DARLINGTON - The City of Darlington Police Department wishes to make residents aware the presence of wild animals within the city is a normal occurrence. Each year, officers receive dozens of calls about wild animals within the city ranging from deer and coyote to skunks and raccoons and everything in between. In most cases, a little patience will take care of the problem as the animal simply passes through the neighborhood. However, in the event an animal decides to shelter itself upon one's property, it is the responsibility of the property owner to rid itself of the problem.

Officers will assist home owners in the event there is threat to human safety. For example, if an animal is suspected of being rabid, officers will respond and dispose of it. Officers also have live animal traps in their possession and will loan them to residents for temporary use in getting rid of nuisance animals. Residents may call the Police Department at (608) 776-4980 to request use of the traps.

Residents can help deter the problem by keeping garbage sealed in a closed trash can and pet food out of reach of wild animals so they are not attracted to the neighborhood.

For those residents who would prefer not to deal with nuisance animals, there are two exterminator businesses in Darlington who may be consulted for assistance. As always, any resident with questions can call the police department at 776-4980 or visit the department's Web site at www.darlingtonwi.org.