Not every critter in Wisconsin can be chased away, even if they make themselves a little too comfortable. Laws protect certain creatures, and ignoring them can land you in trouble.
I’ve heard stories of frustrated homeowners stuck coexisting with animals they never invited. Let’s see which ones you’ll have to live alongside if they move in.
1. Bald Eagles
America’s national bird enjoys special protection under both federal and Wisconsin state laws. Despite their impressive comeback from near-extinction, disturbing these majestic raptors or their nests remains illegal.
Wisconsin homeowners who discover bald eagles nesting on their property must maintain a respectful distance and contact the DNR for guidance rather than attempting removal.
2. Barn Owls
Facing population struggles across the Midwest, these ghostly white hunters receive special protection in Wisconsin. Their habit of nesting in barns and abandoned structures often brings them into contact with property owners.
Removing barn owls or disturbing their habitat carries serious penalties in the Badger State, as these beneficial birds help control rodent populations naturally.
3. Timber Rattlesnakes
Found primarily in Wisconsin’s southwestern counties, these venomous reptiles are actually protected by state law. Many homeowners are surprised to learn they can’t legally remove or kill these snakes without special permission.
Wisconsin conservation efforts focus on preserving these misunderstood creatures that play important roles in controlling rodent populations throughout the state’s ecosystem.
4. Sandhill Cranes
Standing nearly four feet tall with distinctive red foreheads, these elegant birds frequent Wisconsin wetlands and fields. Their prehistoric-sounding calls might wake you early, but legally they’re untouchable.
Wisconsin law protects these ancient creatures from harassment or removal, even when they decide your newly-planted corn makes a perfect breakfast buffet.
5. Butler’s Garter Snakes
Unlike their common cousins, these specialized garter snakes have a limited range and protected status in Wisconsin. Their preference for wet meadows and urban green spaces sometimes brings them into residential areas.
Many Wisconsin gardeners appreciate these harmless reptiles for their insect-eating habits, though state law protects them regardless of whether homeowners welcome them or not.
6. Eastern Bluebirds
With their brilliant blue plumage and sweet songs, these beloved birds are fully protected under Wisconsin wildlife regulations. Many homeowners actually install special nest boxes to attract them.
The Badger State’s conservation laws prohibit removing bluebird nests or eggs, even from inconvenient locations on your property, without proper permits from wildlife authorities.
7. Northern Long-eared Bats
Decimated by white-nose syndrome, these small brown bats receive strict protection under Wisconsin and federal law. They often roost in tree hollows, attics, and outbuildings during summer months.
Wisconsin property owners discovering these endangered mammals must work with wildlife officials rather than attempting removal, as these nocturnal insect-eaters play crucial roles in controlling mosquito populations.
8. Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs
Barely larger than a quarter, these tiny amphibians make distinctive clicking calls that sound like marbles knocking together. They’re critically endangered in Wisconsin despite being common elsewhere.
The Badger State strictly forbids disturbing these small frogs or their wetland habitats, even when they establish themselves in decorative ponds or water features on private property.
9. Peregrine Falcons
Once nearly extinct, these lightning-fast hunters have adapted to urban environments and sometimes nest on tall buildings or structures. Their recovery represents one of Wisconsin’s greatest conservation successes.
State law prohibits homeowners from disturbing these protected raptors, even when they establish nesting sites on private property throughout the Badger State.
10. Wood Turtles
With their sculpted shells and orange-red neck and leg coloration, these semi-aquatic reptiles are immediately recognizable. Wisconsin lists them as threatened due to habitat loss and collection for the pet trade.
Finding one wandering across your Wisconsin property might seem like a one-time occurrence, but removing these protected turtles carries significant legal penalties under state conservation laws.
11. Karner Blue Butterflies
No bigger than a quarter, these endangered insects depend entirely on wild lupine plants for reproduction. Central Wisconsin contains some of their last remaining strongholds in the entire country.
Property owners in the Badger State who discover these tiny blue butterflies must preserve their habitat under both state and federal endangered species protections.
12. American Badgers
Despite being Wisconsin’s state animal, many homeowners are surprised to learn they can’t legally remove these powerful diggers from their property. Their distinctive white-striped faces and stocky bodies make them unmistakable.
The Badger State protects its namesake creature, requiring property owners to contact wildlife officials for assistance rather than attempting to trap or relocate these beneficial predators.