Uninvited Guests: Managing Wildlife Risks in the Workplace
Wildlife hazards in the workplace are rare but real. Planning and training can make all the difference.
- By Olga Bodiagina
- Jun 30, 2025
One day, I received a call from warehouse workers that completely stumped me. A snake had slithered into the facility overnight, and they were asking what to do. If you ask most EHS managers about workplace risks, wildlife will likely be the last thing they mention. However, I’ve dealt with snakes, raccoons, nesting seagulls attacking employees, and even a worker who caused a traffic accident while trying to avoid a squirrel. A giant spider once crawled out of a shipment of spare parts from another country, and I’ve read reports of employees being stung by wild bees.
While industrial workplaces are primarily associated with technological hazards, no company is entirely immune to uninvited guests—especially in rural areas.
Wildlife-related workplace injuries are more common than many realize. A study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that between 2015 and 2021, OSHA recorded 788 severe injuries caused by animals. Most incidents—60.4%—involved mammals, followed by insects, arachnids, and mites (23.2%) and reptiles (16.1%). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37668580/
Another report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed that between 2003 and 2010, bee stings alone caused 83 fatal workplace injuries. Nonfatal incidents requiring time off work ranged from 4,930 to 6,870 cases per year. https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-3/fatal-injuries-and-nonfatal-occupational-injuries-and-illnesses-involving-insects-arachnids-and-mites.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Wild animals can carry diseases such as rabies, Lyme disease, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and histoplasmosis. Some of these can be severe or even deadly if untreated. Even animals that seem harmless can trigger allergies. Exposure to fur, feathers, or dried droppings can make breathing difficult and cause severe reactions.
Understanding potential wildlife hazards is the first step in prevention. The best way to start is by identifying the animals common in your region.
Check official resources. Your county website or state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will have useful wildlife information.
Review OSHA guidelines. OSHA provides safety recommendations for dealing with wildlife, including venomous animals and insects.
Conduct a site risk assessment. Walk through your facility to identify potential entry points, nesting areas, and food sources that could attract animals.
For example, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website provides information on Common Problem Species, detailing specific wild animals that often cause issues at home or on your property. It also offers guidance on how to effectively manage and prevent conflicts with them. https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/nuisance-wildlife-species
Understanding the risks is just the first step—preparation is essential. For workplaces with outdoor operations, such as construction, quarrying, or agriculture, taking proactive measures can help prevent wildlife-related incidents.
In areas with a high risk of snake encounters, workers should wear high boots. According to OSHA, boots must be at least 10 inches tall for proper protection. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/rodents_snakes_insects.pdf Notify new contractors about this requirement before signing the contract, as it may add extra costs.
In this same guide, it is stated that to avoid insect stings, workers should wear long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts.
According to OSHA’s Accident Investigation Search, between 2020 and 2025, 17 people died on the job as a result of bee stings.
For individuals with hypersensitivity to bee venom, just one or two stings—from a bee can be enough to trigger fatal anaphylaxis. Even individuals without known allergies may suffer fatal outcomes if exposed to a large amount of venom. High doses can severely affect internal organs, especially the kidneys.
The appearance of allergic symptoms followed by signs of anaphylaxis after a bee sting requires immediate hospitalization.
To mitigate risks, workers who are aware of their hypersensitivity should carry a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector and inform coworkers in advance so they can assist in an emergency. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of their allergy.
Emergency medical supplies should be readily available, especially in remote locations. A well-stocked first-aid kit is essential, and in areas with venomous snakes or bee nests, keeping antivenom and antidotes (such as epinephrine) on hand may be necessary. However, their use is governed by prescription laws and state-specific regulations. Employers who choose to stock and administer epinephrine must ensure compliance with these rules and provide appropriate training. If you do not have trained and authorized staff for such cases, it is strongly recommended to identify in advance the nearest location where emergency treatment, including epinephrine, is available before beginning work in areas where stinging insects may be present.
Employee training is just as important. Safety briefings should include guidance on wildlife awareness and avoidance techniques. Workers should be encouraged to watch where they step, make noise while moving to give animals time to retreat, and remain still if they encounter wildlife, as sudden movements may trigger an attack. Recognizing signs of aggressive or territorial behavior can also help prevent dangerous encounters.
Even indoor facilities are not immune to unexpected wildlife intrusions—I learned this firsthand when a snake found its way into my warehouse. That experience underscored the importance of having a solid plan in place.
To minimize wildlife encounters, employers should implement effective preventive measures. Regularly mowing the grass around buildings eliminates potential hiding spots, while deterrents such as barriers, fences, and sound devices help keep animals away from high-risk areas.
When selecting sound devices, consider their species-specific effectiveness. Ultrasonic devices can deter rodents but are generally ineffective against birds and larger mammals, while specialized ultrasonic devices can be effective for bats. High-pitched sound emitters may help repel birds, though their success varies by species. Some sound devices can repel snakes, but their effectiveness is inconsistent, and snakes may adapt over time. Wildlife can also adjust to these devices, reducing their effectiveness. Additionally, non-target species may be impacted, and regulations may limit the use of such devices. For optimal results, businesses should consult wildlife management professionals and adopt a multi-layered approach that includes habitat modification and physical barriers.
Moreover, securing workspaces by keeping doors closed, repairing structural gaps, and installing wildlife-proof screens further reduces the likelihood of animal intrusion.
Preparation is key. Employers should establish clear protocols for handling wildlife encounters. In my example with the snake, we weren’t prepared. It took us two hours to find someone who could remove it, and during that time, the warehouse stood idle, causing unnecessary downtime. It is crucial to know who to call in advance—contact local animal control services to confirm the types of animals they handle, their hours of operation, response times, and availability for emergency or weekend services.
Companies may choose to designate employees with certified animal handling skills to manage minor incidents, provided they receive proper training and equipment, or they may opt to find a local provider. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation also offers resources to locate professionals who can assist with wildlife problems (Contact a Wildlife Control Operator). If you plan to remove an animal yourself, you can find information on the necessary permits and licenses (Remove or 'Take' Nuisance Animals Legally).
Additionally, companies should develop a detailed response protocol outlining the steps employees must take when encountering wildlife, including who to notify and how to safely exit the area. Emergency contact lists for pest control, animal rescue services, and local wildlife authorities should also be posted in visible locations.
In the case of bats, once captured, they should not be released. People can be bitten without realizing it, and even minor bites can pose serious health risks. The captured bat should be sent to a health department laboratory for testing to determine if rabies shots are necessary. If testing is not possible, doctors typically recommend the vaccine as a precaution.
If bats are frequently encountered in the workplace, it is advisable to keep protective gloves and small containers on hand for safe capture. Additionally, ensure that the contact information for the nearest laboratory is posted in a visible location for quick access in case of an incident.
Beyond immediate response measures, companies must also establish long-term wildlife management policies. Feeding wild or stray animals should be strictly prohibited, as habituated animals may become territorial and aggressive. New York Post published on December 18, 2024, reports on a case where a 76-year-old man from Hartlepool, England, continued to feed birds despite repeated warnings from local authorities. His actions led to an overpopulation of pigeons, resulting in significant property damage and attracting vermin. https://nypost.com/2024/12/18/us-news/animal-loving-grandpa-being-taken-to-court-for-refusing-to-stop-feeding-birds/
To prevent attracting wildlife, garbage bins should be securely closed, and any unowned animals found on company property must be reported immediately. Maintaining this policy requires regular inspections to identify signs of animal activity, such as droppings, nests, or gnawed materials. Finally, businesses should implement wildlife awareness training for new employees and schedule refresher courses for existing staff to reinforce best practices.
By taking proactive steps and integrating prevention, response, and education, companies can effectively mitigate wildlife-related risks and ensure a safer work environment.
Wildlife encounters in the workplace may be uncommon, but they can disrupt operations and pose serious risks. By planning ahead and educating employees, you can minimize these hazards and ensure workplace safety—whether you're dealing with snakes, bees, or even an overenthusiastic squirrel.
This article originally appeared in the June 2025 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.