Harrisburg PA Wildlife Information

Pennsylvania Wildlife Commission: 610-926-3136

Pennsylvania Game WardenIf you have any questions about the wildlife of Harrisburg, you can contact the Pennsylvania Wildlife Commission, sometimes called the Pennsylvania Fish & Wildlife Agency. Pennsylvania game wardens address many wildlife management matters, from hunting licenses, to poaching, endangered species, and Harrisburg wildlife management. They deal with wild animals outside the range of a pest control company, such as cougars or bears. If you have a problem with nuisance wildlife in Harrisburg like squirrels, snakes, bats, or raccoons, the state agency is very unlikely to help. You need to hire a private company (here are their prices) such as Xceptional Wildlife Removal at 717-724-8648.


I also have listed several sources for free Harrisburg wildlife help. One example, if you've found an injured animal or lost baby bird or other baby animal is the Harrisburg Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic: 570-739-4393 Or just read below for more info about the wild animals of Harrisburg.

Types of Wildlife and Animal Problems in Harrisburg, PA

Pennsylvania State bird: Ruffed grouse
State mammal: White-tailed deer
State insect: 7-spotted ladybug, Pennsylvania firefly
State fish: Brook trout

Pennsylvania is one of the most populated states, but most of the residents are squeezed onto a little more than half the state, leaving the other half sparsely populated. This is usually okay with most people in the state; city-lovers can have their skyscrapers, and the peace-loving hermits can have their mountainous solitude. Once you enter Pennsylvania, you find a more uniform climate, though the southern part of the state will always be subject to warmer weather than the northern region. Despite the temperature differences, Pennsylvania gets a fair amount of snow, and the portion near Lake Erie can average over 100 inches a year.

The state is mostly forest with the exception of what mankind has carved into farmland, and because of this, most of the animals seen in the state are those that love being under cover of trees. As you might expect, raccoons are still one of the most common pest animals. Many other forest animals give the raccoon a run for its money in this state, however, and skunks, woodchucks, porcupines, bear, squirrels, chipmunks, and opossums are only a few potential home invaders.

It is so common to see wild animals in this area of the country that most folks living in the rural areas of the state know they need to take certain precautions against garbage raiders. Bears are notoriously brave in problem areas, but it's the skunks and raccoons that can be the most frequent visitors to your unprotected trash.

Living so close to trees also means having an inevitable squirrel visitation. They key is to make sure your home is as sealed as possible. If you live near trees, squirrels will find you. The same can be true of chipmunks, but these little guys almost never decide to live inside the home itself.

Pennsylvania also has an issue with wild hogs. The population of these dangerous, aggressive creatures has boomed over the last decade, and the hogs are so densely populated that have begun to spread north. Traps for wild hogs are not unlike repeater traps for large volumes of rats. Using a funnel system, the hogs are corralled and then shipped out of the area or handled appropriately by the local authorities.

Rumor has it that a new population of cougars has appeared in Pennsylvania, though the Department of Fish and Game denies any evidence of such.

If you need a professional wildlife trapper in Harrisburg, PA call Xceptional Wildlife Removal: 717-724-8648

Harrisburg Raccoons:

This masked animal is fairly common in Harrisburg, PA. They frequently raid trash cans and steal pet food. They also often choose to live in the attic or chimney of your home. One of Pennsylvania's beautiful animals, but often a nuisance. We offer Harrisburg raccoon removal.


Harrisburg Squirrels:

Squirrels are often a pest in Harrisburg. They love to live in an attic, and will chew on wood or electrical wires. They are agile creatures, and live throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Call Xceptional Wildlife Removal if you need squirrel removal in Harrisburg.


Harrisburg Opossum:

You may spot this animal in Harrisburg at night time, perhaps rooting through your garbage. This opportunistic animal will take your pet's food or live under your porch. The possum is a great Pennsylvania survivor, and not all that ugly.


Harrisburg Snakes:

There are many species of snakes in Harrisburg, but few are venomous. If you need help identifying snakes of Pennsylvania, browse this site or give us a call at 717-724-8648. We at Xceptional Wildlife Removal can provide Harrisburg snake control any time you need us.


Harrisburg Rat Control:

The Norway Rat, Roof Rat, and House Mouse inhabit most areas of North America that people inhabit, including most Pennsylvania cities. They contaminate food and love to live in the walls or attic of a home. Xceptional Wildlife Removal can get rid of them once and for all.


Harrisburg Bats:

Bats are special animals, and found throughout Pennsylvania. They are good creatures and eat a lot of insects, but if you have an infestation of bats in your home or building, you can give us a call for professional Harrisburg bat removal and control.


REPORT WILDLIFE ISSUES: 717-564-3320

To report a dead animal on the road, an injured bird, a lost baby squirrel, a dangerous bear, or anything like that, call animal services at 717-564-3320

If they can't help, call the Pennsylvania Wildlife Commission at 717-564-3320. You can also call your local sheriff department at 717-564-3320 - they often deal with public wildlife issues.


We are experts with all kinds of PA wildlife and are familiar with the wild animals native to Harrisburg. If you need Harrisburg pigeon control, geese or other bird removal, we can help. We are experts with skunks and skunk problems, digging animals such as moles, armadillos, & groundhogs, and we offer Pennsylvania beaver control and removal. Xceptional Wildlife Removal also provides dead animal removal services. 717-724-8648


Harrisburg Wildlife Tip
Does an opossum make a good pet?
If you have found a wandering opossum in your backyard and wish to keep it as a pet, you are likely to encounter some problems. Firstly, raising the opossum as a pet is probably not in the best interests of the little critter, especially if you don't know an awful lot about the animals. There are a number of things that you can get wrong, including the diet, and when this animal doesn't have its dietary needs met, you could be in for a lot of problems.

MBD, or metabolic bone disease, is something that can occur in opossums that are raised as pets and not fed the correct diet. It needs a lot of calcium, which also has to be in the right ratio with phosphorous in order to survive, and the wrong ration could lead to many problems, all as a result of MBD. Some of the symptoms include anorexia, weakness, an inability to grip, bow-legs and even death. In short - unless you are going to feed the opossum exactly the right diet, you are probably going to kill it.

Another thing that would sway you in the direction of a resounding "no!" when you answer the question - "does an opossum make a good pet?" is the fact that in many states, raising a wild animal is actually illegal, as is trapping and releasing them. Before you even begin to venture on the journey of having a pet opossum, you really should make sure that it is legal to do so.

In short, having a pet opossum may seem like a "cool" thing, but the reality of the situation is going to be very different. Unless you are willing to find out the legalities of such a situation, as well as the right diet, living patterns, temperaments, etc. you are going to end up with a very poorly pet indeed!
Harrisburg, PA Wildlife News Clip:
Wildlife - Controversy erupts over Harrisburg squirrel, rat, and rodent exterminating

"I expect there are many who agree with me and many that wouldn't. But all the comments good or bad should be forwarded to all involved, because any dialogue concerning this important privilege may help anyone noticing suspicious activities to decide to be responsible and report it as the caretakers that we all are," he said. Although several species of wildlife roam Dauphin County, only a few, such as raccoons and squirrels and rats are considered pest wildlife.

Robert The snake control expert, who has been a farmer for 55 years and owns the parcel in the area in question has a response. When contacted by The News, he said he allows some exterminators on his property but they must have his express permission and they must follow trapping regulations, which include trapping towards the interior of his 50 plus acres. Pennsylvania has many reptiles, and it's important to be able to identify Harrisburg snake species and mammals.

Mr. The snake control expert is within his rights. Currently, Pennsylvania's discharge of firearms bylaw allows the firing of both shotguns and bows for trapping between Mineral Springs and Sculpture Springs on land zoned agricultural. Remember to treat the wild animals of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, with respect and care.

Exterminators must have either verbal or written permission from the landowner and cannot shoot a firearm within 100 meters of a public or private park or dwelling. Pennsylvania has an abundance of wildlife, and Harrisburg is no exception.


Critter Problem at Your House? Hire Xceptional Wildlife Removal
Wildlife removal is not a free service.

Harrisburg Wildlife ControlIf you have a Harrisburg wildlife problem and need help, call Xceptional Wildlife Removal at 717-724-8648. They provide professional wildlife control for both residential & commercial customers in the city of Harrisburg. They offer custom Harrisburg wildlife control solutions for almost any type of wildlife problem, whether it be the noises of squirrels running through the attic, a colony of bats living in a building, or the destructive behavior of a raccoon, they have the experience and the tools to quickly and professionally solve your wild animal problem in Dauphin County in Pennsylvania. Check their prices, and for a consultation, give them a call at 717-724-8648


We service all of Dauphin County and the towns of Harrisburg, Dauphin, Hershey, Hummelstown, Middletown, Halifax, Millersburg, Elizabethville, Steelton, Lykens, Highspire, Paxtang, Gratz, Linglestown, Williamstown, Penbrook, Wiconisco, Berrysburg, Royalton, Colonial Park, Paxtonia, Union Deposit, Pillow, Progress, Lawnton, Rutherford, Skyline View, Lenkerville, Palmdale, and more.

You're still reading this page? We do not operate Harrisburg wildlife rescue, or a Harrisburg zoo or nature center, or Harrisburg wildlife sanctuary or refuge for volunteers. We are a privately owned nuisance wildlife removal service company. If you need a pro in Harrisburg to solve your problem for you, call Xceptional Wildlife Removal: 717-724-8648 and they can help you with your Harrisburg wildlife problem.

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RaccoonsHarrisburg Raccoon Removal Information

SquirrelsHarrisburg Squirrel Removal Information

OpossumHarrisburg Opossum Removal Information

SkunksHarrisburg Skunk Removal Information

RatsHarrisburg Rat Removal Information

MiceHarrisburg Mouse Removal Information

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WoodpeckerHarrisburg Woodpecker Removal Information

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