the fall.

How Do I Keep Woodpeckers From Damaging My Property? [From The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]

The best way to stop woodpecker damage to personal property is to begin damage control as soon as you begin hearing drumming and continuing until well after the woodpecker leaves the area. Holes the bird has made should be filled and painted immediately. If a nest is already active, we recommend that control measures be postponed until the young leave the nest permanently, which is usually around midsummer, but can vary depending on the species. Physical exclusion is probably the most effective control method. Installing bird-netting from the outer eaves down the side of the building is typically effective at excluding most woodpeckers.

Other methods include:

Frightening devices (models of owls and hawks, spinners, windsocks, etc.) can be used, although these devices have inconsistent success.

Tactile deterrents are sometimes used with marginal success. However, some products can get on feathers and impair the bird’s ability to fly and stay warm.

Sound deterrents coupled with motion detection are another option. Typically this would involve playing the recording of a woodpecker distress call followed by a raptor call.

Tying a burlap bag or other heavy fabric around a tree (particularly ornamental trees) can be effective at preventing sapsucker damage.

How To Repel And Deter Woodpeckers To Frighten Them Away

If you want to try to repel woodpeckers with smells and scents, peppermint oil may work. Other DIY ways to get rid of woodpeckers include woodpecker deterrent kits, spraying your house with woodpecker repellents and visual deterrents such as pinwheels, balloons, reflective tape and windsocks.

Because woodpecker damage in Ohio is considered a maintenance issue that is the responsibility of the homeowner, woodpecker damage is probably NOT covered by your home insurance (homeowner’s insurance). Find out more about preventing woodpeckers from damaging your home, here.

Woodpeckers in Ohio are small to medium-sized birds that prey on insect species that dead trees attract and woodpeckers rely on the softening branches and trunks to excavate their nests.

Woodpeckers In Ohio

Woodpeckers In Ohio – 7 Species You’ve Got To See
Posted on YouTube On December 17, 2020 By Wild Bird Scoop [WildBirdScoop.com]

Common species of woodpeckers that CWR traps, deters, removes and controls in Ohio include Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-Headed Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers, Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers, Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers and Hairy Woodpeckers.

The Downy Woodpecker can be found year round in Ohio and this small species of woodpecker the one of the most common types found in Ohio and the United States. They are frequently sighted in the Columbus, Ohio Metro Parks in the winter. They are speckled in black and white and are common visitors to backyard feeders in Ohio.

Services we perform during, after, and even prior to animal infestations include:

• Deck, Porch and Shed Screening, Wire Mesh and Wildlife Barrier Installation
• Bird Removal and Exclusion
• Relocating, Translocating or Transplanting Of Animals And Wildlife
• Wildlife Trapping and Control
• Insulation Removal and Replacement
• Preventing And Dealing With Nuisance Wildlife Encounters
• Removal Of Birds From Vents, Fans, Soffits, Chimneys and Attics
• Animal Trapping and Removal
• Cottom’s Wildlife Removal Removes Raccoons From Chimneys for Cleveland and Akron Homeowners
• Wildlife Damage Repair
• Environmental Cleanup and Removal of Wildlife Animal and Bird Waste and Feces
• Wildlife and Animal Control and Exclusion
• Raccoon Trapping, Control, Removal, Relocation and Exclusion
• Wildlife, Animal and Pet Odor Removal, Control and Sanitizing
• Wildlife Animal, Bird and Bat Disinfecting and Decontamination
• Repair of Home and Structural Damage Caused by Wildlife, Animals and Birds
• Removal of Raccoons From Chimneys, Attics and Roofs
• Garage Clean Outs
• Removal Of Birds From Vents, Fans And Attics

Watch A Few Of Our Videos On YouTube

• How to Remove Raccoons in Your Attic in Cleveland, Ohio
• How to Remove Raccoons from Your Chimney in Cleveland, Ohio
• Raccoon Trapping and Removal Services in Cleveland, Ohio

Contact Us for a Home Inspection or Wildlife Removal

Cottom’s Wildlife Removal, based in Cleveland, Ohio is a local, family-owned and operated company that has been responding to the animal removal and home repair and restoration needs of families throughout Ohio since 1986. Let us know if you have wildlife problems or concerns and we’ll be there because “Cottom Cares!”.

• Call us at 440-236-8114
• Email us at info@mcwildlife.com
• Schedule work to be done
• Request an estimate
• Schedule an inspection

About Insurance Coverage for Animal Removal and Building Repair

Homeowners insurance will frequently cover the cost of attic cleanup and decontamination. However, some insurance companies do not want to pay for damage done to your home by wildlife and will employ tricks to deny your claim. For instance:

• The policy will exclude household damage done by “vermin” or “pests”. The policy may not say it, but they will claim that bats and raccoons fall into those categories, which they do not!
• The policy will exclude damage done by pollution. Again, the policy may not say it, but they will claim that fecal material left by raccoons and bats is pollution – seriously??.

The fact is, raccoon and bat infestation and contamination pose a serious danger to your home, health and safety and you deserve to be compensated for any wildlife exclusion and repair work done to your home or building. Our experience dealing with insurance companies gives you an edge when trying to get your claim covered. We will actively fight for you by talking directly with your insurance company and providing you with any materials you need to prove your case…because “Cottom Cares!”.

Overview of Squirrel Removal Services

The Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company is a squirrel removal company that traps and removes squirrels from attics, roofs, walls, chimneys, vents and soffits in homes and businesses in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron and other cities in Ohio.

After the squirrels have been safely removed, we clean up the nests, feces and mess they leave behind.

We also decontaminate areas that squirrels have infested with urine, feces and parasites. We also install exclusion devices to keep squirrels out of attics, roofs, soffits, walls and chimneys.

We frequently remove squirrels that get into walls in homes in Toledo, Cleveland, Ashtabula, Athens, Strongsville, Lima and Akron.

How To Get Rid Of Squirrels

Find out 9 ways to get rid of squirrels, here. Bob Villa explains how to get rid of squirrels: Focus on food, prevent passage, opt for odors, count on chemicals, trap and relocate. Find out how to use do-it-yourself squirrel removal to get rid of squirrels without killing them, here. Learn why the live trapping method is the best way remove unwanted squirrels from your attic, here. Find out how to get squirrels out of your walls, here.

Foxes In Ohio

Red Foxes are becoming more common in neighborhoods in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cottom’s Wildlife Removal company (440-236-8114) knows how to trap and relocate foxes in Ohio. Red Fox sightings are common in Ohio from May through July when the young “pups”, “cubs” and “kits” play and learn to hunt.

Momma Fox and Her 7 Babies Have Left the Building
Posted On YouTube On June 25, 2014 By The Humane Society of the United States [HumaneSociety.org]

However, the gray fox’s distribution in Ohio declined in the early- to mid- 1800s but began to rebound in the early 1900s. The gray fox is the only fox species native to Ohio. However, their population of gray foxes has declined in the past 30 years to the point that it was recently declared a “species of concern” on Ohio’s list of endangered and threatened species. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the gray fox and the red fox are the two fox species found in Ohio, and two of four found in North America. Download a list of wildlife that are considered to be endangered, threatened, species of concern, special interest, extirpated, or extinct in Ohio from the Ohio Division of Wildlife, here.

Foxes are allowed to be trapped and hunted in Ohio from November 10 to January 31. If you see a fox during the day there is no cause for alarm. However, if you want to get rid of foxes or are worried about rabies, find out what you need to know from The Humane Society Of The United States, here.

Although most people (except some farmers) in Ohio think foxes are adorable, they will attack if cornered and carry diseases. Do not feed a fox because it will lose its fear of humans. Although it is extremely rare, foxes have been know to attack pets, dogs, chickens, lambs, cats and small children.

What To Do About Coyotes In Ohio

How to Survive When You See a Coyote
Posted On YouTube On October 13, 2019 By Bright Side [BrighSide.me]

Many Ohioans want to know what to do if they see a coyote in their backyard. Although it may seem like a more humane alternative, trapping, relocating and killing troublesome coyotes in Ohio is not a great idea because it does not really work. Coyotes typically avoid people. If you encounter coyotes, hazing techniques can teach them to stay away from your yard or property. You can exclude coyotes by building a fence.

The majority of coyotes are gray, though some show rusty, brown or off-white coloration. Over the last 100 years, coyotes have spread throughout the State of Ohio and are now common in every county. It has a bushy tail which is usually tipped with black. Coyotes, which are not native to Ohio, have been here since 1919 and are now found in all 88 counties of Ohio.

Coyotes are not normally dangerous to people in Ohio. Coyotes hunt on their own and do not hunt humans. However, can become aggressive around people if they have been fed.  If a coyote comes near you, throw things at it and make a make loud noises.

It is legal to kill coyotes in the State Of Ohio, although some cities and towns have their own hunting laws which may preclude killing coyotes. Coyotes in rural areas can be controlled through legal hunting and trapping methods. For more information, refer to the yearly Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet, here.

Learn how to solve problems with coyotes from The Humane Society of the United States, here. Although it may seem like a more humane alternative, in most cases relocating a coyote is a death sentence for that animal. Coyotes are very territorial and occupy large home ranges, in some cases up to 40 square miles.

After being relocated, they will do just about anything to get back home and will undoubtedly face many challenges along the way. Unfamiliar with their new terrain, they are often killed while crossing roads and highways. They may also be injured or killed during territorial disputes with coyotes who are already established in the area where they’re released. In addition, state wildlife laws usually prohibit the relocation of coyotes, since they are a rabies-vector species (although rabies is rare in coyotes).

Coyotes are considered a nuisance animal by the state of Ohio. If you need one removed call a trooper or the wildlife officer of your county. In Lake County, Ohio call 330-245-3034 or visit wildlife.ohiodnr.gov.

Find out what to do if a coyote is in your backyard, from the Ohio Department Of Natural Resources, here.

• Understand that coyotes are common throughout Ohio’s 88 counties in both rural and urban settings. There are no wild wolves living in Ohio.
• Identify that the canine is truly a coyote and not a stray dog. If you determine the animal is a stray dog, contact your county dog warden.
• If you do have a coyote on your property, remove all “attractants” to possibly deter the coyote from returning. This includes removing garbage and pet food before nightfall and cleaning up around the grill. Coyotes prey primarily on small mammals, such as rabbits and mice. Small pets may also be taken. Keep small dogs and cats inside. Coyotes are curious, but generally fearful of humans. Clap your hands and shout in a stern voice to scare off coyotes that are investigating your yard.
• If the coyote visiting your yard seems to lack a fear of humans or is presenting a conflict even after removing attractants from your yard, contact a nuisance trapper. Coyotes in rural areas can be controlled through legal hunting and trapping methods. See the Hunting & Trapping Regulations for more information.

Cities and Areas We Serve

• Athens, OH
• Cleveland, OH
• Columbus, OH
• Cincinnati, OH
• Dublin, OH
• Franklin County, OH
• Akron, OH
• Strongsville, OH
• Youngstown, OH
• Dayton, OH
• Toledo, OH
• Ashtabula, OH
• Medina, OH
• Westlake, OH
• Bay Village, OH
• Rocky River, OH
• Hudson, OH
• Lakewood, OH
• Brook Park, OH
• Athens, OH
• Cleveland Heights, OH
• Shaker Heights, OH
• Seven Hills, OH
• Springfield, OH
• Warrensville, OH
• Ashtabula, OH
• Euclid, OH
• Mentor, OH
• Beachwood, OH
• Springfield, OH
• Gates Mills, OH
• Brecksville, OH
• Zanesville, OH
• Brunswick, OH
• Avon, OH
• Avon Lake, OH
• Portsmouth, OH
• Fairview Park, OH
• Parma, OH
• Parma Heights, OH
• North Olmstead, OH
• Middleburg Heights, OH
• Independence, OH
• Mayfield Heights, OH
• North Ridgeville, OH
• Solon, OH
• Chagrin Falls, OH
• Eastlake, OH
• Canton, OH
• Willoughby, OH
• Berea, OH
• Brooklyn, OH
• Columbia Station, OH
• Valley View, OH
• Walton Hills, OH
• Lorain, OH
• Elyria, OH
• North Royalton, OH
• Broadview Heights, OH
• Sagamore Hills, OH
• Macedonia, OH
• Northfield, OH
• Bedford Heights, OH
• Bratenahl, OH
• Moreland Hills, OH
• Pepper Pike, OH
• Orange, OH
• University Heights, OH
• Richmond Heights, OH
• South Euclid, OH
• Wickliffe, OH
• Waite Hill, OH
• Hinckley, OH
• Olmsted Falls, OH
• Kent, OH
• Stow, OH
• Cuyahoga Falls, OH
• Sheffield Lake, OH
• Copley, OH
• Lodi, OH
• Westfield Center, OH
• Wadsworth, OH

Ohio Wildlife Information And Wildlife Services

• Ohio Division Of Wildlife (Ohio DNR)
• Ohio Wildlife Center
• Ohio Wildlife Rescue
• Cottom’s Wildlife Trapping, Removal, Exclusion And Control Service [For A Fee Service In Ohio]
• Ohio Wildlife Hospitals
• Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators List
• Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association – Find a Rehabilitator
• Ohio Wildlife Mammals
• Mammals Of Ohio Field Guide From ODNR [PDF]
• ODNR Fishing
• Ohio Wildlife Licensing System
• ODNR Hunting
• How To Become A Game Warden In Ohio
• How To Become An Ohio Wildlife Officer
• Animals In Ohio That Can Kill You

Division of Wildlife | Ohio Department of Natural Resources

A department of incredible diversity, ODNR owns and manages more than 800,000 acres of land, including 75 state parks, 24 state forests, 138 state nature preserves, and 150 wildlife areas.

The Division of Wildlife’s mission is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all.

Customer Service
1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543)
wildinfo@dnr.ohio.gov
Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM EST

Report a Wildlife Violation
1-800-POACHER (762-2437)
Report online

County Wildlife Officers

State Headquarters
2045 Morse Road
Building G
Columbus, OH, 43229
1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543)

Ohio Division of Wildlife On Facebook

Information On Wildlife Services In Ohio From The ODNR

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is the Ohio state government agency charged with ensuring “a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.” Ohio wildlife officials rescue injured bald eagles.

ODNR regulates the oil and gas industry, the mining industry, hunting and fishing, and dams, while maintaining natural resources such as state parks, state nature preserves, state wildlife areas, state forests, and state waterways. It was created in 1949 by the Ohio Legislature.

In May of 2021, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Mental Health kicked off Mental Health Awareness month by pairing up to create a new initiative called “Thrive Outside.”

The ODNR Division of Wildlife stocked more that 40 million sport fish in Ohio’s waters in 2020, including channel catfish, walleye, steelhead, saugeye, muskellunge, brown trout, rainbow trout, blue catfish, and hybrid striped bass.

In addition, ODNR licenses all hunting, fishing, and watercraft in the state and is responsible for overseeing and permitting all mineral extraction, monitoring dam safety, managing water resources, coordinating the activity of Ohio’s 88 county soil and water conservation districts, mapping the state’s major geologic structures and mineral resources, and promoting recycling and litter prevention through grant programs in local communities.

• Visit The Ohio Department Of Natural Resources Website
• Ohio Wildlife Customer Service | 1-800-WILDLIFE | (800) 945-3543
• Specialty Wildlife & Wild Animal Businesses In Ohio
• Licensed Commercial Nuisance Wild Animal Control Operators In Ohio [PDF List]
• COVID-19 Exposure and Safe Wildlife Handling Guidance For Ohioans [PDF]
• 2020‑2021 Ohio Hunting And Trapping Regulations – Seasons And Dates
• Commercial Nuisance Wild Animal Control Operator Licenses In Ohio

• Ohio Bat Exclusion Authorization Application
• Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits
• Ohio Fishing License & Resources
• Ohio Trapper Education Home Study Manual [PDF]
• Ohio Commercial Nuisance Wild Animal Control Operator License
• Ohio Hunting License & Resources
• Ohio Nuisance Wild Animal Control
• Ohio Commercial Wildlife Permits
• Division of Wildlife

• Mammals Of Ohio Field Guide From ODNR [PDF]
• Ohio Hunting License & Resources
• Ohio State Parks
• Ohio Trapper Education
• Current Map of Wildlife Rehabilitators In Ohio [PDF]
• Minimum Standards For Wildlife Rehabilitation in Ohio (DNR 5475) [PDF]
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit – Wildlife Transfer Form DNR 8919) [PDF]
• Frequently Asked Questions About Rehabilitation Of Bats [PDF]
• Trapper Education Course Student Examination [PDF From The Ohio Division Of Wildlife]
• Buy Hunting Licenses and Permits In Ohio
• Find a Destination

Wildlife Services State Offices – USDA APHIS
U.S. Department Of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Wildlife Services State Director: Andrew J. Montoney, Ohio
4469 Professional Parkway
Groveport, OH 43125
Phone: 614-993-3444
FAX: 614-836-5597
Toll-Free Number: 1-866-4USDAWS
(1-866-487-3297)
Andrew.j.montoney@aphis.usda.gov
www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife-damage/

USDA Resolves Wildlife Conflicts in Ohio

Every day, the Wildlife Services (WS) program in Ohio helps citizens, organizations, industries, and Government agencies resolve conflicts with wildlife to protect agriculture, other property, and natural resources, and to safeguard human health and safety. WS’ professional wildlife biologists and specialists implement effective, selective, and responsible strategies that value wildlife, the environment, and the resources being protected. WS manages wildlife damage according to its public trust stewardship responsibilities as a Federal natural resource management program. The program supports the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, based on the principle that wildlife resources are owned collectively and held in trust by Government for the benefit of present and future generations.

WS oversees a multitude of programs and projects within Ohio to resolve human/wildlife conflicts. WS works on airports to prevent aircraft-wildlife collisions. WS conducts disease surveillance to monitor wildlife diseases that threaten the health of people, pets, livestock, and wildlife. WS provides leadership and is a member of the Ohio Rabies Taskforce, and works year-round to stop raccoon variant rabies (RVR) from spreading westward and to eliminate the disease from the State.

Ohio’s livestock producers and crop farmers rely on WS’ expertise in resolving conflicts with wildlife such as coyotes, black vultures, feral swine, and blackbirds. As a member of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Task Force, WS-Ohio works to reduce predation on threatened species of turtles, manage mute swans to support trumpeter swan introduction and eliminate feral swine populations to protect natural resources and agriculture in the Lake Erie Region of Ohio. WS works with local communities to reduce wildlife conflicts in urban areas.

Download the full report in PDF format,  here.

Ohio Wildlife Center

The Ohio Wildlife Center offers humane pest control and animal rehabilitation services while fostering awareness and appreciation for Ohio’s native wildlife through rehabilitation, education and wildlife health studies.

Ohio Wildlife Center
Education & Administration
Business calls only. Scheduled programs.
6131 Cook Rd
Powell, Ohio 43065
614-734- 9453

Ohio Wildlife Center’s Hospital
Animal Admissions
2661 Billingsley Rd
Columbus, Ohio 43235
614-793-9453
Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm
Sat-Sun 9am – 3pm

The state’s largest, donation-supported Wildlife Hospital with on-site veterinary care, treating more than 6,000 patients each year representing more than 150 species from more than 60 of Ohio’s 88 counties.

A 20-acre outdoor Education Center with more than 50 Animal Ambassadors that greet visitors during our public events, camps and group programming.

SCRAM! Wildlife Control, a fee-for-service solution for human-wildlife conflicts to assist central Ohio home and business owners with access to humane wildlife eviction and exclusion services. SCRAM! has operated since 2001.

Wildlife assistance for the public via social media and phone for step-by-step guidance with wildlife issues and questions.

Volunteer and internship opportunities – more than 250 volunteers annually participate in volunteer services in animal care, education programming, events and administrative support.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Ohio Field Office
Midwest Region – Ohio Ecological Services Office

4625 Morse Road, Suite 104
Columbus, OH 43230
phone: 614-416-8993
e-mail: ohio@fws.gov
www.fws.gov/midwest/ohio/

The service works with public and private entities to conserve and restore Ohio’s endangered species, migratory birds, wetlands, and other important fish and wildlife resources.

The Ohio Field Office is the home of the Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division, for the state of Ohio. They cover projects on or affecting all the land and water within Ohio as well as the western basin of Lake Erie.

The mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service is “working with others, to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.” The Ohio Field Office uses that mission statement to guide all their our activities.

Shore Up House Now To Keep Unwanted Critters Out When Weather Turns Cold
Published By The Columbus Dispatch On August 25, 2019

Outdoor animals — from chipmunks and squirrels to muskrats and raccoons — may try to take up residence inside a house or garage when cold weather arrives. Now is the time to take for homeowners to take precautions. Read more here.

Found An Orphaned Or Injured Baby Wild Animal? [Information From The Humane Society Of The United States]

How to tell if baby animals are orphaned, injured or perfectly fine—and what to do if they need your help

It’s common to see baby wild animals outside during spring, as a new generation makes its way into the world. Baby wild animals might seem like they need our help, but unless the animal is truly orphaned or injured, there is no need to rescue them. These tips can help you decide whether to take action.

Signs that a wild animal needs your help

• The animal is brought to you by a cat or dog.
• There’s evidence of bleeding.
• The animal has an apparent or obvious broken limb.
• A bird is featherless or nearly featherless and on the ground.
• The animal is shivering.
• There’s a dead parent nearby.
• The animal is crying and wandering all day long.

If you see any of these signs, find help for the animal. If necessary, safely capture and transport them to the appropriate place for treatment.

Handling Gloves on Amazon.com

Tips for birds, rabbits, squirrels and other species

Whether an animal is orphaned and needs your help depends on their age, species and behavior. Babies of some species are left alone all day and rely on camouflage for protection, while others are tightly supervised by their parents. Read on for descriptions of what’s normal for each species.

Baby birds

If baby birds are clearly injured or in imminent danger, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If featherless or nearly featherless baby birds have fallen from their nest but appear unharmed, put them back in the nest if you can do so without danger to yourself. (It is a myth that birds will abandon their young if a person touches them.)

Fully feathered birds: If the original nest was destroyed or is too high to reach, hang a small, shallow wicker basket close to where the original nest was. Woven stick baskets from garden stores or supermarket floral departments work well; they resemble natural nests and allow rain to pass through so the birds won’t drown. Adult birds won’t jump into anything they cannot see out of, so make sure the basket is not too deep. Put the fallen babies into the new nest and keep watch from a distance for an hour to make sure the parent birds return to the new nest to feed their chicks. Watch closely, because parent birds can be quite stealthy. If they definitely do not return, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Nearly or mostly featherless birds: These birds will become too cold in a makeshift nest, so you must place them in the original nest. If that’s not possible, take them to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Remember that baby birds do best when raised by their parents or other birds, so try to reunite them with their parents before calling a rehabilitator.

Fledglings: Birds with fully feathered bodies, but short or non-existent tail feathers may be fledglings (adolescent birds who have left the nest). You might see them hopping on the ground, unable to fly. This is normal; birds learn to fly from the ground up! Fledglings might remain on the ground for a few days or even a week, supervised and fed by their parents a few times each hour before they get the hang of flying. You can tell if the fledglings are being fed by watching from a distance to see whether a parent bird flies over to them, usually a few times an hour. You can also look for white-grey feces near the fledgling. Birds defecate after being fed, so the presence of fecal material means that the birds are being cared for. Be sure to keep cats indoors and dogs leashed until the fledglings are old enough to fly. If you are positive that the parents aren’t returning to feed the babies, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Baby rabbits

Rabbits at least four inches long with open eyes and erect ears and who hop well are independent from their mother and should be allowed to fend for themselves. Uninjured baby rabbits in an intact nest should also be left alone. Although they might look abandoned because their mom isn’t around, mother rabbits visit their dependent young only a few times a day to avoid attracting predators. If the nest has been disturbed, lightly cover it with natural materials you find around the nest, like grass, fur or leaves and follow these steps:

• Keep all pets out of the area.
• Avoid touching the babies, because foreign smells may cause the mother to abandon their young.
• Use yarn or string to make a tic-tac-toe pattern over the nest to assess whether the mother is returning to nurse their young. Check back 24 hours later.
• If the yarn or string was moved aside, but the nest is still covered with fur, grass or leaves, the mother has returned to nurse the babies.
• If the “X” remains undisturbed for 24 hours, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Baby squirrels

A squirrel who is nearly full-sized, has a full and fluffy tail and can run, jump and climb is independent. However, if a juvenile squirrel continuously approaches and follows people, their mom is probably gone. In this case, you should contact a rehabilitator because the baby is very hungry and needs care.

There are a few cases where you might need to intervene:

• A baby squirrel falls from a nest.
• A nest falls from a tree.
• A felled tree contains an intact nest.

If the baby and/or their nest fell from the tree today, give the mother squirrel a chance to reclaim their young and relocate them to a new nest. If the baby is uninjured, leave them where they are, leave the area, keep people and pets away and monitor them from a safe distance.

If it’s chilly outside or the baby isn’t fully furred, place them in a shoebox with something warm underneath (like a heating pad on a low setting or a hot water bottle). Be sure to put a flannel shirt between the baby and the heating device, or they could overheat. Do not cover them with anything or the mother might not be able to find them.

If the babies are not retrieved by dusk, take these steps:

• Wearing thick gloves, gather the squirrels and place them inside a thick, soft cloth, such as a cloth diaper or fleece scarf or hat.
• Place one of the following items beneath the cloth: A chemical hand warmer inside a sock, a hot water bottle (replace the hot water every 30 minutes) or a heating pad set on the lowest setting. (If the heating pad has no cover, put it inside two pillowcases so the babies don’t overheat.)
• Place the baby squirrels, cloth and warmer inside a small cardboard box or carrier. Call a wildlife rehabilitator.

Baby deer

People often mistakenly assume that a fawn (baby deer) found alone is orphaned. If the fawn is lying down calmly and quietly, their mother is nearby and they are OK. A doe only visits and nurses their fawn a few times a day to avoid attracting predators. Unless you know that the mother is dead, leave the fawn alone.

Although mother deer are wary of human smells, they still want their babies back. If you already handled the fawn, quickly return the fawn to the exact spot where you found them and leave the area; the mother deer will not show herself until you are gone.

If the fawn is lying on their side or wandering and crying incessantly all day, they probably need help. If this is the case, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Baby foxes

Fox kits will often appear unsupervised for long periods while their parents are out hunting for food. They will play like puppies around the den site until the parents decide they’re old enough to go on hunting trips. Then they will suddenly disappear. Observe the kits from a distance; if they seem energetic and healthy, leave them alone. If they appear sickly or weak, or if you have reason to believe both parents are dead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Baby opossums

Baby opossums are born as embryos, barely larger than a bee, and spend about two months nursing in their mother’s pouch. When they get to be about three to four inches long and start riding around on their mother’s back, they may fall off without the mother noticing. As a general rule, if an opossum is over seven inches long (not including the tail), they’re old enough to be on their own. If they’re less than seven inches long (not including the tail), they are orphaned and you should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Baby raccoons

If a baby raccoon has been alone for more than a few hours, they are probably an orphan. Mother raccoons don’t let their young out of their sight for long. Put an inverted laundry basket over the baby (with a light weight on top so they cannot push their way out) and monitor them until well into the nighttime hours (raccoons are nocturnal, so the mom should come out at night to reclaim her baby). You can also put the cub in a pet carrier and close the door. Instead of latching it, prop it closed with an angled stick. When the mother returns, she’ll run in front of the carrier, push over the stick and the door will pop open.

If the mother does not return, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. In spring and summer, people often set traps in a misguided effort to resolve garbage and other “nuisance” issues. Unfortunately, this approach leads to trapped and killed mothers who leave their starving young behind. If anyone in your neighborhood is setting traps, persuade them to use more humane and effective methods instead.

Baby skunks

If you see a baby skunk (or a line of baby skunks, nose-to-tail) running around without a mother in sight, they could be orphaned. Skunks have poor eyesight, so if something scares the mother and they run off, the babies can quickly lose sight of them.

Monitor the situation to see if the mother rejoins their young. If the babies are on the move, put on gloves and slowly place a plastic laundry basket (with lattice sides) over the babies to keep them in one spot and make it easier for the mother to find them. Do not put a weight on top of the laundry basket.

If the mother returns to her young, she will flip up the basket and get them. If she has trouble doing this, you should lift the basket to let them out. Remember that skunks are very near-sighted, so fast movements can startle them into spraying. If you move slowly and speak softly though, you will not get sprayed. Skunks warn potential predators by stamping their front feet when they’re alarmed, so if the mother doesn’t do this, you’re safe to proceed. If no mother comes to retrieve the young by dawn, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Finding help for the animal

Once you’re sure the animal needs your help, call a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. If you’re unable to locate a rehabilitator, try contacting an animal shelter, humane society, animal control agency, nature center, state wildlife agency or veterinarian.

Capturing and transporting the animal

Never handle an adult animal without first consulting a wildlife professional. Even small animals can injure you. Once you’ve contacted someone who can help, describe the animal and their physical condition as accurately as possible.

Unless you are told otherwise, here’s how you can make an animal more comfortable for transport while you’re waiting for help to arrive:

1. Put the animal in a safe container. For most songbirds, a brown paper bag is fine for transport. For larger birds or other animals, use a cardboard box or similar container. First, punch holes for air (not while the animal is in the box!) from the inside out and line the box with an old T-shirt or other soft cloth. Then put the animal in the box.
2. Put on thick gloves and cover the animal with a towel or pillowcase as you scoop them up gently and place them in the container.
3. Do not give the animal food or water. It could be the wrong food and cause them to choke, trigger serious digestive problems or cause aspiration pneumonia. Many injured animals are in shock and force-feeding can kill them.
4. Place the container in a warm, dark, quiet place—away from pets, children and all noise (including the TV and the radio)—until you can transport the animal. Keep the container away from direct sunlight, air conditioning or heat.
5. Transport the animal as soon as possible. Leave the radio off and keep talking to a minimum. Because wild animals aren’t accustomed to our voices, they can become very stressed by our noises. If they’re injured or orphaned, they’re already in a compromised condition. Keep their world dark and quiet to lower their stress level and help keep them alive.

Ohio Wildlife Field Guides And Backyard Wildlife [Download PDFs From The Ohio Department Of Natural Resources]

• Amphibians of Ohio Field Guide
• Attracting Birds in Ohio
• Backyards for Butterflies
• Birds of Magee Marsh Field Checklist
• Birds of Ohio Field Checklist
• Butterflies and Skippers of Ohio Field Guide
• Common Birds of Ohio Field Guide
• Common Spiders of Ohio Field Guide
• Dragonflies and Damselflies of Ohio Field Guide
• Hit the Trail for Bluebirds
• Injured or Orphaned Wildlife? What You Need to Know
• Mammals of Ohio Field Guide
• Milkweed and Monarchs
• Moths of Ohio Field Guide
• Nest Box Plans
• Owls of Ohio Field Guide
• Reptiles of Ohio Field Guide
• Raptors of Ohio Field Guide
• Trees of Ohio Field Guide
• Spring Wildflowers of Ohio Field Guide
• Warblers of Ohio Field Guide
• Waterbirds of Ohio Field Guide
• Stream Fishes of Ohio Field Guide
• Common Lichens of Ohio Field Guide
• Bees and Wasps of Ohio Field Guide
• Sportfish of Ohio Field Guide
• Poster: Born Wild, Stay Wild “I Am Not A Pet”
• Poster: Please Don’t Feed Wildlife
• Poster: Box Turtle “I Am Not A Pet”
• There’s a Coyote in Your Backyard: What Should You Do?
• Millipedes of Ohio Field Guide
• Freshwater Snails of Ohio Field Guide

List Of Mammals Of Ohio

This list of mammals of Ohio includes a total of 70 mammal species recorded in the state of Ohio. Of these, three (the American black bear, Indiana bat, and Allegheny woodrat) are listed as endangered in the state; four (the brown rat, black rat, house mouse, and wild boar) are introduced; two (the gray bat and Mexican free-tailed bat) are considered accidental; and eight (the American bison, elk, fisher cougar, Canada lynx, gray wolf, American marten, and wolverine) have been extirpated from the state. Read more here.

Raccoons In Ohio [From The Ohio Department Of Health]

Raccoons can be found throughout the state and in all habitat types, with the majority being found in northwestern and central Ohio along rivers and streams bordering farmland habitats. They have also moved into suburban and urban areas and can live almost any place where there is food for them to eat and a den to serve as shelter. Many of them live, temporarily at least, in drain tiles and sewer systems. Raccoons defecate in communal sites called latrines. They are nocturnal and are up and about during the dark hours of the night. Even though raccoons do not really hibernate, they can sleep for days, and even weeks at a time, during the cold winter months. Read more here.

About Wildlife In Ohio

• History Of The Wildlife In Ohio [PDF]
• Nuisance Wild Animals
• Woodchucks/Groundhogs In Ohio
• Wildlife At The Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden [The Cleveland Museum Of Natural History]
• Birds In Ohio
• Otters In Ohio
• Invasive Species In Ohio
• Snakes In Ohio
• Bears In Ohio
• Squirrels In Ohio
• Reptiles Of Ohio [PDF]
• Bats In Ohio
• Nuisance Birds In Ohio
• Mink In Ohio
• Skunks In Ohio
• Amphibians In Ohio
• Creepy Bugs In Ohio
• Deer In Ohio
• Grackles In Ohio
• Sparrows In Ohio
• Borrowing Animals In Ohio
• Muskrat In Ohio
• Chipmunks In Ohio
• Rats In Ohio
• Rabbits In Ohio
• Weasels In Ohio
• Mice In Ohio
• Hawks In Ohio
• Invasive Pests In Ohio
• Apex Predators In Ohio
• Starlings In Ohio
• Fish In Ohio
• Insects And Spiders In Ohio
• Opossums In Ohio
• Moles In Ohio [PDF]
• Endangered Animals In Ohio
• Owls Of Ohio
• Raptors Of Ohio [PDF]
• Woodpeckers In Ohio
• Voles In Ohio
• Pigeons In Ohio
• Geese And Swans In Ohio
• Falcons In Ohio
• Dangerous Animals In Ohio
• Fox In Ohio
• Eagles In Ohio
• Coyotes In Ohio
• Beaver In Ohio

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