What Qualifies as a Wildlife Emergency?

Most wildlife issues are a slow burn—a noise in the attic that goes on for weeks. But sometimes, the situation is immediate and dangerous. HWCS offers 24/7 emergency service, but homeowners often panic and don’t know when to call.

True Emergencies

1. Bat in the Living Space

If a bat is flying around your bedroom, kitchen, or living room, this is an emergency.

• The Risk: Rabies exposure. If you were sleeping, you cannot be sure you weren’t bitten.
• Action: Close interior doors to confine the bat to one room. Do NOT open a window (we need to catch it to test it). Call us immediately.

2. Animal Inside the Living Area

A raccoon falling through a ceiling tile, a squirrel running around the kitchen, or a snake in the hallway.

• The Risk: Physical injury to people/pets and massive property damage as the panicked animal destroys the room trying to escape.
• Action: Evacuate people and pets from that room. Close the door. Stuff a towel under the door gap so it can’t squeeze out. Call us.

3. Fire Hazard

Smoke coming from a chimney because of a nest blockage, or the smell of burning plastic/electrical wires accompanied by scratching noises.

• Action: Call the Fire Department (911) first. Then call us to remove the animal source.

Non-Emergencies (Can Wait Until Morning)

• Noises in the attic (unless breaking through).
• Animal trapped in a window well (it’s safe there for a few hours).
• Dead animal smell (unpleasant, but not life-threatening).

When in doubt, call our line. Our dispatchers can triage the situation and tell you if a technician needs to come out at 3 AM or 8 AM.