Wildlife Safety

1. Take a Safety Moment: Survey your worksite and remain continuously aware of your surroundings.
2. Back Away Safely: If you spot wildlife or signs of presence (e.g., tracks, droppings, nests), slowly back away with caution.
   DO NOT RUN. Running can trigger a chase response in predators.
3. Shield Yourself: Put physical barriers or items you carry (e.g., equipment, bags, clipboard) between yourself and the animal.
4. Make Noise: Speak firmly or make noise as you move. In most cases, sound encourages animals to leave and avoids surprising them.
5. Do Not Engage: Stay calm, create distance, avoid sudden erratic movements, and clear the area.
6. Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can be interpreted by wildlife as a threat or challenge.

1. Seek Emergency Medical Attention: Remain calm and get medical evaluation immediately for all bites, scratches, or fluid exposures.
2. Report the Incident: Notify your supervisor immediately, or within 24 hours of the event.
3. Contact Pest Control / Customer Service: Do not attempt to catch or remove the animal yourself. Contact your supervisor or Customer Service at (608) 263-3333 to request Pest Control services for animal removal.

Ticks are small, arachnid parasites that live in grassy, wooded, or brushy environments. They attach to humans and animals to feed on blood—often staying attached for several days—and can transmit serious tick-borne pathogens.

• Use Insect Repellent: Apply EPA-registered tick repellents (such as DEET or Permethrin on clothing) when working in wooded or tall-grass areas.
• Conduct Regular Tick Checks: Inspect your clothing and body during outdoor work and thoroughly after coming indoors.
• Proper Removal: If a tick is attached, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Clean the bite site with soap and water or alcohol.

• UW–Madison EHS Wildlife Safety Training
• UW Wildlife Ecology & Damage Management
• Tick-Borne Disease Information