Living with urban wildlife

Even City Hall has an occasional wildlife incident.

Each year the Bloomington Police Department receives several hundred calls for assistance from residents who have problems with wild animals. While wild animals contribute to our enjoyment of nature, they can also damage property and threaten human health and safety.

Police response guidelines
Tips for wildlife control
- Coyotes
Live traps
Whom to call
Web sites

Police response guidelines

Animal control officers respond to the following situations. If animal control officers are not available, a police patrol unit may be dispatched.

Immediate hazard: Wildlife may present an immediate hazard to public health or safety. For example, a wild animal in your living quarters or interfering with access to your residence requires immediate assistance. This does not apply to mice, insects or animals in a chimney, garage or attic.
Sick or injured wildlife: The degree of hazard to public safety, the apparent degree of injury and the animal's species will determine Police response.
Threat to public safety: A wild animal showing aggressive behavior or that may be a potential rabies suspect, require attention. The Animal Control Officer will determine whether or not the animal is a rabies suspect.

Consideration is given at all times to both the public and wildlife. Bloomington's goal is to guard resources, both natural and wildlife, when conflicts between humans and wildlife occur. Control strategies include a variety of techniques.

Feeding wildlife is prohibited

City Code Section 14.137.04 prohibits the feeding of raccoons. Section 14.137.05 prohibits the feeding of deer from November 1 to March 15.

Tips for wildlife control

Squirrels and other rodents

Screen louvers, vents and fan openings. Keep doors and windows in good repair. Replace rotten boards. Cap the chimney. Trim overhanging trees. Remove bird feeders or use squirrel-proof feeders. Chipmunks can be deterred by removing logs.

Opossums and skunks

Raiding garbage cans, living under porches and low decks can be problematic to homeowners. To keep wildlife from denning under buildings, seal off all foundation openings with wire mesh, sheet metal or concrete. Tight-fitting garbage can lids may eliminate foraging.

Raccoons

These common residents live in hollow trees, ground burrows, chimneys, attics and storm sewers. They are attracted to easy food sources like garbage and pet food. To prevent scavenging, use metal trash cans with secured lids that are fastened to a solid object. Cover chimneys with approved chimney caps and trim overhanging branches. City Code Section 14.137.04 prohibits the feeding of raccoons.

Woodchucks

Also known as groundhogs, woodchucks burrow near buildings and live under sheds and woodpiles. They damage gardens and shrubs. Fencing can reduce woodchuck damage if the lower edge is buried at least 10 inches and stands three to four feet high.

Rabbits

Rabbits can be kept out of gardens by using repellents or by placing a two-foot poultry fence around the area. It is important to bury the fence at least six inches. Read all labels before using any repellent.

Deer

The most effective means of managing a deer problem is to use plants deer dislike. There are dozens of readily available plants that deer almost never eat. Section 14.137.05 prohibits the feeding of deer from November 1 to March 15.

Baby animals

A wandering baby animal is not necessarily orphaned. Unless you know for certain that the mother is dead (i.e. found along the roadside), it is often best to leave young animals alone. The animal's best chance for survival is if it is left where it is found.

Bats

Bats prefer to avoid human contact; however, they are known to establish residence in attics. Entry and exit holes can be sealed with 1/4 inch hardware cloth, caulking or wire mesh. If a bat makes its way into the house, you can usually encourage it to leave after dark by turning on lights and opening windows and doors.

Bat bites are often difficult to detect. If you cannot definitely rule out a bat bite, seek medical advice and/or contact the Bloomington Police Department.

Live traps

Minnesota State Statute 97B.655 allows property owners or occupants to legally live trap certain nuisance wildlife species causing damage. Some wildlife are protected by State and Federal laws. If you are not sure if it is legal to trap a particular nuisance wildlife species, consult the Department of Natural Resources or Bloomington Animal Control before trapping.

Live traps can be purchased at most hardware or farm supply stores, and can also be rented from most tool rental centers. Caution should be taken to avoid overly aggressive animals. Captured animals may be killed humanely or released at a remote location with the approval of the property owner.

Whom to call

Sick or injured animals

911.
Animal Control at 952-563-4942.
Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release (WRR) at 612-822-7058.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota at 651-486-9453.
Raptor Center (birds of prey only) at 612-624-4748.

Dead wildlife on public road or public property

Bloomington Animal Control at 952-563-4942. Bloomington Animal Control only picks up dead wildlife from public property.

Dead or injured deer

Bloomington Police at 952-563-4900.

Birds dead from unknown, non-traumatic causes

The Minnesota Department of Health has discontinued dead bird reporting efforts.
Animal Control at 952-563-4942.

Deer or goose nuisance complaints

Bloomington Planner Londell Pease at 952-563-8926.

Web sites

For more information, contact:

Animal Control Unit
PH: 952-563-4942, FAX: 952-563-4667
E-mail: police@ci.bloomington.mn.us