A Message from Tolland Animal Control a Division of Public Safety

This summer Tolland Animal Control Department has been receiving reports of bear, bobcat, and possibly a Cougar, among the other more recognized animals such as fox, coyote, raccoons, and fisher cats.   Kathy Vose was kind enough to share her photos of a bobcat that she took on Shenipsit Lake Road in the early morning of August 8th.

 To date, none of these animals have been cause for concern or been aggressive with any animals or people. These animals can be seen at anytime of the day or night, though generally during the dusk to dawn hours. If you see one of these magnificent animals making their way through your lawn, feel free to stop and take a moment to enjoy the sight. You should never approach a wild animal, however watch from a safe distance and consider it a privilege that you have been able to witness the beauty of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

To deter these 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 frequent these animals or bang metal objects to frighten them away.

Late August is when the Animal Control Office begins getting an increase in calls regarding fox that are out during the day lying in the sun. Do not be alarmed, the fox use the sun to help their skin dry out and kill parasites such as Mange. If a resident witnesses any wild animal acting aggressively towards either a human or a companion animal, please contact Tolland Animal Control at 860-871-3676.

Please remember to license all dogs over 6 months of age. Animal Control Officers will be stepping up their efforts to locate unlicensed dogs and those owners will be subject to fines in accordance with CT General Statue 22-338. To license your dog, please visit the Town Clerk, 21 Tolland Green and you will be asked to provide a copy of your dogs Rabies Certificate along with the proper license fees.