HEYWORTH -- Complaints about higher-than-usual numbers of wild animals in town, especially skunks, led Heyworth's public works department to purchase several live traps in hopes of removing critters who had made themselves at home under garages, in attics and other places.

But the village has backed off any immediate critter-control plans because of strict regulations by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as to who may trap and remove most types of animals including skunks, raccoons, opossums, foxes and coyotes.

"Our guys are really not equipped to handle those types of problems," said Heyworth mayor Larry Mowery.

According to information on the Web site "Living With Wildlife in Illinois" developed by the IDNR and the University of Illinois Extension office, Illinois law states an animal removal permit must be requested from the IDNR before most species of wildlife may be removed from private property. In most cases, the animal must be causing substantial property damage or threatening public safety.

While individuals may request a permit, the state recommends hiring a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator licensed by the IDNR to solve most wildlife problems.

Reports up

Brian Roberts, a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator from LeRoy, said reports of wild animals in urban areas are on the rise, with a definite increase in reports of skunks.

"I've had more skunk calls than ever before," Roberts said. "Recently I removed 16 in one back yard near University High School in Normal. I'd estimate I've removed 45 to 50 skunks this season."

Roberts said individuals may obtain a permit to perform the removal themselves but warned there are risks of personal injury and many regulations to follow. He said he typically fields calls from residents who have trapped an animal and are wondering what to do with it. In the case of raccoons and skunks, the animals must be euthanized or taken to a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for evaluation.

"It is illegal to release them because they could be sick," Roberts explained. "The IDNR does not want diseased animals released into a healthy population."

Strategies

Roberts said there are ways to make your home less attractive to wildlife.

"Exclusion is the best strategy to keeping animals away from your home," he said.

That involves making sure your soffit and fascia are in good repair, fixing spaces around chimneys, cleaning up any junk or debris in the yard, making sure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and eliminating outside pet food.

However, it's not always possible to remove all temptations for an animal, Roberts said. In-town gardens and orchards are attractants, and skunks will feed on grubs in your lawn.

"A telltale sign of skunk activity is the presence of 2-inch cone-shaped holes in your yard where they have been digging for grubs."

If a homeowner contacts a professional, Roberts said the average cost is about $100 to $150, but can range as high as $300 depending on the number of animals which need to be removed.