Nuisance Wildlife

No matter how much you appreciate wildlife, some wildlife species can become a nuisance on your property. Common nuisance mammals in Rhode Island include raccoons, opossums, and skunks because these species are attracted by smells associated with humans. They will pursue garbage or food left outside and may interact with outdoor pets. White-tailed deer can also cause problems to the vegetation in your yard and woodland – learn more here: Impact of Deer.

Relocation of wildlife is prohibited, so when dealing with a nuisance animal, it is best to take preventative measures in and around your home. Depending on the species, there may be a number of features attracting them to your land. Changes to waste storage or plant species can deter nuisance animals from your home without requiring a hands-on approach, but if removal is necessary, call a local specialist in the nuisance wildlife business.

Visit the following pages for more information from RIDEM about nuisance species and prevention techniques:

And for more general information about nuisance wildlife, see the following RIDEM publications:

How to Animal-Proof Your Home
Solving Problems with Backyard Wildlife