Oklahoma Wildlife Authority launches first annual wildlife problems report

Oklahoma Wildlife Authority has published its inaugural 2026 report on residential wildlife problems, based on more than 5,000 inspections across the state since 2016. The findings focus on common home entry points, seasonal patterns and structural fixes meant to reduce repeat wildlife conflicts.

Why it matters: - Oklahoma homeowners face recurring wildlife problems tied to structural weak points, not just stray animal visits. - The report is meant to help property owners, real estate professionals, insurance professionals, contractors and community groups spot the conditions that let wildlife keep getting inside. - The findings point toward permanent exclusion and home repairs as a longer-term fix than repeated removal alone.

What happened: - Oklahoma Wildlife Authority released its inaugural 2026 State of Wildlife Problems in Oklahoma report on July 7, 2026. - The annual report examines more than 5,000 residential wildlife inspections conducted across Oklahoma since 2016. - About 780 of those inspections were completed during the past 12 months. - True Care Wildlife contributed field observations and inspection data for the report. - The report is available through Oklahoma Wildlife Authority.

The details: - Inspectors repeatedly documented open eaves, damaged soffit vents, unprotected roof vents, brick-to-fascia gaps, deteriorated mortar joints and other openings that can lead into attics and wall voids. - The report looks at seasonal wildlife activity and homeowner misconceptions that can make infestations harder to stop. - The report describes a pattern that can start with small construction gaps that admit rodents and later expand into openings usable by squirrels, raccoons and other wildlife. - Documentation such as photos of entry points, structural conditions and wildlife activity is presented as a tool for understanding the root causes of repeat problems. - True Care Wildlife is an Oklahoma company focused on wildlife inspections, humane wildlife removal, permanent exclusion and long-term home protection.

Between the lines: - The report frames wildlife conflict as a building-envelope problem as much as a pest-control issue. - Annual reporting can turn years of field observations into a repeatable homeowner education tool. - The emphasis on structural exclusion suggests the organization sees prevention as more effective than ongoing removal services alone. - "Every inspection tells a story about how wildlife entered a home," said Kayla Jobe, Inspector founder of True Care Wildlife.

What's next: - Oklahoma Wildlife Authority plans to publish updated findings annually as more inspection data and wildlife trends are documented. - Future editions are intended to keep tracking residential wildlife issues across Oklahoma. - The organization says the reports will continue serving as an educational resource for homeowners and industry professionals. - Oklahoma Wildlife Authority says the mission is to advance public understanding of Oklahoma wildlife through research, annual reports, educational resources and homeowner guidance. - True Care Wildlife says its field observations will continue informing Oklahoma Wildlife Authority research and annual reporting.

The bottom line: - The first statewide report turns thousands of inspections into a clear message: sealing homes is central to preventing repeat wildlife problems.