Wildlife

It is important to remember that wildlife can be found wherever the four main elements to support them are present: food, shelter, water and a place to raise their young. While many people enjoying watching wildlife and actually welcome wild animals to their backyards, others think of wild animals as a nuisance. If do not wish to encourage wild animals in your yard, the best long term solution is to keep your property tidy and use appropriate and humane deterrents to discourage wildlife from taking up residence. Only humane solutions should be implemented for any problems that may arise as a result of wildlife who are in your yard or in your home. Poisons and traps are not only inhumane and ineffective in preventing recurrence of the problem, but can be dangerous to pets and children, and may even be illegal. Even though using a live trap and relocating wildlife may be one solution, it isn't the best. When an animal is removed from its habitat, another will likely come to take its place. While relocating is still a better choice than death, relocation should only be used as a last resort.

The Humane Society of Clinton County Animal Control will respond to calls involving sick or injured, domestic animals and wildlife on a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week basis. Any wild animals transported to the shelter will be returned to their natural habitat or taken to a rehabilitation facility. Animal Control will not respond to calls involving any animal, which are considered non-threatening, or to situations posing a danger to the ACO. Such situations may include but are not limited to climbing trees, climbing on roofs or under buildings, entering attics, or very deep water.



The HSCC encourages people to live in harmony with wildlife. However, as urban sprawl continues to displace wild animals, conflicts with humans are inevitable. Wild animals generally do not pose a problem, but if you should happen to encounter a wild animal, the best advice is just to leave it alone.

If a wild animal exhibits any of the following signs or conditions, contact Animal Control at (765) 654-7717 or the WildCat Wildlife Center at (576) 686-3069.
		An apparent or obvious broken limb An open wound or severe bleeding A featherless or nearly featherless bird on the ground (and the nest is not in sight) Shivering Evidence of a dead parent nearby
Once authorities have been contacted, describe the animal and its physical condition as accurately as possible. Remember, many animals that appear to be orphaned are not. Unless one or more of the signs mentioned above is present, do not attempt a rescue. Unless directed otherwise, you can make an animal more comfortable for transport until help arrives.
Punch holes into a cardboard box or other container. Line the box with an old T-shirt or other soft cloth. While wearing gloves, gently place the animal in the container. Use a towel or pillowcase to cover the animal. Do NOT give the animal food or water. It could choke, develop digestive problems, or drown. Many injured animals are in shock, and eating or drinking will only make it worse. Place the container in a warm, dark, quiet place-away from pets, children, and noise-until help arrives. Never handle an adult animal without first consulting a wildlife professional. Even small animals can cause injury.
It is important to remember that wildlife can be found wherever the four main elements to support them are present: food, shelter, water and a place to raise their young. While many people enjoying watching wildlife and actually welcome wild animals to their backyards, others think of wild animals as a nuisance. If do not wish to encourage wild animals in your yard, the best long term solution is to keep your property tidy and use appropriate and humane deterrents to discourage wildlife from taking up residence. Only humane solutions should be implemented for any problems that may arise as a result of wildlife who are in your yard or in your home. Poisons and traps are not only inhumane and ineffective in preventing recurrence of the problem, but can be dangerous to pets and children, and may even be illegal. Even though using a live trap and relocating wildlife may be one solution, it isn't the best. When an animal is removed from its habitat, another will likely come to take its place. While relocating is still a better choice than death, relocation should only be used as a last resort. The Humane Society of Clinton County Animal Control will respond to calls involving sick or injured, domestic animals and wildlife on a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week basis. Any wild animals transported to the shelter will be returned to their natural habitat or taken to a rehabilitation facility. Animal Control will not respond to calls involving any animal, which are considered non-threatening, or to situations posing a danger to the ACO. Such situations may include but are not limited to climbing trees, climbing on roofs or under buildings, entering attics, or very deep water.
For more information on wildlife check out these helpful sites: State licensed wildlife rehabilitation center 4709 N 400 W Delphi, IN 46923 http://www.wildcatwildlifecenter.org/ Wildlife Orphanage Inc. Dedicated to the Welfare of Native Wildlife Post Office Box 0945 Chesterton, IN 46304 (219) 362-6999 http://www.wildlife-orphanage.org Wildlife issues from the Humane Society of the United States http://www.hsus.org/wildlife The National Wildlife Federation Keeping the Wild Alive http://www.nwf.org/wildlife/ The Fund for Animals They speak for those who can't http://www.fundforanimals.org/urbanwildlife Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty. -Albert Einstein