Wildlife and Pest Control

Denver Animal Shelter - Denver Animal Protection respond to calls regarding wildlife if the animal is a sick or injured rabies-vector wildlife (bats, raccoons, skunks) or birds of prey (hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, vultures). Please do not call if the conflict is simply "nuisance" in nature.

Because of significant staffing reductions, DAP will temporarily not respond to calls for sick or injured non-rabies-vector wildlife (squirrels, rabbits, geese, and other small wildlife) or young birds or mammals that appear abandoned or injured.

If you are concerned about wildlife leave the animal(s) alone, especially birds or young mammals that may be under parental care. You can also visit Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation for specific guidance. In most cases, wildlife injuries and illness are part of the natural environment.

DO: If you find injured or sick wildlife in Denver, you should leave the animal alone if it is large, dangerous, or potentially rabid, or call a local rescue organization or Colorado Parks and Wildlife for help.

DO NOT:

• Do not touch or handle large mammals like deer, elk, bears, or foxes, nor high-risk rabies vectors like bats, skunks, and raccoons.
• Do not feed the animal or offer it water.
• Do not assume a young animal is abandoned. Mothers often leave their young hidden for hours while searching for food.  

Concerned for injured or sick wildlife? Find resources below:

• Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW): Call 303-291-7227 for large animals, dangerous wildlife, or general state guidelines.
• Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: Call 303-823-8455 for small mammals and birds.
• Birds of Prey Foundation: Call 303-460-0674 specifically for injured raptors like hawks, eagles, and owls.
• Urban Wildlife Rescue: Call 303-340-4911 for assistance with urban mammals like foxes, raccoons, and squirrels.

Denver Animal Shelter does not provide any pest control services.

Denver Department of Public Health & Environment maintains a mosquito larvae surveillance program intended to minimize the adult mosquito population and the transmission of West Nile virus in Denver.