Animal Control

---

Feral Cats

A cat born and raised in the wild, or who has been abandoned or lost and turned to wild ways in order to survive, is considered a free-roaming or feral cat. While some feral cats tolerate a bit of human contact, most are too fearful and wild to be handled. Ferals take refuge wherever they can find food - rodents and other small animals and garbage. They will also try to seek out abandoned buildings or deserted cars - or even dig holes in the ground - to keep warm in winter months and cool during the summer heat. Feral cats are notably quiet and keep their distance. Most are completely reliant on humans as a food source. We would like to remind you to not feed wild or feral cats to keep the population from growing and becoming a nuisance.

Skunks

Skunks are mammals known for their ability to spray a liquid with a strong unpleasant smell. Different species of skunk vary in appearance from black-and-white to brown, cream or ginger colored, but all have warning coloration.

Tips on Wildlife Deterrence

There are several methods that you can utilize to deter wildlife from your property they include some of the following steps:

• The use of scent deterrents such as ammonia soaked rags, mothballs, or commercially available chemicals that emulate urine, or other predator scents.
• Grubworm control - Requires that the lawn be treated to reduce or eliminate grub worms which are a favorite food of skunks.
• The use of lighting can help deter wildlife from the property.
• Garbage cans should be covered securely, bagged garbage should not be left outdoors, and excess pet food should not be left exposed.
• Repair any holes in decks, or other structures that could provide a home for wildlife.
• If you feed wild birds, you should consider discontinuing this practice while you are experiencing wildlife problems as the spillage may draw wildlife.
• If you locate a suspected skunk den on your property, wait until you are sure that the animal has left the den. When you are sure it is gone place an ammonia soaked rag into the opening of the burrow to block its return path. You can also try lighting the area, and leaving a radio playing near the entrance. In addition flooding the area with water repeatedly may drive the animal to a new home.

The Police Department encourages residents to try using the deterrent techniques to resolve the problem, if that fails then trapping should be considered.

Trapping

The Village Board has come to an agreement with a trapping contractor to trap skunks. Under this agreement, the contractor will trap and remove animals at a fee of $50.00 per animal. Without this contract, the normal trapping cost is $100. Residents will be billed by the Village based on fee schedules. To set up an appointment or for more information, contact the Police Department at 630.260.6070.

Dog and Cat Regulations

The Village of Glendale Heights requires the owner of any dog or cat above the age of six months, kept or housed within the Village to be licensed and wearing the license/tag at all times. The application must be made through the Finance counter of the Village Hall, within five days after the dog or cat attains the age of six months. The license is valid for one year from the issue date of the license. Annually, a new tag must be obtained within ten days of your animal receiving its current rabies tag. Visit Finance for more information about animal licenses.

Coyotes

The coyote is an indigenous animal whose presence in urban areas has been greatly underestimated in recent years. Coyotes in urban areas also have a longer lifespan than those in rural areas due to a larger and easier obtainable food supply. Their usual choice of prey includes rodents and birds, including geese. This helps to keep those populations in check.

Due to a relatively large concentration of coyotes in urban areas, attempts to eradicate them are usually unsuccessful as coyotes from neighboring areas quickly move into the area.

There are several steps that you can take to make your property less attractive to area coyotes:

• Keep cats indoors at all times.
• Keep your dog on a leash.
• Don't leave cat or dog food outside.
• Secure garbage in areas where coyotes can't access it; keep yards clean of refuse and brush.
• Do not let pets out at night unless accompanied by a person.

It is also very important that you do not feed coyotes. Doing so can lessen their natural fear of humans, leading to more interaction, which increases the potential for problems.