Dog Law, Stray Dogs & Dangerous Dogs

For questions or problems involving dog-law enforcement, stray dogs, dangerous dogs, dog bites, kennel licensing, or other Pennsylvania dog-law matters, contact: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement Phone: 717-787-3062 The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is responsible for enforcing Pennsylvania's dog laws and handling matters involving dangerous and stray dogs.

Deer & Pennsylvania Game Wildlife

For injured deer, orphaned deer, dead deer, sick wildlife, abandoned wildlife, or other Pennsylvania game wildlife, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Southeast Region: 610-926-3136 24/7 Wildlife Dispatch: 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453) The Southeast Region serves Schuylkill County and the surrounding southeastern Pennsylvania counties. The Game Commission specifically accepts reports concerning injured and sick wildlife.

Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

For injured, sick, or orphaned native wildlife, including mammals and reptiles, contact: Schuylkill Wildlife Rehabilitation / Wildlife Clinic at the Schuylkill Center Phone: 215-482-7300, option 2 Text: 215-853-6271 Please contact a wildlife rehabilitator before attempting to handle or move an injured wild animal.

Injured or Orphaned Wild Birds

For injured, orphaned, or oiled native wild birds, contact: Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Phone: 302-737-9543 Address: 170 Possum Hollow Road, Newark, DE 19711 Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research provides rehabilitation and medical care for injured and orphaned native wild birds.

What's the difference between wildlife removal and wildlife control?

Wildlife removal focuses on safely extracting animals already inside your property, while wildlife control emphasizes long-term prevention and exclusion to stop future infestations. At Delaware County Animal Control, we identify entry points and behavioral patterns to provide lasting solutions beyond temporary fixes.

How does humane animal trapping work for raccoons and skunks?

Humane traps are placed strategically based on the animal's behavior and your property layout, capturing wildlife without harm. At Delaware County Animal Control, we use species-appropriate techniques for raccoons, skunks, and opossums, especially when animals cannot be accessed through standard removal methods.

When should you call for emergency wildlife removal?

Call immediately if animals are causing safety concerns, property damage, or disturbances inside your home or business. Delaware County Animal Control offers same-day and emergency response for urgent situations across Media, Swarthmore, and surrounding Delaware County communities.

What wildlife entry points are common in older homes?

Older homes in Delaware County often have vulnerable rooflines, attic vents, chimneys, and crawlspace gaps that wildlife exploit. At Delaware County Animal Control, we're experienced with regional construction styles and address chewed vents, damaged siding, and roof gaps during removal and repair.

How do you safely remove bats from attics?

Bat removal uses exclusion-based methods that allow bats to exit but prevent re-entry, avoiding harm to the animals. Delaware County Animal Control addresses bat entry points common in older Delaware County homes and focuses on reducing health concerns from droppings and odors.

What health risks come from dead animals in walls or crawlspaces?

Deceased animals create odors, attract insects, and pose sanitation and disease transmission risks. Delaware County Animal Control removes dead wildlife from hard-to-reach areas like walls, attics, and under structures, helping homeowners address health hazards quickly.

Can wildlife damage repair prevent future animal problems?

Yes, repairing chewed vents, damaged siding, and roof gaps blocks re-entry after removal or trapping. At Delaware County Animal Control, we're familiar with construction styles throughout Delaware County and provide repairs that support long-term property protection.

When are bees and hornets most active in Pennsylvania?

Bee and hornet activity peaks during warmer months in southeastern Pennsylvania, typically late spring through early fall. Delaware County Animal Control removes active nests near roofs, siding, and outdoor structures promptly to reduce sting risks and allergic reaction concerns.

What's the biggest mistake homeowners make with nuisance wildlife?

Many homeowners delay professional help, allowing wildlife to cause structural damage, nest, or multiply. At Delaware County Animal Control, we recommend contacting licensed experts early to address entry points and prevent costly repairs in Media and Delaware County homes.

Why do raccoons and squirrels target attics and chimneys?

Attics and chimneys offer warmth, shelter, and nesting space, especially during breeding seasons. Delaware County Animal Control removes these animals from residential properties and identifies how they accessed rooflines and crawlspaces to prevent future intrusions.

How does exclusion work for long-term wildlife control?

Exclusion involves sealing entry points and using deterrents to prevent animals from returning after removal. At Delaware County Animal Control, we provide customized strategies based on local wildlife behavior and peak seasons in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Are all animal control technicians in Pennsylvania required to be licensed?

Yes, Pennsylvania requires animal control professionals to be licensed and certified for husbandry and habitat management. All employees at Delaware County Animal Control hold state certifications, ensuring safe, humane, and compliant wildlife removal and control practices.

Do you offer same-day or emergency wildlife removal in Darby and Delaware County?

Yes — we provide same-day and 24/7 emergency wildlife removal throughout Darby and Delaware County, including Media, Drexel Hill, Swarthmore, Brookhaven, Wallingford, and Glenn Mills. Whether it's a raccoon in your attic, a snake in your basement, or a dead animal in the walls, our licensed technicians respond fast to protect your home and family.

What makes a wildlife control company the best choice for Darby, PA homeowners?

The best wildlife control company for Darby homeowners combines rapid response, licensed technicians, and services that cover the full problem — removal, exclusion, and damage repair — not just a single visit. Local knowledge of Delaware County wildlife patterns and 24/7 availability are the factors that most directly protect your home when an infestation can't wait.

How quickly can a wildlife removal technician reach homes in Darby and surrounding Delaware County areas?

Same-day response is available for urgent wildlife situations throughout Darby and the broader Delaware County area. Fast arrival matters most when animals like raccoons, bats, or snakes pose an immediate health or safety risk inside a home.

What should I do if a dead animal is inside my wall or ceiling?

If you smell a foul odor coming from inside a wall or ceiling, a dead animal is likely the cause. Unlike carcasses on public roads — which municipalities handle — removal from inside your home is a private responsibility. A technician can locate the animal, open the access point, extract the remains, and deodorize the area.

Who should I call for dead animal removal in Darby, PA?

Delaware County Animal Control handles dead animal removal for Darby residents, whether the carcass is in a yard, crawlspace, attic, or inside a wall. Removal from private property is the homeowner's responsibility, not the municipality's, so calling a licensed wildlife control service is the right first step.

Is a dead animal smell inside my house a sign of something in the wall?

Yes — a persistent foul odor localized to one area of a wall or ceiling almost always indicates a dead animal trapped inside. Rodents, squirrels, and other wildlife commonly die inside wall cavities after entering through small gaps or exclusion points, and the smell will not resolve on its own until the remains are fully removed.

How can you tell if a snake on your property is venomous, and what should you do before help arrives?

Stay back and never attempt to corner or handle the snake. If you can do so safely from a distance, note its color, pattern, and head shape — triangular heads and heat-sensing pits are common in venomous species found in Delaware County. Keep people and pets clear of the area and call a licensed wildlife technician to handle the situation.

Who should I call for snake removal in Darby, PA?

Call a licensed wildlife removal technician who serves Darby and Delaware County — they have the training and equipment to safely capture and relocate snakes without harming people or the animal. Attempting to remove a snake yourself risks a bite, even from species that appear non-threatening.

What kinds of snakes are commonly found on properties in Delaware County, Pennsylvania?

Delaware County properties can attract both non-venomous snakes like garter snakes and rat snakes, which are drawn by rodent activity and dense vegetation, as well as the occasional venomous species. Because identification on sight is unreliable for most homeowners, any unfamiliar snake should be treated as potentially dangerous until a trained technician assesses it.

Wildlife Removal & Control FAQ's | Delaware County Animal Control

Dog Law, Stray Dogs & Dangerous Dogs
For questions or problems involving dog-law enforcement, stray dogs, dangerous dogs, dog bites, kennel licensing, or other Pennsylvania dog-law matters, contact:

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement
Phone: 717-787-3062
The Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement is responsible for enforcing Pennsylvania's dog laws and handling matters involving dangerous and stray dogs.
Deer & Pennsylvania Game Wildlife
For injured deer, orphaned deer, dead deer, sick wildlife, abandoned wildlife, or other Pennsylvania game wildlife, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Southeast Region: 610-926-3136
24/7 Wildlife Dispatch: 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453)

The Southeast Region serves Schuylkill County and the surrounding southeastern Pennsylvania counties. The Game Commission specifically accepts reports concerning injured and sick wildlife.
Injured or Orphaned Wildlife
For injured, sick, or orphaned native wildlife, including mammals and reptiles, contact:

Schuylkill Wildlife Rehabilitation / Wildlife Clinic at the Schuylkill Center
Phone: 215-482-7300, option 2
Text: 215-853-6271

Please contact a wildlife rehabilitator before attempting to handle or move an injured wild animal.
Injured or Orphaned Wild Birds
For injured, orphaned, or oiled native wild birds, contact:

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research
Phone: 302-737-9543
Address: 170 Possum Hollow Road, Newark, DE 19711

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research provides rehabilitation and medical care for injured and orphaned native wild birds.

What's the difference between wildlife removal and wildlife control?
Wildlife removal focuses on safely extracting animals already inside your property, while wildlife control emphasizes long-term prevention and exclusion to stop future infestations. At Delaware County Animal Control, we identify entry points and behavioral patterns to provide lasting solutions beyond temporary fixes.
How does humane animal trapping work for raccoons and skunks?
Humane traps are placed strategically based on the animal's behavior and your property layout, capturing wildlife without harm. At Delaware County Animal Control, we use species-appropriate techniques for raccoons, skunks, and opossums, especially when animals cannot be accessed through standard removal methods.
When should you call for emergency wildlife removal?
Call immediately if animals are causing safety concerns, property damage, or disturbances inside your home or business. Delaware County Animal Control offers same-day and emergency response for urgent situations across Media, Swarthmore, and surrounding Delaware County communities.
What wildlife entry points are common in older homes?
Older homes in Delaware County often have vulnerable rooflines, attic vents, chimneys, and crawlspace gaps that wildlife exploit. At Delaware County Animal Control, we're experienced with regional construction styles and address chewed vents, damaged siding, and roof gaps during removal and repair.
How do you safely remove bats from attics?
Bat removal uses exclusion-based methods that allow bats to exit but prevent re-entry, avoiding harm to the animals. Delaware County Animal Control addresses bat entry points common in older Delaware County homes and focuses on reducing health concerns from droppings and odors.
What health risks come from dead animals in walls or crawlspaces?
Deceased animals create odors, attract insects, and pose sanitation and disease transmission risks. Delaware County Animal Control removes dead wildlife from hard-to-reach areas like walls, attics, and under structures, helping homeowners address health hazards quickly.
Can wildlife damage repair prevent future animal problems?
Yes, repairing chewed vents, damaged siding, and roof gaps blocks re-entry after removal or trapping. At Delaware County Animal Control, we're familiar with construction styles throughout Delaware County and provide repairs that support long-term property protection.
When are bees and hornets most active in Pennsylvania?
Bee and hornet activity peaks during warmer months in southeastern Pennsylvania, typically late spring through early fall. Delaware County Animal Control removes active nests near roofs, siding, and outdoor structures promptly to reduce sting risks and allergic reaction concerns.
What's the biggest mistake homeowners make with nuisance wildlife?
Many homeowners delay professional help, allowing wildlife to cause structural damage, nest, or multiply. At Delaware County Animal Control, we recommend contacting licensed experts early to address entry points and prevent costly repairs in Media and Delaware County homes.
Why do raccoons and squirrels target attics and chimneys?
Attics and chimneys offer warmth, shelter, and nesting space, especially during breeding seasons. Delaware County Animal Control removes these animals from residential properties and identifies how they accessed rooflines and crawlspaces to prevent future intrusions.
How does exclusion work for long-term wildlife control?
Exclusion involves sealing entry points and using deterrents to prevent animals from returning after removal. At Delaware County Animal Control, we provide customized strategies based on local wildlife behavior and peak seasons in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Are all animal control technicians in Pennsylvania required to be licensed?
Yes, Pennsylvania requires animal control professionals to be licensed and certified for husbandry and habitat management. All employees at Delaware County Animal Control hold state certifications, ensuring safe, humane, and compliant wildlife removal and control practices.
Do you offer same-day or emergency wildlife removal in Darby and Delaware County?
Yes — we provide same-day and 24/7 emergency wildlife removal throughout Darby and Delaware County, including Media, Drexel Hill, Swarthmore, Brookhaven, Wallingford, and Glenn Mills. Whether it's a raccoon in your attic, a snake in your basement, or a dead animal in the walls, our licensed technicians respond fast to protect your home and family.
What makes a wildlife control company the best choice for Darby, PA homeowners?
The best wildlife control company for Darby homeowners combines rapid response, licensed technicians, and services that cover the full problem — removal, exclusion, and damage repair — not just a single visit. Local knowledge of Delaware County wildlife patterns and 24/7 availability are the factors that most directly protect your home when an infestation can't wait.
How quickly can a wildlife removal technician reach homes in Darby and surrounding Delaware County areas?
Same-day response is available for urgent wildlife situations throughout Darby and the broader Delaware County area. Fast arrival matters most when animals like raccoons, bats, or snakes pose an immediate health or safety risk inside a home.
What should I do if a dead animal is inside my wall or ceiling?
If you smell a foul odor coming from inside a wall or ceiling, a dead animal is likely the cause. Unlike carcasses on public roads — which municipalities handle — removal from inside your home is a private responsibility. A technician can locate the animal, open the access point, extract the remains, and deodorize the area.
Who should I call for dead animal removal in Darby, PA?
Delaware County Animal Control handles dead animal removal for Darby residents, whether the carcass is in a yard, crawlspace, attic, or inside a wall. Removal from private property is the homeowner's responsibility, not the municipality's, so calling a licensed wildlife control service is the right first step.
Is a dead animal smell inside my house a sign of something in the wall?
Yes — a persistent foul odor localized to one area of a wall or ceiling almost always indicates a dead animal trapped inside. Rodents, squirrels, and other wildlife commonly die inside wall cavities after entering through small gaps or exclusion points, and the smell will not resolve on its own until the remains are fully removed.
How can you tell if a snake on your property is venomous, and what should you do before help arrives?
Stay back and never attempt to corner or handle the snake. If you can do so safely from a distance, note its color, pattern, and head shape — triangular heads and heat-sensing pits are common in venomous species found in Delaware County. Keep people and pets clear of the area and call a licensed wildlife technician to handle the situation.
Who should I call for snake removal in Darby, PA?
Call a licensed wildlife removal technician who serves Darby and Delaware County — they have the training and equipment to safely capture and relocate snakes without harming people or the animal. Attempting to remove a snake yourself risks a bite, even from species that appear non-threatening.
What kinds of snakes are commonly found on properties in Delaware County, Pennsylvania?
Delaware County properties can attract both non-venomous snakes like garter snakes and rat snakes, which are drawn by rodent activity and dense vegetation, as well as the occasional venomous species. Because identification on sight is unreliable for most homeowners, any unfamiliar snake should be treated as potentially dangerous until a trained technician assesses it.

Frequently Asked Questions