The Difference Between Wildlife Sightings and Wildlife Infestations
Seeing a raccoon cross your yard at night is normal. Hearing one every night in the same spot in your attic is not.
A sighting
A single animal passing through, seen once or occasionally, with no signs of denning (no droppings accumulating, no consistent noise from the same location, no structural damage).
An infestation
Repeated activity from the same location, accumulating droppings, consistent noise at the same time each day, visible entry point damage, or multiple animals (a den with young).
Why the distinction matters
A sighting usually needs no action. An infestation needs inspection, removal, and exclusion. Knowing which one you are looking at helps set the right expectations before we even arrive.