As the temperatures plummet and the snow begins to pile up, all kinds of critters are looking for a nice, warm, dry place to hang out. Whether it’s an attic or a warm crawl space, no area of your home is off limits to occupation by an unwanted houseguest.

Last year, my sister Mary called one evening with the news, “I’ve got a raccoon living in my attic. I need help! NOW!”

After a little kidding about her claiming the raccoon as a dependent and finding it a good school in the area, I looked up the Indiana Nuisance Wildlife hotline for her. She called the number and was able to get in touch with a professional trapper who helped take care of the problem.

Now, along comes progress and the Nuisance Wildlife Hotline is no longer available. Rather than let our fingers do the walking, assistance information is available online.

Hoosiers trying to deal with nuisance wildlife can now access a broad range of information any time of the day, any day of the year, on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.
An easy link to the new Nuisance Wildlife online product is on the main DNR website; simply go to www.dnr.IN.gov and click on the “Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife” icon with a photograph of a raccoon. It also may be accessed at www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild/2351.htm

The DNR previously shared a wildlife conflicts hotline with the USDA, but the phone line was staffed only during business hours and was not reachable at night or on weekends or holidays. According to DNR sources, the hotline was scheduled to cease operation on Jan. 1.

The Nuisance Wildlife page provides specific information on the general characteristics, food habits, distribution, reproduction, prevention and control techniques and disease threats of many species of mammals and birds, as well as general information about snakes.

Many wild animals in Indiana have become displaced as the result of urban growth and removal of habitat. While some species may move to other areas where natural habitat exists, some species actually thrive in urban settings. Wild animals are protected by the state for all of the citizens of Indiana, but sometimes they cannot peaceably coexist.

Because of the large number of raccoons and other species causing problems for landowners throughout the state, the DNR is unable to provide assistance to actually help remove the animals. The DNR does offer some solutions and advice on how to try to prevent future problems and remove the wild animals to resolve the problem.

The DNR also licenses individuals to provide nuisance wild animal control services to the public. Find one near you by going to http://wildlifehotline.info and clicking on the “Find A Professional” link near the top of the page.

I’m all for the advancement of technology, but limiting nuisance wildlife information to only individuals able to access a computer leaves a lot of elderly and less technology-adept individuals at a loss. With the innovation, the information is available 24/7, but I guess if you don’t have a “mouse” in the house, you may have to put up with the raccoon in your attic.

For Hoosiers without computer access and with a problem critter, I would suggest calling the sheriff’s office and request the county conservation officer to call you.

Atterbury Shooting Range schedule changes

Hundreds of Hoosiers use the range throughout the week at Atterbury, but beware – the schedule has changed. The Atterbury public shooting range is now only open on weekends.

Hours of operation are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon-5 p.m. on Sundays. Atterbury is currently seeking a new concessionaire to run the range. Until the role is filled, property personnel and volunteers are conducting weekend operations.
Established fees remain the same. The hourly rate on the rifle-pistol range is $7 for the first hour, and $5 for each additional hour. A round of trap or skeet on the shotgun range is $6 per round. Existing annual passes are being honored.

Cash or checks, with proper identification, are accepted. Credit and debit cards are not accepted. There are no concessions (merchandise, soft drinks, etc.) available at this time.

New member appointed to Indiana DNR boards

Will Ditzler, president and CEO of JFNew, an ecological services firm, and an avid outdoorsman, was appointed to the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF) and the Indiana Heritage Trust (IHT) boards late last month.

Ditzler joined JFNew in 1992. He became president and CEO in 2001, and chair of the board in 2002. He works closely with clients and strategic partners in projects involving large-scale ecological restoration, mitigation banking and conservation easements – experience DNR Director Robert E. Carter Jr. said will greatly benefit the two organizations.

“Will’s experience and influence add even more credibility to these two distinguished groups,” Carter said. “We are pleased that he is able to work with us.”

The INRF is an Indiana not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support and sustain the educational and scientific programs of the Indiana DNR. IHT buys land from willing sellers to protect Indiana’s rich natural heritage for wildlife habitat and recreation.
JFNew has been working with challenging environmental issues for more than 20 years throughout the Midwest. It operates one of the largest native plant nurseries in the nation, with more than 355 available species.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.