Situated in the middle of the Southern Appalachians, some of the oldest mountains in the United States, surrounded by forests and crisscrossed with rivers, Western North Carolina is home to over 400 vertebrate species. Most wildlife in Western North Carolina avoid humans, but buildings provide food and shelter.
Animals like raccoons, squirrels, flying squirrels, chipmunks, bats, and birds are common nuisance animals. Rodents like rats and mice are also prevalent. Typical signs of nuisance wildlife include unusual noises, strange odors, damage to exterior of buildings, and paw prints or tracks.