What to do About Wildlife
Outer Banks Wildlife
What to do about wildlife
Animal Services does not respond to wildlife calls unless the animal appears sick, injured or is a cause for concern for the transmission of rabies.
Raccoons and Fox
As populations grow and we expand our neighborhoods into natural habitats, it is not uncommon to see raccoons or foxes during daytime hours. This is more common in neighborhoods where these animals may not have had a direct encounter with humans or learned a fear of them.
If you observe a fox or raccoon walking very slow, acting disoriented or lacking motor skills, then you should contact Animal Control. Most of the time this is distemper, but this behavior could also be rabies.
Young Wildlife
You should not intervene with any young wildlife. Deer will often leave newborn fawns for hours at a time, but normally come back for them. To find out more about orphaned wildlife, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission website for guidance.
Bats
You should contact Animal Control immediately if inside your house. Bats will often cling to curtains or drapes and will not fly around if left undisturbed. Try to close off all other doors and contain the bat to one room.
NOTE: Animal Control will only respond to calls about bats WITHIN the home. They will not respond if in the garage or attic.
Loons
If you see a loon resting on the beach, please leave it alone. Common loons beach themselves to rest and can rest for up to 24 hours. They can only take flight from a large body of water. As a result, they will beach themselves close to the tideline so they can get back in the water easily to take flight. Also, the birds look injured because their feet are set backwards (how it looks to us); therefore, they look injured if and when they try to walk. The birds can be aggressive and will peck to protect themselves.
