Many wildlife are well adapted to living near people and as they become accustomed to humans they may cause conflicts. Options for handling issues will vary by species. Learn how to prevent and resolve conflicts with wildlife by clicking on each species below.
In some instances you can work with a nuisance animal control company. You can use our nuisance animal control directory to search for a company closest to you. We do not endorse or explicitly recommend any of the business on this list.
Ground squirrel (includes chipmunk), porcupine, red squirrel and Russian boar may be hunted and trapped, and feral pigeon, house sparrow, starling and woodchuck may be hunted, year-round, statewide with a valid base license.
Cottontail rabbit, fox squirrel, gray squirrel, ground squirrel, red squirrel, and woodchuck may be taken year-round, using all legal hunting and trapping methods for those species as permitted by law, on private property without a license or written permit when doing, or physically present where they could imminently cause, damage. Damage means physical harm to forest products, roads, dams, buildings, orchards, apiaries, livestock and horticultural or agricultural crops.
Crow, house sparrow and starling may be taken be taken if doing or about to do damage to private property or committing or about to commit depredations. A license or written permit is not needed.
Michigan is home to nine bat species. All of Michigan’s bats primarily eat insects. These insectivores provide important benefits to farmers and landowners by consuming harmful insects that damage crops. All bat species in Michigan are protected and may not be harmed. If you find a dead bat outdoors, contact your local DNR office to have it submitted for disease testing.
Bats can become nuisances when they enter homes, businesses or outbuildings. Bats can enter through very small cracks – just 1 ¼ inch by 3/8 inches in size.
If it has been determined by the local health department or veterinarian that no exposure has occurred and the bat is not needed for testing, here are some tips for removing the bat:
Michigan’s largest rodent, the beaver, is known for great feats of engineering, building dams and lodges out of logs, sticks, and mud. However, beavers can cause problems for landowners when their gnawing habits ruin landscape trees and when their dams create flooding.
If you are located on private land in Zone 3 and it is outside of that timeframe, or if you’re located in any other counties, contact the local DNR Customer Service Center, year-round, to obtain a Damage and Nuisance Animal permit
Black Bears are most common in the northern two thirds of the state, with occasional sightings further south. Black bears have enormous appetites and an excellent sense of smell. They can remember the locations of food sources from year to year. Bears will travel great distances to find food. Black bears are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, eating both plant and animal matter.
Contact the local DNR office for additional management options if prevention techniques have been unsuccessful.
Please note that Canada goose roundup and relocation has been cancelled in 2023 due to highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Canada geese have experienced population growth in areas throughout North America, including Michigan. This trend is due in part to the success of wildlife management programs and the adaptability of these magnificent birds. Canada geese nest in every Michigan county, but are most common in the southern third of the state.
Coyotes are common throughout Michigan in rural and urban areas. They are active day and night, but most active around sunrise and sunset. They are abundant in areas where adequate food, cover and water are available. Breeding takes place January - March and people are more likely to see and hear coyotes during this time.
For your safety, NEVER intentionally feed or try to tame coyotes. It is critical that they retain their natural fear of people.
White-tailed deer are found in every county in Michigan and can easily adapt to their surroundings. Deer can be found in just about every habitat type, including both urban and suburban areas.
In urban and suburban areas, white-tailed deer will take advantage of gardens and landscaping for food. They may even try to feed from bird feeders. By removing potential food sources and protecting gardens with fencing, deer may move to other areas for food. Never intentionally feed or try to tame a white-tailed deer.
Hunting is one option communities may use to help reduce deer populations in their area. If hunting is not currently an option in your area, try some non-lethal deterrent methods to discourage deer. Deterrent methods are generally a short-term solution to solve issues, but they usually aren't effective long-term. Examples of deterrents include fencing to keep deer out of a specific area, using noise and visual scare tactics, applying taste deterrents to ornamental plants, removing feed and making bird feeders inaccessible to deer.
Deer may be aggressive towards pets, particularly dogs, that they view as a predator/threat. If a deer is acting aggressive or attacking a pet, use scare tactics to frighten the deer away and bring the pet indoors until the deer has left the area. Accompany your pet outdoors and keep it on a leash.
The local DNR office can be contacted if there is an aggressive white-tailed deer causing a public safety risk, a sick deer, agricultural or horticultural damage, or for additional prevention and control options.
Contact your local county animal control regarding nuisance feral cat issues or contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for additional information.
Red and gray fox can be found throughout Michigan and may even be found in urban or suburban areas. It is not unusual to see them, especially if there are places where food and shelter are available. Fox are most commonly observed during early morning or late evening but can also be observed during the day.
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large squirrels that are strict herbivores. They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other plant matter. Groundhogs hibernate in their dens during the winter months.
Groundhogs dig large holes and long underground tunnels that can cause structural damage, crop/ garden damage, or damage to farm equipment or livestock.
These impressive aerial hunters generally eat small mammals, birds and sometimes snakes. Hawks can become troublesome when they try to eat livestock, like chickens and quail. They may also defend their nests vigorously. When these nests are in highly traveled urban or suburban areas, they can cause harm to passersby. Hawks and owls are protected under federal law and may not be harmed.
Herons and Egrets can become problematic for landowners with ponds containing fish and frogs, as they feed on these species. Herons and egrets are protected under federal law and may not be harmed.
Migratory birds and songbirds are protected under federal law and may not be harmed. Please contact the USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for assistance with migratory birds causing damage to property or public safety risk at an airport or cellphone tower.
One of Michigan’s larger rodents, muskrats live near lakes, slow-moving rivers, and marshes. Primarily eating aquatic vegetation, muskrats create problems for landowners when their underground burrows weaken shorelines, dikes, and riverbanks. They may also occasionally eat garden plants and crops.
One of the world’s most aggressive waterfowl species, especially while nesting and raising their young, mute swans drive out native waterfowl and other wetland wildlife with their hostile behavior. Mute swans will chase native breeding birds from their nests.
You and your neighbors can help protect Michigan’s natural resources by controlling invasive mute swans on your lakes and wetlands. Though hunting mute swans is not allowed, the DNR issues permits to remove mute swans and/or their nests and eggs. If you have mute swans on your property and wish to remove them or their nests and eggs, you must request a mute swan removal permit.
Michigan’s only marsupial species, opossums, occur throughout the Lower Peninsula and parts of the Upper Peninsula. Opossums generally don’t cause property damage but will sometimes raid garbage or eat pet food. Occasionally, they will den under buildings or decks or under wood piles.
Eastern cottontail rabbits are common throughout Michigan. Snowshoe hares live in Northern Michigan and are well-adapted to the heavy snowfall and cold winters there. Rabbits and hares are herbivores and can cause damage to small landscape trees and shrubs.
It’s very common to spot a raccoon in an urban environment. Living near humans provides abundant food sources and cover for raccoons. They are well known for eating food scraps from the garbage and outdoor pet food. Occasionally, raccoons will enter homes, attics or garages, if given the opportunity. Raccoons are omnivores and eat a wide variety of foods. They generally spend the day sleeping in trees, but it’s common for them to try and den under buildings, decks or wood piles. Raccoons can become a nuisance when they start to do damage to landscaped plants and yards when digging for bugs to eat. They also will feed on chickens and other small livestock.
House sparrows, European starlings and rock doves/pigeons are species that can roost in large groups and create large messes under their roosts. These three species are not protected under federal law, as they are all species that were introduced to North America and are not native to Michigan’s ecosystem.
Standing 4 feet tall, sandhill cranes are impressive birds! Eating mostly plant matter, cranes can become agricultural and neighborhood pests. Cranes are protected under federal law and may not be harmed.
Though skunks are most commonly known for their strong musky smell, they also can cause damage to your property by digging up the lawn searching for grubs. Much like the raccoon, they are opportunistic eaters and have a varied diet. They will occasionally raid garbage, eat pet food, grubs, bugs, or anything else they deem edible. Occasionally, they will seek shelter and den under buildings, decks, and wood piles. Attacks from a skunk are very unlikely, considering their first line of defense is to spray. However, if a person or pet is bitten or comes into direct contact with the skunk, contact your local health department or veterinarian immediately. Skunks could carry and transmit rabies.
There are 18 species of snake in Michigan, only one of which is venomous. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is a federally threatened species and may not be captured or harmed. Sightings of the Eastern Massasauga are very rare. There are several snake species that look similar to the Eastern Massasauga, but only the Massasauga has a segmented rattle on the tail. Most of Michigan’s snakes keep to themselves and pose little threat to humans. They will sometimes hibernate in or near homes. Snakes eat mice, insects, and earthworms and therefore, can often be beneficial to have nearby. If you find a snake outside, leave it be and let the snake move away on its own. Typically, if a snake senses your presence it will move elsewhere.
To learn more about each snake species, see our snakes page or check out our 60-Second Snake video series!
Michigan is home to 9 squirrel species, from the tiny Eastern chipmunk to the sizeable woodchuck. Nearly any type of squirrel may find their way into your home through cracks or openings. They may also cause damage by chewing on siding or wires or raiding bird feeders. Some squirrel species are protected, but a few have hunting seasons. See the Hunting Digestfor squirrel hunting regulations.
Wild turkeys are increasingly common in urban and suburban areas. Male turkeys can become aggressive during breeding season in the spring. Males will also peck at their reflections, challenging the other male turkey that they see in shiny car paint, sliding doors and windows. If you encounter a turkey, do not run. Stand your ground, make loud noises, and back away slowly if the turkey does not leave.
Turkey vultures may roost in large groups and create large messes under their roosts. Turkey vultures are protected under federal law and may not be harmed.
Michigan is home to eight woodpecker species. Eating mostly insects, woodpeckers can become a nuisance when they peck at wood siding on homes or outbuildings. Woodpeckers are protected under federal law and may not be harmed.
For wild mammals causing damage or a public safety risk at an airport, please contact your local DNR office. Please contact the USDA Wildlife Services (866-487-3297) for migratory birds causing damage or a public safety risk at an airport or cellphone tower.
