Wildlife Problem FAQ's

  • Will NCWRC pick up an animal I have trapped?
    • No. When setting a trap, it is your responsibility to not only follow all trapping rules and regulations but also be prepared to handle any animals that you trap. It is the responsibility of the trapper to visit traps daily and remove any captured animal(s). Most wildlife species cannot be relocated. Due to 15A NCAC 10B .0106, wild animals in the order Carnivora, armadillos, groundhogs, nutria, and beaver trapped under depredation circumstances shall be humanly euthanized at the site of capture or at a facility. If you do not want to release the animal yourself, a Wildlife Control Agent can be hired.
  • Who removes dead animals?
    • Property owners are responsible for disposing of dead animals on their property. The animal can be buried or left to decompose naturally. Some cities/counties offer a curbside pick-up service. The Wildlife Resources Commission does not provide dead animal removal services. If the dead animal is on a public road or right-of-way, you can report road debris to the N.C. Department of Transportation at 877-368-4968 or online. Licensed wildlife control agents can remove dead animals for a fee.
    • Our biologists are currently collecting biological information from black bear carcasses across NC. If you have a dead bear on your property, or have seen one on the road, please report it to 866-318-2401 so a biologist can be notified. DOT may remove dead animals on state-maintained roadways if causing traffic concerns. Wildlife Control Agents can be hired to remove dead animals, however not all agents offer this service.
  • Can wildlife be relocated?
    • It is illegal to relocate many wildlife species in North Carolina, including those in the order Carnivora (e.g., coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, bears, bobcats, mink, weasels, and otter), armadillos, groundhogs, nutria, and beaver. When these species have been trapped for depredation reasons (causing property damage), they must either be humanely euthanized or released on the same property they were captured (15A NCAC 10B .0106). Feral swine must be euthanized while still in the trap, in accordance with G.S. 113-291.12. For species not listed above, captured individuals can either be euthanized, released where they were captured, or released on private property with permission from the property's owner. It is illegal to release wildlife on public lands, including but not limited to game lands, parks, wildlife preserves, and roadsides.
    • Importantly, relocation is not considered to be an environmentally responsible or humane method of resolving wildlife conflicts for the following reasons:
    • High mortality - wildlife removed from their home territory have a low chance of survival.
      Ineffective - strong homing instincts drive relocated wildlife to return to their home territory, or die trying. Relocation also does not solve the underlying issue that attracted the animal in the first place.
      Spreads disease - relocating wild animals helps spread any diseases or parasites they are carrying to new areas.
      Relocates the problem - wildlife that have become habituated to humans will continue to cause issues wherever they are relocated. 
  • How can I protect my pet from wildlife?
    • The best way to protect pets from wild animals is by closely supervising them when they're outside. Dogs should be kept on a leash or inside a dog-proof fence (at least 6 feet tall with barrier to prevent digging under). Toy breed dogs are especially vulnerable; they should be kept on a short leash and never left outside without supervision, especially at dawn and dusk. Cats should never be allowed to freely roam outside. 
  • Can feeding wildlife be harmful?
    • Leaving out food for wild animals, while seemingly benign, can contribute a variety of harmful outcomes including the spread of disease, overpopulation, and preventable conflicts between people and wildlife. Fed wildlife can lose their natural, healthy fear of people, putting them at risk and leading, in some cases, to aggressive behavior that can put people at risk. The best way to help wildlife is to manage your property using native plants that feed and provide shelter for wild animals naturally. Hazards of Feeding Wildlife (PDF) Attract Birds, Not Bears (PDF) Native Plants for Birds
  • What should I do if I find injured wildlife?
    • Animals will often be more aggressive if they are injured. Be extremely cautious when approaching any potentially injured wildlife. If an injured animal is found and you know the number of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area, you can call them for assistance.
    • Find a Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator in your area for more information and contact numbers. You can also call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 to obtain the name and telephone number of a licensed rehabilitator in your area. Wildlife Enforcement should be contacted for any injured deer or black bear at 800-662-7137.
  • I found a baby animal what should I do with it?
    • If you have found a juvenile animal by itself, it is very important to first determine whether or not it truly is orphaned. Many animals will be left alone during the day so that predators are not alerted to their presence. If the animal does not have any visible wounds and appears active and alert, chances are it is not truly orphaned, and the parents are close by keeping an eye on things. It is always best to leave the animal alone and reassess the situation in 24 hours. If in 24 hours the animal has not moved, and there have been no signs of the mother returning, you should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
    • You can find rehabilitator contact information in the Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator web app or contact the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 to obtain the name and telephone number of a licensed rehabilitator in your area.
  • There is a fawn laying alone. Is it ok?
    • Just seeing a fawn laying by itself does not mean it has been orphaned. Fawns will be left alone for long periods of time until they are old enough to keep up with the mother. This allows the mother to forage for food without attracting predators to the location of their fawn. Fawns are often found hidden within tall grass or bushes, but they can sometimes be found in more conspicuous locations like backyards. If you find a fawn and are concerned it may be orphaned leave it alone for at least 24 hours to see if the mother returns. If the fawn has not moved after 24 hours and there have been no signs of the mother returning, contact the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401.
  • If I touch a baby bird will the mother abandon it?
    • Birds do not readily abandoned nests because they “smell humans”. However, if a nest is repeatedly disturbed by humans (especially before the eggs hatch) a mother bird may choose to abandon the nest if she believes the area is no longer safe. If you find a young bird on the ground that is featherless or fuzzy and has closed eyes, try to locate the nest and gently place the bird back inside the nest. If the bird has feathers, open eyes, and appears alert it has likely fledged the nest and is being cared for by its parents on the ground.
  • How can I protect my pet from wildlife?
    • The best way to protect your pets from interacting with wildlife is through supervision. Keep pets contained, leashed or supervised when outside. Domestic pets left alone outside become vulnerable to interactions with wildlife and should not be left to roam the property alone, especially at night.
  • How can I become a Wildlife Rehabilitator?
    • Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator is not a decision to take lightly. Applicants must be able to document their experience in the field, and acquire a Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit. Click here to see the rehabilitator guidelines, and here for upcoming training opportunities.
  • What are the consequences of feeding wildlife?
    • Feeding wildlife can cause animals to lose their fear of people, and become accustomed to human presence. This can lead to animals becoming aggressive, and can increase the spread of wildlife diseases. Additionally, human food is not healthy for wild animals and they do not need food from humans to survive.
  • What Are Recommendations for Rehabilitating Bats with White-nose Syndrome?
  • I saw a nocturnal animal out during the day. Does it have rabies?
    • It's unlikely. Nocturnal mammals can be awake during the day for many reasons, such as being disturbed from their resting spot or just looking for a "midday snack." In the springtime, nocturnal animals are often awake day and night while caring for newborn young. Additionally, wildlife that live in cities or neighborhoods often become comfortable around people, and may not immediately run away at the sight of a person.
    • If a wild animal is showing any of the following signs of rabies, stay away and notify your local animal control.
      • unprovoked aggression
        appearing drunk, confused, or unable to maintain balance
        appearing completely unaware of its surroundings
        biting at the air or random objects
        Fur loss and low body weight are not usually signs of rabies, but can indicate other types of illness, such as mange.
  • I came in contact with an animal that might be rabid. What should I do?
    • If you have handled, been bitten by, or otherwise had direct contact with a potentially rabid animal, immediately and thoroughly wash the area with soap and water and contact your physician or county health department for further guidance and possible treatment. You or your physician may also contact your local animal control to retrieve the animal for rabies testing.
  • Will the Wildlife Resources Commission remove a wild animal that is acting unusual?
    • The NC Wildlife Resources Commission does not provide any trapping or wildlife removal services. If a person or pet has come into direct contact with a potentially rabid animal, contact your county health department to report a potential rabies exposure.
    • If the animal is causing property damage, contact a licensed Wildlife Control Agent for assistance.
  • Is Chronic Wasting Disease in North Carolina?

Email: HWI@ncwildlife.org Call: 866-318-2401. The Wildlife Helpline is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Find a Wildlife Rehabilitator