Niles residents concerned about wild critters shacking up in and around their home are encouraged to reach out to the Niles police department for a free inspection of their property, according to a news release from the agency.
Niles police Sgt. Robert Tornabene said the department recently hired Officer Janie Copley to address animal control issues throughout the village. As part of the department’s Nuisance Wildlife Abatement Program, Copley will visit residences at the request of homeowners to identify potential risk areas around the property where animals like skunks, raccoons and opossums might reside, in addition to providing residents with tips to reduce the presence of wildlife around their homes. Wildlife poses a risk of rabies and distemper — a viral disease — which could potentially impact residents’ pets, according to the release.
“We already have ordinances to deal with certain things, but this is a way to educate people and give them tips — we’ve been dealing with wildlife issues in the village for years,” Tornabene said.
He said the department previously had a full-time animal control officer on board, but subsequent budgetary cuts reduced the position to a part-time post, and at one point it was nearly eliminated. Tornabene said the mayor and village council made it clear they wanted someone in the department monitoring animal issues in the village. Copley’s position, he said, is a part-time role.
The advice residents can expect to receive from Copley will depend upon their unique wildlife issue, he said.
“It could simply be learning how to mitigate burrowing of opossums and raccoons under their property or referring them to specialized services to address it and make it a permanent fix,” Tornabene said. “It really depends on the wildlife.”
Residents interested in a free inspection are encouraged to call Copley at 847-588-6508.
Lee V. Gaines is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
More Top Picks How We Test