Wildlife We Remove
East Tennessee's wooded landscapes and suburban neighborhoods bring people and wildlife into close contact year-round. When animals establish themselves in or around your home, professional removal is the safest and most effective path forward. We handle the following species:
Raccoon Removal
Attic invasions, chimney nesting, property damage, and raiding trash cans and pet food
Squirrel Removal
Attic and wall void nesting, electrical wire chewing, and structural gnaw damage, including flying squirrels
Bat Removal
Attic colonies, guano accumulation, and seasonal exclusion work regulated by Tennessee law
Snake Removal
Removal from homes, crawlspaces, garages, and yards, including venomous species identification
Skunk Removal
Den removal from under homes, decks, sheds, and foundations, plus yard damage from grubbing
Opossum Removal
Crawlspace intrusion, trash raiding, and pet food theft
Bird Removal
Nesting in vents, soffits, and attic spaces
Groundhog Removal
Burrowing under decks, sheds, and foundations, plus garden and landscaping damage
Our Approach to Wildlife Removal
Wildlife control requires a different skill set than pest control. These are regulated animals governed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and handling them requires specific training, certification, and methods. Our technicians are TWRA-certified and trained in the safe, humane removal of all nuisance wildlife species found in East Tennessee.
Every wildlife situation is unique. The species, the location of the animal, the time of year, and whether young are present all influence how we approach the job.
Inspection and Assessment
We inspect your property to identify the species, locate entry points, assess the extent of activity, and determine whether young are present. This step is critical — the approach for a nursing raccoon in an attic is very different from a lone opossum under a deck.
Humane Trapping and Removal
We use a variety of trapping options, one-way exclusion devices, and species-specific techniques to safely remove wildlife from your property. Our methods are designed to be humane for the animal and safe for your family and our team.
Exclusion and Repair
Removing the animal is only half the job. If we don't seal the entry points they used to get in, another animal will find its way in behind them. Our exclusion and repair services address the structural vulnerabilities that gave wildlife access to your home in the first place.
Cleanup and Restoration
Wildlife can leave behind droppings, urine, nesting material, and damaged insulation that create ongoing health and odor concerns. For significant contamination, our attic restoration service removes compromised material and restores the space to a clean, safe condition.
Signs You Have a Wildlife Problem
Not sure if what you're hearing is wildlife? Common indicators include:
- Scratching, thumping, or scurrying sounds in the attic, walls, or crawlspace, especially at dawn, dusk, or during the night
- Droppings in the attic, on the roof, or around the exterior of your home
- Visible damage to soffits, fascia, vents, or roofline where animals have chewed or clawed their way in
- A strong, persistent odor from urine, droppings, or a dead animal inside the structure
- Torn or displaced attic insulation
- Tipped trash cans, raided pet food bowls, or damage to gardens and landscaping
- Staining or grease marks around entry points where animals repeatedly enter and exit
If you're noticing any of these signs, contact us for a free inspection. The sooner we identify what's there and how it's getting in, the faster we can resolve it and prevent further damage.
Why You Shouldn't Handle Wildlife Yourself
It can be tempting to try to deal with a nuisance animal on your own, but there are good reasons to call a professional:
- Many wildlife species in Tennessee are protected by state regulations that dictate how and when they can be removed. Improper handling can result in fines.
- Animals that feel cornered or threatened can bite, scratch, or spray. Even a caged animal can still pose a risk.
- Attempting to seal an animal inside a structure — or separating a mother from her young — creates secondary problems that are more expensive and dangerous to resolve.
- Some species, particularly bats, have seasonal restrictions that prohibit removal during certain times of year.
- Wildlife can carry rabies, histoplasmosis, leptospirosis, and other diseases that pose real health risks during handling.
When you call Critter Wranglers, we handle every step properly and legally so you don't have to worry about any of it.
Contact Critter Wranglers for Wildlife Removal Today
Critter Wranglers is locally owned and operated, licensed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, certified by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and fully bonded and insured. Wildlife removal is where our company started, and it remains one of our core specialties. Our technicians understand animal behavior, seasonal patterns, and the regulations that govern wildlife handling in Tennessee.
Contact us today to schedule your free inspection, or give us a call at (865) 973-1095.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wildlife removal legal in Tennessee?
Yes, but it's regulated. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency sets rules for how and when nuisance wildlife can be trapped and removed. Certain species have seasonal restrictions, and specific methods must be used. Critter Wranglers is TWRA-certified, so you can be confident that every removal is handled in full compliance with state regulations.
Do you kill the animals you remove?
We prioritize humane, live removal whenever possible. We use live traps, one-way exclusion devices, and other methods designed to humanely capture and relocate animals away from your property. In some situations, such as when an animal is sick or when relocation isn't permitted under state regulations, other methods may be necessary. We'll always discuss your options before proceeding.
What's the difference between wildlife removal and pest control?
Wildlife removal covers larger animals like raccoons, squirrels, bats, skunks, opossums, snakes, birds, and groundhogs. These are regulated species that require TWRA certification to handle. Pest control covers insects and other invertebrates, plus rodents like mice and rats. Critter Wranglers is certified and licensed to handle both, which means one company covers everything.
How quickly can you respond to a wildlife issue?
We understand that hearing an animal in your attic or finding a snake in your garage creates urgency. We prioritize wildlife calls and work to get a technician to your property as quickly as possible.
Will the animal come back after removal?
Not if we seal the active and potential entry points. Removing the animal without addressing how it got in is a temporary fix. That's why our process always includes an inspection of entry points and a recommendation for exclusion work to prevent re-entry. Most of our wildlife removal jobs include exclusion as part of the overall solution.
Do you handle dead animal removal?
Yes. If wildlife has died inside your walls, crawlspace, attic, or anywhere on your property, our team can locate and remove it. We also offer dead animal cleanup and deodorizing services to address any odor or contamination left behind.