We are not the DNR…
Frequently Jenniffer, Donald, and David with Nuisance Wildlife Control LLC receive inquiries from the public seeking assistance with nuisance wildlife or sick and injured animals. Many individuals are unaware that as a “for hire” service, Nuisance Wildlife Control is not government funded and charges for trapping and relocating nuisance animals. We are frequently inundated with inquiries regarding the rationale behind our service charges or the assertion that “DNR provided me with your contact information, and you are affiliated with them.” The purpose of the following article is to clarify these misconceptions.
What the Indiana DNR Doesn’t Do:
If you’ve ever had a raccoon in your attic, a skunk under your porch, or squirrels tearing through your walls, your first instinct might be to call the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It seems logical — they’re the state’s wildlife authority, right?
But here’s what many people don’t realize:
The Indiana DNR does not provide nuisance wildlife control services.
That’s right — the DNR does not come to your property to trap or remove wildlife, nor do they fund or subsidize the cost of hiring a private Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). While they do regulate wildlife management and issue permits to licensed NWCOs, the responsibility for dealing with nuisance wildlife on private property falls entirely on the property owner.
What Does the DNR Actually Do?
The Indiana DNR is responsible for conserving and managing the state’s natural resources — including wildlife — for the benefit of all Hoosiers. Their focus includes:
Managing fish and game populations
Issuing hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses
Protecting endangered species and habitats
Providing educational resources on living with wildlife
Regulating the activities of licensed NWCOs
They do not have a field team to respond to wildlife conflicts at homes or businesses.
Who Does Help?
This is where licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs) come in — like us at Nuisance Wildlife Control. We are trained and permitted by the DNR to humanely trap, remove, and manage wild animals that cause property damage, health hazards, or safety concerns.
But again, we are not paid or funded by the state. All expenses for these services — including fuel, traps, equipment, protective gear, licensing, insurance, and training — are charged to the customer through service fees.
Nuisance Wildlife Control also volunteers to rescue orphaned or injured wildlife at no cost to the public, even though it costs us time and money to do so. This does not include any trapping or invasive rescues such as drilling or cutting into walls and ceilings. Should you encounter a sick, injured, or orphaned raccoon, opossum, bat, or other animal inside of Vanderburgh County, you may contact Nuisance Wildlife Control LLC for assistance. We will discreetly collect the animal and transport it to Christine Bush, a Indiana DNR Licensed rehabilitation specialist, at no cost to you. This service excludes trapping the animal and generally does not encompass invasive measures such as drilling into a wall or ceiling to remove animals.
What Can You Do?
If you encounter nuisance wildlife:
Don’t call the DNR expecting removal — instead, visit their website to find a list of licensed NWCOs in your area.
Act quickly — wildlife problems often get worse (and more expensive) the longer they’re ignored.
Support local wildlife rehabilitation efforts — Sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife are a huge financial burden on wildlife rehabilitators. Often these licensed individuals pay for the food, equipment, and medical care out of their own pockets. Transportation services provided by Nuisance Wildlife Control also does not come without cost… fuel and equipment add up in expense quickly. Again, our efforts are in no way government funded. We rely on the generosity of wildlife lovers like you to keep us going. Please visit www.nuisancewildlifectrl.com/rehabilitation for links to make a donation to the care and transportation of these animals in need.
Thank you for supporting local wildlife and the individuals who provide them with a second chance. Every contribution from our community ensures that our sick, orphaned, and injured wild neighbors receive the necessary care to return home safely.
