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Wildlife

Common Types of Wildlife in Washington

Wild animals in their natural habitat are an enjoyment to watch. When they invade your home, wildlife becomes a serious problem. Unfortunately, there are several types of wildlife that cause problems for property owners in Washington; they include squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and skunks.

  • California Gray Squirrels

    Large ground squirrels, California gray squirrels are members of the rodent family and are grayish-brown in color with off-white coloring on their bellies. They also have a triangular patch of dark fur on their backs. Their tails may be bushy but aren’t always. They grow up to 11 inches in length and their tail adds another seven inches to their total length.

  • Chipmunks

    Chipmunks are also a type of rodent and have easily identifiable dark brown and light brown stripes that run down their backs; the rest of their bodies are reddish-brown in color. Their tails are about three to four inches long and are darker in color than the rest of them. Adult chipmunks grow to between five and six inches in length (not including the tail) and weigh between 2 ½ and 3 ½ ounces.

  • Douglas Squirrels

    Another rodent, Douglas squirrels are small squirrels that grow to about 12 inches in length when you include their five-inch bushy tails. They have dark brown fur on their backs that fade to a reddish-gray or brownish-gray. Their tails have a black tip. These squirrels are very vocal and often heard “scolding” people.

  • Marmots

    Marmots are house cat-sized rodents and may exceed 10 pounds.  They appear in shades of brown, yellow, or tan and have long, bushy tails.

    Marmots are capable of producing a piercing whistle. They use their whistle to warn off predators and potential intruders.

    *Limited services available for marmots.
  • Raccoons

    Raccoons have many easily recognizable physical features including a black “mask” of fur that surrounds their eyes, fluffy black and gray ringed tails, and a hunched appearance caused because their hind legs are longer than their front legs. Their bodies are covered in dense salt and peppered colored fur. Raccoons may grow to up to three feet in length and weigh between 10 and 30 pounds.

  • Skunks

    Their most unique feature is their black body which has a white stripe starting at their head and divides into two stripes that travel down their entire body and tail. But, their most identifiable characteristic is the extremely foul odor that skunks spray from glands found at the base of their tail as a defense mechanism. If sprayed directly into a person's or animal's eyes the spray can cause temporary blindness.

    Adult skunks grow to between 20 and 30 inches in length, with their tail adding 7-15 inches to their total length. Adults weigh between 2.5 and 11.5 pounds (i.e. the size of a small housecat).

    *Limited services available for skunks.

Why do I have a problem with wildlife?

Wild animals are attracted to properties that offer them easy access to food, water, and shelter. Gardens, bird feeders, compost piles, unsecured trash cans, and pet food left outdoors will attract wildlife. Wildlife may also burrow underneath sheds, decks, and porches or even invade your attic, chimney, or crawlspace if they can find a way in.

Do wildlife bite?

Any wild animal has the potential to bite, especially if it feels threatened. If you discover wildlife in your home or on your property, we recommend avoiding the animal completely and calling a professional.

Are wildlife dangerous?

Any animal that feels cornered or threatened is likely to become aggressive and attack. Bites and scratches can cause health issues including the spread of rabies. Wild animal feces and urine can also create health risks. What’s more, wild animals can introduce fleas, ticks, and mites into your home potentially causing more health issues.

Wildlife can cause damage to the home itself. It’s not uncommon for these animals to chew on wires and pipes, shred insulation, and damage wildlife as well as other building materials. What’s more, wildlife is likely to damage personal belongings stored in those areas.

How do I get rid of wildlife?

If you’ve discovered wildlife in your home, contact Prosite. Our team of experts offers effective wildlife control and squirrel control services that include an onsite inspection, removal of any animals, and sealing areas so that wildlife cannot get back in. For details about our humane wildlife removal and exclusion services, please contact us today.

How do I prevent problems with wildlife?

To prevent wildlife problems, we recommend removing potential food sources from your property, repairing holes on the exterior, and sealing any other potential openings.

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