top of page
Search

Wildlife in Eastern PA

🚨 Why This Matters

Eastern PA is home to a wide variety of wildlife—from deer and turtles to feral cats and foxes. While most animals avoid humans, interactions can happen, especially near roads, job sites, or residential areas. Knowing how to respond can prevent injuries, accidents, and unnecessary harm to both people and animals.


🧠 General Rule: Observe, Don’t Intervene

If you see wildlife, keep your distance. Do not attempt to feed, touch, or move animals unless you are trained and it is absolutely necessary for safety.


🦠 Rabid Animals: What to Watch For

Rabies is a serious threat in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats.

Signs of rabies include:

  • Staggering or disoriented movement

  • Aggression or unusually tame behavior

  • Foaming at the mouth

  • If you see a potentially rabid animal:

    • Do not approach.

    • Alert your supervisor or site safety lead.

    • Contact the PA Game Commission (see "who to contact" below).


🚗 Animals in the Road: What Should You Do?

Turtles, squirrels, or other small animals may cross roads or job sites.

  • Do not stop suddenly in traffic—it can cause accidents.

  • If safe, pull over and use hazard lights.

  • Only move the animal if it’s safe and you’re comfortable doing so.

Turtle Specific info

🦌 Avoiding Deer Collisions

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, especially in fall.

Tips to avoid hitting deer:

  • Use high beams when safe to do so.

  • Slow down in wooded or rural areas.

  • If you see one deer, expect more, they travel in groups.

  • Never swerve to avoid a deer, brake firmly and stay in your lane.

  • See our Driving around Deer safety blast for more information.


🐱 Feral Cats: Scratches and Bites

Feral or stray cats may carry diseases like cat scratch fever or rabies.

  • Do not attempt to pet or feed stray cats.

  • If scratched or bitten:

    • Wash the wound immediately with soap and water.

    • Report the incident to your supervisor.

    • Seek medical attention—even minor bites can become infected.


🐾 Injured Animals: Don’t Try to Help

It’s natural to want to help a hurt animal, but it can be dangerous.

  • Do not touch or move injured wildlife.

  • Animals in pain may bite or scratch.

  • Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for help.

    • See listing under "who to contact" below.


🦊 Coyotes, Foxes, and Other Predators

These animals are usually shy but may appear near homes or job sites.

  • Do not feed or approach them.

  • Secure trash and food to avoid attracting them.

  • If one approaches, make noise, wave your arms, and back away slowly.


🦇 Bats in Buildings

Bats can carry rabies and should never be handled.

  • If a bat is found indoors:

    • Close off the room and call animal control.

    • Do not try to catch it yourself.

    • If bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately.


🗑️ Wildlife and Trash

Improperly stored trash attracts raccoons, skunks, and bears.

  • Use wildlife-proof containers.

  • Never leave food waste or scraps outside.

  • Clean up grills and outdoor eating areas after use.


📞 Who to Call

🧯 Final Reminder

Wildlife safety is part of workplace safety. Stay alert, stay calm, and report any concerns. When in doubt—don’t touch, don’t feed, and don’t intervene.


bottom of page