Wildlife in Minerva Park

While the wildlife is sometimes an asset in our village, many of you may already be aware of the predatory wildlife also calling this place home.

For years, there have been reports of Coyotes in the Hawthorne wildlife area. It is always a possibility.

Now, there are reports of foxes in Minerva Park. There was a sighting of a mother and baby fox on Wildwood within the last month. There are also the remains of something wildlife-like at the end of Wildwood, by the Cleveland Ave. intersection.

Two nights ago, there was a skunk about the area as well. I didn't see it; it had other ways of making itself known.

Although I have a 50 pound dog that is happy to chase off these critters, he's not always out and apparently he was in long enough for a fox and skunk to disregard his scent.

It's advisable to keep small pets in at night (cats, small dogs, etc.) if possible. If you have a rabbit, (or chickens....perhaps?...don't know what happened with that issue, myself) it is probably wise to keep their living quarters raised off the ground enough that a fox won't torment them too much. And obviously, keep their enclosures secure.

Word on the block is the Mayor has contacted ODNR for advise on how to handle the predatory wildlife we have living here. In the meantime, keep your pets-and small children-safe and watched.

The following link may provide useful information (ODNR Division of Wildlife Nuissance Species information):
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/wild_resourcessubhomepage/dealing_with_wildlifeplaceholder/NuisanceSpecieslandingpage/terrestrialnuisancewildlife/tabid/5674/Default.aspx

Unfortunately, we can't tax the wildlife too. Though someone around here may try.