Winnebago County Animal Services No Longer Takes Trapped Wildlife
Winnebago County Animal Services can no longer accept wildlife trapped by private citizens. If you are having trouble with nuisance wildlife, for example raccoons, opossums, or groundhogs, please contact a private trapper who is licensed with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Animal Services Officers are able to respond to calls for sick or injured wildlife or wildlife in the living areas of the home. Officers will make every attempt to try and capture the animal with the equipment and resources that Animal Services has available.
According to the University of Illinois Extension website, signs that an animal is sick or injured include:
- Limping
- Obvious wounds or bleeding
- Problems standing or inability to stand
- Trouble holding the head erect
- Trouble breathing
- Lethargic, appears unable to see or react to stimuli
- Emaciated
- Missing hair or fur
- Drooling
- Excessive urination or fecal staining on the rear end
- Signs of neurological trauma such as seizures or walking in circles
In the spring and summer months, you may come across wildlife babies that appear to be abandoned, but many times their parents are nearby or searching for food. Please do not disturb the nest as the parents usually return at night. More information on Living with Wildlife is available at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife.
Animal Services does not have the capability at our facility to rehabilitate wildlife; however, we may be able to refer you to other resources. If you have questions, please call a local wildlife rehabilitator, search of one at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/professionals.cfm, or Winnebago County Animal Services at 815-319-4100.