The opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the only native North American marsupial. Marsupials are distinguished by their abdominal pouch used for carrying their young. The opossum is not native to California, but was introduced many years ago from the east coast of the United States and has now become well established throughout much of the state. It is about the size of a house cat, has coarse grayish fur, a pointed face, and hairless, rounded ears. With its long hairless prehensile tail, the opossum can carry things such as nesting materials and even hang upside down from a tree branch. 
South Louisiana, including Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes, is home to the gray squirrel and the fox squirrel. The Eastern Gray Squirrel is the most prevalent and recognizable squirrel in Louisiana. These squirrels are known for their gray fur, white belly, and bushy tails. They are highly adaptable and can be found in urban and suburban areas as well as forest environments or woodlands. If you suspect you have a bat, pigeon, squirrel, raccoon, skunk or snake problem, please call the experts. We have the experience and know-how to remove these animals safely and humanely. Call Now for Service:
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Rabies, an infectious disease caused by a virus organism, is found in the saliva of infected animals. It affects only mammals and is transmitted most commonly by a bite. With the exception of bats, the disease is almost always fatal. People can survive the bite of a rabid animal, but only if medical attention is received in time. A physician should attend to ALL skunk bites, no matter how minor, and the local health department should be notified of the incident.
Skunks that seem tame or listless and wander about during daylight hours should be treated with great caution because this behavior is symptomatic of rabies. Also, if they exhibit no fear of people or pets and show some aggressive behavior, chances are quite high that they are rabid. 
Pigeon droppings appear to be the most important source of
the disease fungus Cryptococcus neoformans in the
environment. The fungus is typically found in accumulations of droppings around
roosting and nesting sites, for example, attics, cupolas, ledges and water
towers. It has been found in as many as 84 percent of samples taken from old
roosts. Even when old and dry, bird droppings can be a significant source of
infection. 
The Nutria, a member of the rodent family, is native to South America, and it was introduced both accidentally and purposely in the waterways in several American states. The species has proved to be overly destructive of habitat in some areas, creating problems for muskrats and waterfowl. This species can tolerate winters in temperate areas only. An important fur bearer in Louisiana and Texas coastal area, nutria are viewed as detrimental in most other areas. Adult nutria are about 14 inches long from the nose to the base of the tail. The tail itself is 12 to 17 inches long, round, and hairless. Coloration is brownish, and both sexes are similar in appearance and weight. The nutria is unique in that it has 3 sets or lengths of fur. Primary guard hairs are about 3 inches in length. Beneath this layer is the secondary guard hairs, which are more numerous and give the species its overall coloration. The underfur is short, and less dense than either a muskrat or beaver underfur.
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Bats are associated with a few diseases that affect people, such as rabies and
histoplasmosis. Rabies is a dangerous, fatal disease, but only about 5 percent
of bats submitted for testing are infected with the rabies virus. In recent
years, there has been increased concern about the risk of rabies transmission
following contact with bats. If an injured or ill bat is found in or around a
structure, it should be removed. Because most bats will try to bite when
handled, they should be picked up with tongs or a shovel. 
They are known to be carriers of Mycobacterium Leprae (the bacteria which causes Leprosy). This can transmitted through their claws and on occasion, skin contact. They may also transmit Salmonella in their solid waste. That is not to say that every single armadillo carries these bacteria all the time, however many have been found which were carriers. Like many wild animals they can also be infected with rabies. If you notice an armadillo acting particularly fearless and aggressive around humans and cats or dogs; and/or if it is particularly active during the day (they are mostly nocturnal creatures); suspect rabies infection.
Raccoons are well-adapted to urban environments and are common in the Baton Rouge area. They are able to find many food and shelter options. Raccoons also thrive in rural bayous and forests. Raccoons may carry diseases that can be spread to people (zoonoses) and pets. They can also cause serious scratch and bite injuries. Rabies is a disease caused by a virus and it is almost always fatal. It is spread through a bite by an infected animal. Although rare, it can be spread through infected saliva getting into an open wound. Rabies can be successfully prevented in people by giving rabies vaccines shortly after an exposure. Raccoons are the most frequently reported animal species with rabies in the U.S., specifically in eastern and southeastern parts of the country. All raccoon exposures including bites and scratches should be assessed by a health care provider and reported to Public Health. Raccoon exposures to pets should be reported to the Public Health Veterinarian.
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