Humane Wildlife Control in Suffolk County, NY

The Humane Wildlife Control Society recommends non-invasive solutions to resolve human-wildlife conflicts.  This includes:

1. Determining if the issue needs to be addressed at all

2. Opting for preventative measures first

3. Opting for wildlife exclusion as opposed to trapping

4. If trapping is the only way to solve the problem do so humanely

The Humane Wildlife Control Society screens candidates prior to recommendation.  Our process requires any company we recommend to meet the following criteria:

1. Is properly licensed in New York for wildlife control

2. Carries appropriate business licenses and insurance

3. Complies with all New York laws and regulations for wildlife control

4. Adheres to the humane principles listed above.

In Suffolk County, New York we recommend Humane Wildlife Removal Suffolk County for professional wildlife control services.  This is a private company that charges for their services.

Contact Information:

Wildlife Removal Suffolk County

631-479-3914

If you have any wildlife issues that can be handled by the state government agency for free, the New York Wildlife Commission can help.
State Contact Information: (518) 402-8883

The State Department of Agriculture may also be able to address your wildlife problem for no charge.

USDA Contact Information: (518) 457-2771

Coexistence and Ethical Wildlife Mitigation in Suffolk County, New York
Building a Harmonious Balance Between People and Nature
Suffolk County, New York, stretching across Long Island’s eastern expanse, is a land of contrasts—bustling suburbs, quaint villages, and pristine coastlines along the Atlantic and Long Island Sound. From the Pine Barrens to the shores of Montauk, this region teems with wildlife: deer, raccoons, squirrels, bats, foxes, and shorebirds weave through our backyards, parks, and beaches. These creatures enrich our landscape, yet their presence often sparks tension—damaged gardens in Huntington, rabies risks in Riverhead (NYSDEC data), or bats roosting in East Hampton attics. Suffolk County embraces a forward-thinking mission: to foster coexistence through ethical wildlife mitigation. This essay explores how humane strategies protect our communities while honoring the animals that define our region, urging residents to join this vital effort.

The Call for Coexistence
Living alongside wildlife isn’t just a necessity in Suffolk County—it’s an opportunity. Deer graze near Sunrise Highway, raccoons rummage in Babylon’s trash bins, and bats swoop over Shelter Island, controlling pests that threaten our gardens and health. Yet, these interactions bring challenges: deer-vehicle collisions cost $10 million annually in New York (NYSDEC estimates), and bat guano poses histoplasmosis risks (CDC data). Historically, lethal control—poisons, traps—promised quick fixes, but research from the Humane Society of the United States reveals a flaw: killing creates vacancies that new animals fill, perpetuating conflict. Suffolk County rejects this cycle, choosing ethical mitigation to balance community safety with animal welfare—a model of coexistence that respects both human needs and nature’s value.

Suffolk County’s Wildlife Tapestry
Our county’s 911 square miles blend urban sprawl with ecological treasures—Great South Bay, Peconic Estuary, and 2,000 acres of preserved parkland. Mild coastal winters sustain year-round wildlife activity, while spring breeding floods areas like Smithtown with squirrels and foxes. Suburban sprawl—70% of Suffolk’s land is developed (U.S. Census)—pushes animals into yards and homes, amplified by aging structures in historic hamlets. White-tailed deer, overabundant at 60 per square mile (NYSDEC), strain resources, while bats, declining from white-nose syndrome, seek refuge in attics. Ethical mitigation meets these dynamics head-on, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for harmony.

Ethical Mitigation Strategies
Suffolk County champions humane, research-backed methods:

Exclusion as Prevention: Blocking wildlife entry is our first defense. Steel mesh seals roof gaps in Stony Brook homes, and chimney caps protect Islip residences—materials wood can’t match against gnawing raccoons (National Wildlife Control Training Program). One-way exclusion devices, proven 95% effective in wildlife studies (Wildlife Society), let bats or squirrels exit without harm, preserving their lives and our peace.
Live Trapping with Care: When animals breach defenses, humane live traps—secure cages with bait like peanut butter—capture them safely. NYSDEC restricts relocation of rabies vectors (raccoons, bats) due to disease risks—Suffolk reported 18 rabies cases in 2022 (DOHMH)—requiring licensed operators to manage them locally. Non-vectors like opossums are relocated within 5 miles to familiar habitats, ensuring survival (PGC data).
Habitat Harmony: Reducing attractants fosters coexistence. Suffolk County Code (Chapter 317) mandates trash security—locking lids cut raccoon visits by 60% (Humane Society). Deer-resistant plants like lavender and fencing deter browsing, while clearing brush limits fox dens near homes. These steps align human spaces with wildlife needs.
Legal and Ethical Imperative
New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law (ECL § 11-0505) and Suffolk County regulations enforce humane standards. Lethal control requires NYSDEC permits—reserved for imminent threats like aggressive foxes—with fines up to $1,000 for unauthorized cruelty. Bats, protected for pest control (eating 1,000 insects nightly, Bat Conservation International), demand special care. The county’s Deer Management Program opts for sterilization over culling where feasible, reflecting American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines. Ethically, we recognize wildlife’s role—shorebirds stabilize wetlands, foxes curb rodents—making coexistence a legal and moral duty.

Effectiveness and Community Benefits
Research proves these methods work:

Safety and Health: Humane exclusion eliminates disease risks without toxins—rabies incidents dropped 25% in Suffolk since 2015 (NYSDEC).
Sustainability: Preserving bats and birds supports tourism—birders flock to Fire Island—while avoiding ecological collapse (Cornell Lab of Ornithology).
Economic Sense: Exclusion saves $500-$2,000 per home versus repeat lethal costs (Humane Society), protecting Suffolk’s $6 billion tourism economy.
Community Pride: Ethical practices reflect our values, enhancing Suffolk’s reputation as a progressive, nature-conscious region.
Challenges to Overcome
Coexistence isn’t without hurdles. Exclusion costs—$300-$1,500—burden some residents, and relocation restrictions frustrate those facing persistent raccoons. Deer overpopulation strains patience—1,200 collisions annually (NYSDOT)—yet culling sparks debate. Education is key: many don’t know humane methods outperform lethal ones long-term (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). Suffolk County addresses this with outreach—workshops, NYSDEC helplines (631-444-0310)—to bridge gaps and build support.

A Call to Action for Suffolk Residents
Take Ownership: Seal homes, secure trash, and plant wisely—your actions shape coexistence.
Learn and Share: Attend county wildlife seminars—knowledge empowers neighbors to act ethically.
Partner with Experts: Use NYSDEC-licensed operators for trapping—precision ensures success.
Suffolk County’s Vision
Coexistence and ethical wildlife mitigation in Suffolk County are more than policies—they’re a pledge to thrive alongside nature. By embracing exclusion, careful trapping, and habitat adjustments, we protect our homes, health, and heritage while honoring the wildlife that defines us. This isn’t just effective—it’s inspiring. Join us in this effort—Suffolk County’s future depends on our shared commitment to a humane, harmonious balance.