Wildlife Conflicts

Here you will find resources related to young, injured, displaced, nuisance, or otherwise out-of-place animals/wildlife.

Wildlife Conflicts & Injured Wildlife

Wild animals are an important part of Des Moines County's natural heritage, but occasionally conflicts arise. When they do, the proper course of action is to leave them alone and contact the proper specialists, listed below.

Whether you've found an injured animal, discovered a baby animal you think has been abandoned, or have wildlife causing damage to your property, Des Moines County Conservation is generally not the agency that responds to these situations.

Our staff manages county parks, wildlife areas, trails, campgrounds, and conservation lands in Des Moines County. While we appreciate your concern for Iowa's wildlife, we are not licensed wildlife rehabilitators or wildlife removal specialists and generally cannot:

Pick up injured wildlife
Remove nuisance animals from private property
Capture or relocate wildlife
Care for orphaned wild animals

To make sure wildlife receives the appropriate care—and that you get the help you need—please contact the appropriate resource below.

I Found an Injured Wild Animal

If you've found an injured, sick, or distressed wild animal, do not attempt to care for it yourself. Wild animals require specialized care, and handling them can be dangerous for both you and the animal. There are also laws against possessing wild animals without the proper permits.

Please contact the relevant Iowa DNR Conservation Officer or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice before attempting to move or transport the animal.

Find licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Des Moines County:
https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/contacts/wildlife-rehabilitation/des-moines

I Found a Baby Animal

Many young wild animals are not abandoned, even if they appear to be alone. Their parents are often nearby but stay away until people leave the area.

Before intervening:

Observe from a distance whenever possible.
Keep children and pets away.
DO NOT handle the animal. This will almost certainly do more harm than good.

If you're unsure whether the animal truly needs help, contact the relevant Iowa DNR Conservation Officer or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance before taking action.

Find wildlife rehabilitators here:
https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/contacts/wildlife-rehabilitation/des-moines

Wildlife is Damaging My Property or Has Become a Nuisance

If you have wildlife living in your attic, chimney, under a deck, damaging crops or landscaping, or otherwise creating a conflict, contact a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator or your local Iowa DNR Conservation Officer.

These professionals are trained and licensed to handle wildlife conflicts safely and legally.

Find wildlife conflict professionals in Des Moines County:
https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/contacts/wildlife-conflict-resolution/des-moines

When Should I Contact the Iowa DNR?

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is the appropriate agency for many wildlife-related questions, including:

Fish and wildlife law enforcement
Illegal fishing, hunting or poaching
Protected wildlife concerns
Wildlife conflicts that require a Conservation Officer

Your local Conservation Officer's contact information is available on the I owa DNR Law Enforcement page.

The DNR Conservation Officer for Des Moines Count is:
Paul Kay, 319-759-0751

Wildlife Conflicts