Welcome to the untold side of tree work, where each cut and climb brings us face-to-face with the wild inhabitants of our leafy workplaces.
From the sudden flutter of startled birds to the rustle of a hidden squirrel family, working high up in the branches intertwines tree workers with a diverse array of tree-dwelling creatures.
In this article, we’re sharing tales from the treetops; stories of unexpected animal encounters that remind us of the vibrant life teeming within the forests and backyards we work in.
So, grab your gear, and let’s delve into the wilder side of tree work, where every tree tells a story and every branch holds a surprise.
WARNING: Contains accounts of animals being sawn in two.
Unfortunate Arborist Wildlife Encounters
This list is inspired by a member of the Tree Climbers Facebook Page group, who asked:
You guys ever evicted any animals you felt bad about?
I once dropped a hollow limb later to find three smashed practically fully developed owl eggs. And a couple times removed trees with sugar gliders living there.
These are the answers from arborists in the responses.
1. Nesting Birds and Chicks
Arborists frequently encounter bird nests with eggs or chicks.
Some try to relocate these nests to nearby safe locations, while others report accidental harm during tree removal.
Tori said:
I’ve had some nests full of chicks in conifers I’ve dropped that I felt pretty bad about. I usually try and relocate them to somewhere safe nearby if they’re not injured. If they’re injured they get euthanized humanely.
2. Squirrels and Their Young
Squirrels, including baby squirrels, are a common find.
In several instances, arborists have accidentally harmed squirrels during tree work but also have stories of rescuing and rehabilitating them.
Billy said:
We run into a lot of squirrel nests. We have a customer who raises baby squirrels until they are ready to set free. We take lots of squirrels to them.
While Tristan said:
I do my best to check all cavities, bird and squirrel nest or anything that looks like a critter can be in there.
Cut a momma squirrel in half one time and it messed my whole week up.
3. Raccoons in Perilous Situations
Raccoons are often found in trees, sometimes leading to tragic accidents.
Arborists have shared experiences of raccoons jumping from great heights or being injured during tree removal.
Max:
We once cut a raccoon almost in half. We tried to put it out if it’s misery with a shovel but he kept fighting back so we called the police and they came and shot it in the neighbors yew bush.
4. Owls and Their Eggs
Encounters with owls and their eggs are both awe-inspiring and heart-wrenching.
Stories range from finding owl eggs in hollow limbs to observing owls snatching prey mid-air.
Ben said:
Cut a very hollow limb one time, as soon as it dropped off an owl poked its head out.
Kind of cool he looked at me for a minute and then flew on. Glad he didn’t try to go sooner.
And Jeff shared:
Once was giving a bid on a huge water oak and found a mama eastern screech owl nesting on her eggs and the papa watching from an adjacent tree! Waited almost a year till they left!
5. Flying Squirrels in Action
Flying squirrels are another frequent discovery.
These creatures can surprise arborists by gliding away from falling trees or, unfortunately, getting injured in the process.
Jacod said:
Once was lot clearing and saw an owl come out of nowhere and land near us.
Then the next tree we cut a flying squirrel jumped out as the tree was falling, 1 swoop later the owl snatched it.
Made me realize how smart owls are.
6. Bats and Bat Colonies
Bats, including large colonies, are sometimes found in tree cavities or under bark, leading to unexpected and delicate situations during tree work.
Rooster shared:
Cut a dead oak that was over a customers house.
When we got it on the ground started bucking it down and noticed some movement out the corner of my eye. Shined a light in a knot hole and realized it was FULL of bats. It was a nursery. Hundreds of mothers with babies clinging to them.
Eventually they all scampered out and flew away, but there were a couple babies left. Took them to a local rescue organization. Wife wanted to keep them but bats are mite infested and tough to care for. So damn ugly they’re cute though.
7. Injured or Orphaned Mammals
Arborists often come across injured or orphaned mammals like raccoons and squirrels. Some take on the responsibility of caring for these animals themselves.
Aaron said:
Possum probably came within a couple inches of a 500i during a crane pick. Didn’t even know he was in there, he ended up safe on the ground.
8. Honey Bee Colonies
Well-established honey bee colonies in trees pose a unique challenge, with arborists expressing regret when these colonies are disturbed or destroyed.
While you can work alongside beehives with chainsaws, it’s another thing to actually disturb their nests in trees.
Again, in response to the original question asking if anyone felt bad about evicting animals from trees, Roger said:
…baby squirrels every season. A couple of raccoons over the years, even was bitten by one once. But the one that bothered me the most was a well established honey bee colony.
9. Unexpected Reptiles and Amphibians
In certain regions, snakes and other reptiles or amphibians are found in or around trees, adding an unexpected element to an arborist’s job.
Faris said:
When I see a snake I stop and let it go and hide before commencing with cutting. They were here on this land before I came and disturbed on their environment.
10. Rare and Endangered Species
On occasion, arborists have the rare opportunity to encounter endangered or less common species like snowy owls or wood ducks, leading to both awe and the ethical dilemma of how to proceed with tree work.
Web said:
I work in the Sonoran desert. Ran into a gila monster yesterday. Diamondback rattler, sidewinder, coral snakes, etc. are all over this time of year.
Snake gaiters and tall boots are a must when working in deep brush. The noise of a chainsaw wont scare them away, and you most certainly will not have time to shoot them with a sidearm if you’re busy workin 🤣
Oh and scorpions are everywhere year round, they are truly a pain in the ass.
Arborist Animal Finds
Of course, what you find in trees while pruning or felling will depend on where you live in the world.
In some parts, it’s squirrels, raccoons, and owls, in others it’s possums, parrots, and snakes. And in tropical locations… well, we don’t even want to know what they find.
If you’ve found any wild animals while felling trees, pruning limbs, or bucking logs, let us know in the comment section!
