Augusta County Animal Control normally does not handle wildlife calls. Animal Control addresses domestic animals and animal welfare in accordance with local and state regulations.
The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) regularly addresses issues with wildlife, which include, but are not limited to, deer, bear, opossums, skunks and raccoons. Calls concerning wildlife spike in the spring with warmer weather promoting increased activity as well as mating season.
For nuisance wildlife questions:
Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries Helpline: 855-571-9003
www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/nuisance/
If a resident has a nuisance animal they want trapped, visit the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website. Included on their website is list of local licensed trappers.
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries – Local Office
17 Lee Highway | P.O. Box 996
Verona, VA 24482
540.248.9360
Wildlife and Rabies
Should you get bitten by a wild animal that you suspect is rabid, you can request assistance from the animal control department at 540.245.5635.
If you or your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild or domestic animal, you should also contact the Virginia Department of Health, 540.332.7830. They will help determine whether to test an animal for rabies.
According to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, nuisance animals are very adaptable to urban areas. Although they are nocturnal, they are sometimes seen during the day. The majority of time they are looking for food. Urban areas provide a host of opportunities for food.
Just because nocturnal animals are seen during the day, it does not mean the animal has rabies. Just because an animal appears sick, does not mean it has rabies. Distemper is very common. It can be hard to distinguish between the two.
Signs of rabies includes muscle tremors, paralysis and excessive salivation, as well as aggressive behavior.
Signs of distemper include runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, excessive salivation, coughing and/or labored breathing. If an animal appears sick, do not approach the animal. If you come into contract with a live or dead animal and feel they may have been exposed to rabies, contact the Virginia Department of Health to report.
Staunton-Augusta Health Department: 540-332-7830
