Wildlife Issues

Due to the increase in calls to Tolland Animal Control, Officers would like to remind residents that many species of wild animals live in this region and have existed peacefully alongside humans without much incident. There is no need to contact Animal Control unless the animal poses a direct threat to humans, livestock or domestic animals.

Tolland’s wildlife which include, coyotes, fox, raccoons, bobcats, black bears and fisher cats can be seen at any time of the day or night, though generally during the dusk to dawn hours.  If you see any of these beautiful animals making their way through your lawn or a fox laying out basking in the warmth of the sun, stop and take a moment to enjoy the sight. Never approach, try to touch or feed a wild animal.  Observing them from a safe distance can be quite exhilarating and be considered a privilege.

There have been numerous calls about bears in all parts of town. Bears will normally not want to bother you or your companion animals provided the companion animal/dog doesn’t spook, chase or corner the bear. On very rare occasions bears have been known to attack livestock, so livestock should be secured in the dusk to dawn hours if possible.

There have been reports of frequent sightings of coyotes occurring mostly in the Gehring Road, Grant Hill Road and Weigold Road area. Coyotes generally just want to go about their business; however they can take cats, rabbits and other small animals if available to them. We ask that when you let your cat(s) or small dog(s) outside during the dusk to dawn hours, that you be vigilant about staying with your pet.

To deter animals from being on your property, please be sure to keep all garbage in closed containers, don’t put food out in compost piles, put away bird feeders, do not leave pet food outdoors, and do not leave small animals outside unattended. You may hang wind chimes in areas which these animals frequent or bang metal objects to frighten them away.

If a wild animal has become a nuisance, the homeowner may hire a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator at their own expense. A list of Operators may be obtained by contacting the CT DEEP at 860-566-4683. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to resolve issues with nuisance wild animals. In some cases there are guidelines that must be followed in order to protect these animals.  Please consult the State of Connecticut DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep select “How do I…” select “Deal with Nuisance Wildlife.”

If a resident witnesses any wild animal acting aggressively towards either a human or a companion animal or acting abnormally (lethargic, walking in circles, etc.) please contact CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection at 860-424-3333, Tolland Animal Control at 860-871-3676, or in extreme emergencies, call 911.