Wildlife Removal in Philadelphia: Raccoons, Squirrels, and Urban Wildlife

Philadelphia's extensive park system — Fairmount Park, Wissahickon Valley Park, Pennypack Park, and Cobbs Creek Park — creates green corridors that bring wildlife directly into residential neighborhoods. Raccoons, squirrels, opossums, groundhogs, and skunks regularly find their way into attics, crawl spaces, and garages across the city. Humane, licensed wildlife management is essential.

Common Wildlife Conflicts in Philadelphia

Squirrels

The most frequent wildlife call in Philadelphia. Eastern gray squirrels are abundant throughout the city, particularly in neighborhoods adjacent to parks and mature tree canopy — Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, Germantown, Overbrook, and Wynnefield. They enter homes through:

• Deteriorated roof vents and soffits
• Gaps at roof-fascia junctions
• Uncapped chimneys
• Tree branches overhanging rooflines

Once inside, squirrels create fire hazards by chewing electrical wiring, damage insulation, and create noise disturbances. Females seek attic spaces for nesting, particularly in late winter (February-March) and summer (July-August).

Raccoons

Raccoons are highly adaptable and thrive in Philadelphia's urban environment. They're found throughout the city but are especially common in Northwest Philadelphia (Roxborough, Manayunk, East Falls) and neighborhoods bordering Fairmount Park. Raccoons enter homes through:

• Weak soffits and fascia boards that they can pull apart
• Uncapped chimneys (a favorite denning site)
• Pet doors
• Garage doors left open at night

Raccoons can cause significant structural damage, contaminate insulation with feces, and carry rabies. Professional removal is strongly recommended.

Opossums

North America's only marsupial is common throughout Philadelphia. Generally less destructive than raccoons, opossums typically shelter under porches, in garages, and in crawl spaces. They're beneficial animals that eat large quantities of ticks, but they can create odor issues and conflicts with pets.

Groundhogs (Woodchucks)

Surprisingly common in Philadelphia, particularly in neighborhoods with gardens and green spaces. Their burrows can undermine foundations, sidewalks, and retaining walls. Common in West Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, and any area with unmaintained lots or adjacent parkland.

The Humane Removal Process

Our wildlife removal follows a proven four-step process:

1. Inspection: Thorough exterior and interior inspection to identify the species, entry points, nesting locations, and extent of damage. We use thermal cameras and borescopes when needed.

2. Humane removal: One-way exclusion doors allow animals to leave but prevent re-entry. For situations requiring direct removal, we use humane live traps. All methods comply with Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations.

3. Exclusion repair: After removal is confirmed, we seal all entry points with heavy-gauge hardware cloth, galvanized steel, or expanding foam with wire mesh. This prevents re-entry by the same or different animals.

4. Cleanup and restoration: We remove contaminated insulation, sanitize affected areas, and replace damaged materials. This step is critical for health — raccoon feces can contain roundworm eggs that remain infectious for years.

Pennsylvania Wildlife Regulations

Pennsylvania has specific regulations governing wildlife removal:

• A Wildlife Control Operator license is required for commercial wildlife removal
• Certain species have protected seasons
• Relocation of wildlife is restricted — most animals must be released on the same property or humanely euthanized
• Bat exclusion is prohibited during maternity season (May 1 - August 15)

We hold all required Pennsylvania licenses and follow all Game Commission regulations.

FAQ: Wildlife in Philadelphia

Serving Philadelphia Since 2018 · Call (212) 580-9301