Wild Animals in Garbage Cans and Dumpsters

Problems with wild animals going into dumpsters can usually be avoided by keeping the lid of the dumpster closed, especially at night. Be sure to also keep the dumpster a few feet away from fences, brick walls, trees and telephone poles that animals could use to get to it.

Consider placing your garbage cans in the garage until your garbage collection day. The lids on trash carts and garbage cans should be held closed with bungee cords. Bungee cords are inexpensive stretchable bands of rubber or elastic with a hook on each end and are available at hardware stores. An additional preventative measure is to pour 1/4 cup of ammonia in the garbage bag before sealing it and placing it into the outdoor trash can. Ammonia will minimize the food odor and thus make it less likely that animals will follow the scent. Gnawing animals such as Gray squirrels who chew their way into plastic garbage carts can be discouraged by applying a taste repellent such as Ropel, a very bitter, non-toxic spray-on product on the areas being chewed.

If you have an adult animal stuck in a garbage cart or can, the container can be gently tipped over on its side with the lid open. The animal will leave on its own. He may not wish to leave during the daytime, especially if there is human activity in the area. If there is a lot of traffic or children in the area, wait until dusk to lay the cart or can on its side.

If you have an adult animal in a large dumpster, a sturdy branch or board should be placed in the dumpster at a shallow angle leading up to the top of the container. The lid should be left open to allow the animal to exit. It is important to know that raccoons are generally active only at night, so he may not leave until after dark. Keep human activity to a minimum in the area around the dumpster so the animal will not be too frightened to leave. If the dumpster is scheduled for emptying or pickup that same day, please call the Wisconsin Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at (414) 431-6204 about getting the animal rescued before the container is serviced.

If you have a situation involving young animals without their mother in a dumpster or garbage cart, please contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at (414) 431- 6204 for further advice.