DNR Response–Nuisance Animals (Skunks-Raccoons)

To Esmann Island Members:

This summer, residents have recently reported an increase in skunk/ raccoon families being near/around homes.  The board has sent out memos and reminders about garbage being placed in cans with secure lids or hung up high, in hopes of curtailing some of the nighttime activities by these animals. The Board reached out to the DNR for any input/assistance in managing this issue.

Please see reply below from Michael Griffin, DNR office.

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On Esmann Island you are surrounded by a National Wildlife Refuge.  It is one of the greatest places to live in the United States.  I know you know this as well.  There are sometimes conflicts with being in that area between wildlife and residents.

I think your memo will go a long way to helping with the problem.  Skunks and raccoons will “den” in garden sheds and under old foundations.  Raccoons will forage for any easy meal.

  • Curtailing outside feeding of cats and dogs will also help.
  • Containers for garbage to making it harder for these wildlife groups to access garbage will also help.

Skunks eat a lot of grubs in yards. The June bugs you have become accustomed to in the summer hatch from a grub in your yard.  Skunks are very adept at digging these out and eating them.

  • Treating a yard for grubs will discourage skunks from digging in a yard because you are eliminating the food source.
  • Cleaning up around out buildings and plugging holes will discourage them from “denning” in those areas.

I have attached a list of Nuisance Wildlife professionals who can be contacted to trap and remove nuisance Wildlife.

I have also included the local Conservation Officers on this email.  They are Burt Walters and Jerry Farmer.

I would encourage the Cabin owners Association to contact local trappers during the upcoming season to allow access to the Island and harvest raccoons and skunks during the trapping season which begins November 7.

If an animal is causing concern for health or safety to a home owner he or she may dispatch that animal and dispose of the carcass but may not keep it.  The home owner should contact the Local Conservation Officer to let them know.  Burt Walters’s phone is 563 880 0108, Jerry Farmer’s phone is 563 880 0422.

Mike Griffin

MICHAEL K GRIFFIN  Mississippi River Wildlife Biologist

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

563 872 5700 |C 563 357 1736 | Michael.Griffin@dnr.iowa.gov

206 Rose St. | Bellevue IA 52031

 

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