Prevent Unwanted Wildlife Encounters

With the weather warming up and spring on the way, wildlife will become more active. Our native wildlife will be building nests and giving birth over the next few months. Homeowners should be proactive to reduce unwanted wildlife from entering or damaging property. We've included some tips and advice below on species that are common in our area...


Raccoons Have two birthing seasons April - May and August. Raccoons give birth in higher places and then eventually move their young to a lower location once they get a little bit older. It is always good to check your soffits, attic fans, vents, and chimneys prior to April. Make sure that everything on your home is secured. If you notice any weak spots or small openings it is important to do repairs and secure that area as soon as possible. If a raccoon is to enter your attic or soffit you can try effective deterrents to humanely evict the animal. Raccoons do keep multiple nesting areas that they will move their babies to once deterred. Residents should also be proactive by securing trashcans with bungy cords to eliminate an easy food source for raccoons. Waterfront homes should always clean up after fishing and crabbing; removing any old bait from traps and disposing of marine carcasses that can attract raccoons and other wild animals.

Squirrels have two birthing seasons March- May and August- September. Squirrels are opportunists. They will make a nest anywhere that is available to them. Attics, car engines, sheds, chimneys, soffits etc.… it is important to put any outdoor cushions you have away prior to their baby season. Squirrels will often use insides of cushions as nesting material. They will also use twigs, pine needles, leaves, and dead grass. Squirrels can be rather destructive once they enter the inside of your car motor or your attic. They will chew wires, tear apart insulation and chew on beams. It is important to check your car engine regularly and look for evidence of nesting, especially if your car has been sitting for a couple of days. Also, check your soffits, attic vents, and sheds regularly for weak spots. If you notice a squirrel frequenting the same location on your home or shed, they may have already made a nest and had babies. Cutting branches back from your roof line also helps in deterring squirrels. Bird feeders also attract squirrels, removing them helps deter them. 

Skunks birthing season is May to June. Skunks are ground dwellers. They burrow most frequently under sheds, but also occasionally homes. Check the perimeter of your home and shed for any new holes. If you start noticing a strong odor day after day you may have a new unwelcomed family of skunks. Tennis balls soaked in ammonia tend to work well when evicting skunks. Also placing grub killer down on your lawn will eliminate their food source and hopefully encourage them to move on. Skunks do not have good vision; they rely on scent to navigate which is why deterrents that smell like a predator (ammonia) help evict them.

Opossums also have two birthing seasons March- April and July - August. Opossums are north Americas only marsupial. They carry their young in a pouch located on their belly. Once the babies outgrow the pouch; they carry their babies on their back. If you ever find a palm sized opossum alone, please contact our department as it may have accidently fallen off mom to early, and is too young to survive on their own. Opossums unlike other species do not have good maternal instincts. They also do not nest because they are marsupials so you will not need to do anything to deter or prevent them as they do not do damage and are great back yard neighbors to have. Opossums consume ticks, spiders and other pests.

Ground hogs give birth typically between May and June. Ground hogs also burrow under homes and sheds, they have tunnel systems that can cover multiple lots. Ground hogs can cause damage to foundations as well sprinkler systems with their tunnels. Constantly check for new holes being dug. Ammonia-soaked tennis balls or rags can be placed in the holes to discourage ground hogs from continuing to burrow there. Filling up the hole usually does not work as they will dig it back out in hours, they typically have multiple entrances and exits. Ground hogs are mostly herbivores, but sometimes they include insects in their diet. Residents can be proactive by protecting back yard gardens and plants. Build raised gardens, with strong fencing to prevent access to areas that are potentially food sources for groundhogs.

Foxes give birth typically in the month of March. Foxes usually have two dens that they use once they give birth. Keeping your trash secured and not feeding outdoor cats will prevent foxes from visiting your property. They are very shy in nature and usually do not do damage to properties. The vixen and her mate care for their young by hunting small prey. If you see an ill or injured fox, please contact us at (609) 597-1000 ext 8525. 

You can also visit the Division of Fish and Game website for more helpful tips at Wildlife | Need Help With Wildlife | Fish & Wildlife (nj.gov). 

For more tips, advice or to report any sick or injured wildlife please contact our department at (609) 597-1000 ext 8525. Emergency situations after hours can be called into (609) 597-8581.