Critters in your neighborhood. Be cautious!

Most wild animals don’t want to harm you, but that doesn’t mean you should try to befriend them, according to Rebecca Koval of Homewood, who serves as the animal control officer in Glenwood. She addressed the topic of wild animals in our midst during a presentation Saturday, Jan. 10, in Glenwood.

Wild animals, such as deer, coyote, opossum, raccoons, skunk and other smaller animals are looking for water, food and shelter, Koval said. When homeowners create ways to address any of the animal’s needs it exacerbates problems.

Leaving food out for animals is never a good idea. Once the animals recognize the home as a place to find food, they will get very aggressive when the food is no longer there, she said. The animals also carry diseases, such as parvo virus and rabies, that can make you or your pets or other animals sick.

Don’t run from an animal. It encourages a chase, Koval said. She suggests yelling. If you have something near to throw, don’t throw to kill but rather to spook the animal.

Koval suggests homeowners take care of possible entry points to a home before a critter gets into crawl spaces, garages, sheds and other seldom used spaces. She recommends checking for damage or holes in walls, roofs, eaves and soffits and covering window wells with plastic covers.

Koval told homeowners that “one mouse is never just one mouse.” She recommends mouse traps that come in various styles or the traditional small snap traps that can be set around. She discouraged residents from using poisons because the animal could die anywhere, even inside walls, making it difficult to clear out a dead carcass. Poisons also are bad for dogs and cats.

If an animal has been digging on your property, Koval suggests using chicken wire to block off areas calling it “your new best friend.” It is inexpensive and is a very good deterrent for everything from moles digging tunnels in yards to blocking off nesting areas.  

Fake owls can keep some birds and critters away, but Koval said the homeowner will need to move the owl weekly to keep up the scare factor. 

Use bungee cords, lock straps or metal double-claw on garbage cans to keep lids on; consider a mouse/rats pest repellent electronic indoor plug that sends out a sound only the animal can hear; plastic garden spikes that hurt, but not harm, the animal walking on it; repellents work but often need to be reapplied after a time.

Koval reminded homeowners that deer, coyote and other animals are protected by law.  Only licensed professionals are allowed to capture or remove wild animals. If you believe an animal is causing harm to your property, Koval recommends contacting the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at www.wildlifeillinois.org for help. 

Related story

• How Coyote Run got its name (Jan. 11, 2026).