The Critter Hunter

No, this would fall under pest control.  Pest control is an industry all of its own and their license differs from that of a Wildlife Control Operators license.  You will need to find a Pest Control company to take care of this for you.  You can look them up online in our area or in your local telephone book.

Rick Wilberschied a/k/a The Critter Hunter

Absolutely in no way do we ever recommend anyone deal with a wildlife matter without extensive training or experience. All kinds of wildlife can be dangerous. Some people may think, “What could that poor little squirrel do to me? huh!”. Let me tell you, they can do a lot. A two pound squirrel is nothing but solid muscle, large chiseled teeth and long sharp claws. I’ve seen those long sharp chiseled teeth chew through metal flashing and metal screening. Imagine what they can do to a finger or a hand if you try to grab them.

Or, how about a raccoon, they can get up to 30 plus pounds. Even though they look like a fat friendly teddy bear like creature, the only way I can make people realize just how strong these creatures are is they actually have strength enough to pull up shingles and plywood and tear a hole big enough to get into your attic. I’ve also seen them tear aluminum siding off a house to gain access inside. These animals are just plainly strong with their long sharp razor like claws and up to a six hundred pound square inch bite! All wild animals are very unpredictable.

I recently had a woman call to tell me she needed my assistance with some squirrels that moved into their attic. When I asked her if she was sure they were squirrels, she replied “Yes, I am sure they are squirrels. My husband did not want to hire anybody to take care of this problem and said he could handle it himself. Why should I pay somebody when I can do it myself. He put an extension ladder up against the house to get to the roof. He was about 25 feet off the ground where he was promptly greeted by a squirrel that shot out of the hole. It startled my husband and he fell to the ground. He suffered two cracked vertebrae and was just released from the hospital.”  I said “Ok, that’s proof enough for me and went out to their home to set up the job.”  This story is to prove a point, anything can happen, call an All That’s Wildlife Inc.  professional to deal with all wildlife conflicts.

Rick Wilberschied a/k/a The Critter Hunter

This can be a very tricky question. After determining what kind of animal is causing the problem you also have to look at what time of the year it is.  Is it a raccoon?  Is it during the spring when it might be a female and may have a litter of babies?  Is it fall or winter?  Is it squirrels?  This question of how many do you think there are can take on a hundred different answers.  So again, it is important to have an All That’s Wildlife, Inc. professional come out and do a full assessment of your situation. Generally we can determine what kind of animal it’s going to be while talking to you on the phone.  But in order to get a full grasp of what is going on we need to physically come to the location and see what the problem is and then we can try to determine of how many there are.  But, it will only be an educated assumption.  Most of time no one could ever tell just how many there are going to be.  Animals generally live as a single or family unit. Animals that are living in the area where you are having your problems are just that, single or family units.  Not every animal in your area is living in your house.

Yes, you guessed it, in this case it was a female raccoon and her babies.

Rick Wilberschied a/k/a The Critter Hunter

In this case it was a Raccoon in Attic

First of all it could be a few different things but let me ask you a few key questions first.  What are you exactly hearing, scratching, scurrying, and squealing?  Is it more of a scurrying or does it sound heavier and deliberate like a large bodied animal.  What time of the day or night are you hearing these noises and when do you hear it the most?

Have you noticed any holes in your roof or other possible damage to soffits, facias, down spouts or any other part of your house, such as shingles, or insulation lying on or around the ground?  Do you have any trees overhanging any part of your roof?  Do you have any trees or shrubbery close to your house that would give an animal easy access?

These are just some of the preliminary questions I ask the customer before I can even begin to diagnose the problem or even begin to determine what type of animal it may be.  In my experience its usually raccoons in the attic, squirrels in the attic, or bats in the attic.  To learn more about these animals visit my website at www.allthatswildlife.com.

Rick Wilberschied

I was just reading an article from TimesOnline regarding a teenage folk singer, Taylor Mitchell that was hiking through a national park in Nova Scotia when she was attacked by a pair of alpha coyotes.  She was severely wounded and succumbed to her injuries.  Although this is a rare occurrence it is becoming more and more common everyday.  Because she reached some level of popularity, her story managed to reach the media. But there are many other incidences out there that go on unreported every day.

It is very important to always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you may be.  All wildlife is very unpredictable and you may never know what may happen at any time.

My sincere heartfelt feelings go out to this girl and her family.  An innocent walk on a trail through a national park should never turn into a tragedy.  My suggestion is to never go willingly alone into the wilderness or anywhere else where there is wildlife that may pose a threat to your well being, always make sure you have someone with you.  It’s always more fun to go with a companion anyway whether with a family member or a friend.

I understand that the best remedy for the soul is time alone in nature but the path you travel should always lead you safely back home.  Do your loved ones a favor, take someone with you.

The Question I am always asked “Can you help us with our wild animal problem?”

Definitely! The first questions I always ask are “what are you seeing; what are you hearing? Then I go more in-depth: what time of the day or night have you heard or seen the animal? Do you recognize what kind of animal it is? Can you pick them out of a line up? If you’ve seen the animal, how many did you see? Where is the problem at? Do you see damage anywhere?

The most common places for wildlife to take up residence are in attics, under stoops, decks, basements, garages, and inside walls. Finding out as much as I can allows me to find out what type of animal it is and to prepare before I come for the inspection.

Every type of animal is handled differently. Some are smarter than others. Knowing the animal allows me to plan my course of action to insure for a successful capture (and to bring the proper equipment).

We do not come out for domestic animals, dogs, cats, etc. Asking the question “what are you seeing” allows me to direct them to call Animal Control if it is indeed a domestic animal.

Rick Wilberschied a/k/a The Critter Hunter

Coyote Sightings and Confrontations

It is becoming all too familiar wherever you go!  Coyotes are everywhere.  In wildlife control we notice them more than most, yet the calls are coming in to ATW more and more every week.

Our callers are always a little excited HEY!!!  I just spotted a coyote in our yard – is this normal?  Do you think it might have rabies?  Should we stay in the house?  Do we have to put the dog on a leash???  There are a lot more questions too.

If you find yourself, your family members or a pet in a confrontation with a coyote, FIRST, NEVER EVER approach any wild animal.  SECONDLY, if you come across a coyote – don’t run.  Always make yourself look BIG!!!  Make a lot of noise.  Yell.  Clap your hands.  Keep making loud noises.

If a coyote comes on to your property, usually they are just passing through.  They dine on almost everything and as the winter wears on they look for easy meals and begin to lose their natural fear.  They are opportunistic and see meals in:  trash, bird feeders, BBQ grills, pets, children and sometimes adults.

You can read more about Coyotes on my web page, www.allthatswildlife.com or contact Rick Wilberschied at 1-847-980-5561, or via email at rick@allthatswildlife.com