Living With Wildlife

Dealing with Wildlife


Many wild animals are born during the spring and summer months. In your own backyard, you may come across baby birds, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons and other young wildlife as they make they make their way into the world.

For many people, the pleasure of seeing these young creatures is mixed with a sense of protectiveness - of wanting to help them survive. But spotting a baby animal by itself doesn't necessarily mean it's an orphan. Many wildlife parents leave their young alone during the day, sometimes for long periods. The mother is usually nearby and quite conscious of her young. Also, keep in mind that despite their small size, many young animals are actually independent enough to fend for themselves.
Collage of wildlife photos including a raccoon, coyote, bee, snake, and vulture

Trapping of Wildlife


Consistent with State Law, City of Adelanto Animal Care and Control prohibits the trapping of healthy wildlife.

Animal Care and Control will always assist in the capture of wildlife that poses a public health or safety risk.


Animal Care & Control Policy


Animal Care and Control encourages the healthy co-existence of the public and the natural wildlife. Consistent with the California Code of Regulations, the trapping and destruction of healthy wildlife in the City of Adelanto is strictly prohibited. Any healthy wildlife trapped in the City of Adelanto must be released immediately within the area it was trapped. Animal Care & Control will assist in the capture of wildlife that is sick, injured, or posing a threat to public safety.


California Code of Regulations (CCR) 679 (f)(4)


Any healthy wildlife trapped in towns or cities or removed from under buildings or otherwise taken or trapped in accordance with Section 4152 or 4180, Fish and Game Code, shall be immediately released in the area where trapped or disposed of as directed or authorized by the department. Any such wildlife that has been determined by a veterinarian to be so seriously ill that it cannot be treated shall be euthanized and tested as directed by the appropriate county public health agency or the department.