DNR to present "Living with Urban Wildlife" seminars

Indiana DNR Release:

Seen a coyote in your neighborhood and wonder if you’re safe? Are white-tailed deer, beaver, or raccoons becoming a problem on your suburban property?

If so, make note that the Department of Natural Resources will offer the seminar "Living with Urban Wildlife" at three locations around Indiana during October. Attendees will learn the facts about various aspects of wildlife management, including relevant laws, basic biology, and methods to control wildlife damage from animals such as those listed above, as well as geese, coyotes and others.

"Wildlife is a valuable asset and can add a sense of tranquility in a busy neighborhood;" said Shannon Winks, DNR urban wildlife biologist, who is running the seminars, "however, if not kept in check, wildlife can invade homes, eat valuable plantings, and leave behind a mess.”

"In this free workshop, suggestions for preventing conflicts with wildlife will be covered. We will also discuss various gadgets on the market and talk about what works and what doesn’t."

All seminars run from 6 to 8 p.m. Landowners, managers of corporate campuses or golf courses, as well as park employees and the general public are invited.

The first seminar is Oct. 8 at the Main Library Auditorium in Bloomington, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. No registration is required.

On Oct.14, the seminar will be offered at the Allen County Extension Service Office on the campus of IUPU-Fort Wayne, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. Space is limited. Call (260) 481-6826, option 3, to reserve a seat.

On Oct. 22, the seminar will be presented at the Clarksville Middle School, 101 Ettles Lane, Clarksville. Registration by calling (812) 283-5313 is required.

For further information, contact Winks, (812) 334-1137, swinks@dnr.IN.gov.