Wildlife removal in Pennsylvania
Commercial wildlife removal in Pennsylvania is regulated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Paid operators need an NWCO permit, which requires passing a written exam. Exclusion is the standard approach for bats, squirrels, raccoons, and groundhogs, but timing matters: summer bat exclusion can trap flightless pups inside a home.
Get connected with a provider in Pennsylvania
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EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com is an independent connection service. We are not a government animal control agency and do not directly perform wildlife removal. When you call, you may be connected with an independent, third-party wildlife removal provider or a partner call center. We may be compensated when callers are connected with a partner provider. Availability, services, pricing, and licensing vary by location.
What Pennsylvania law allows
- Paid operators must hold a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) permit from the Game Commission.
- Wildlife taken alive cannot be sold or given away. Lawful outcomes are release in a natural setting or land open to hunting or trapping, or humane dispatch.
- Operators need special written permission from the Commission before euthanizing five or more bats at one location.
- Summer bat exclusion is discouraged because it can trap pups inside living spaces during maternity season.
Rules paraphrased from the Pennsylvania Game Commission — the primary source. Last reviewed 2026-07-04.
Relocation rules
Pennsylvania allows release in a natural setting or on land open to hunting or trapping, but live wildlife cannot be sold or given away. Blanket "humane relocation" promises are not accurate here - outcomes depend on species and situation.
Bat rules
Bat exclusion during summer maternity season is discouraged in Pennsylvania because pups cannot yet fly. Most providers schedule bat work for late summer through fall.
Covered cities in Pennsylvania
Scranton
Lackawanna County · Common calls: raccoons, gray squirrels, bats
Erie
Erie County · Common calls: raccoons, gray squirrels, bats
Bethlehem
Northampton County · Common calls: bats, raccoons, gray squirrels
Lancaster
Lancaster County · Common calls: gray squirrels, groundhogs, skunks
York
York County · Common calls: gray squirrels, raccoons, bats
Pennsylvania wildlife law FAQs
Who regulates wildlife removal companies in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Game Commission. Commercial operators need a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) permit, which requires passing a written exam. You can ask any provider for their permit status before hiring.
Can a trapped raccoon be relocated in Pennsylvania?
Sometimes. Pennsylvania permits release in a natural setting or in areas open to hunting or trapping, or humane dispatch. The operator decides based on the animal, location, and current Game Commission rules - no provider can promise relocation in every case.
Talk to someone about your animal problem now
Call (833) 555-0100Calls answered 24/7. No obligation.
EmergencyAnimalRemoval.com is an independent connection service. We are not a government animal control agency and do not directly perform wildlife removal. When you call, you may be connected with an independent, third-party wildlife removal provider or a partner call center. We may be compensated when callers are connected with a partner provider. Availability, services, pricing, and licensing vary by location.