Wildlife Facts
If you have a wildlife problem other than what the Town of Norfolk handles (What we do page) the best solution is to contact MA Fish and Wildlife. Westborough Headquarters # is (508) 389-6300. There you can speak with an expert regarding your nuisance wildlife issue. They provide information on the following:
- Wild animal behaviors
- Wildlife living under sheds, decks, etc and how to deter/dispose of them
- How to coexist with our furry friends
- Can help identify when the local ACO can step in.
- Help you decide if you need a PAC (Problem Animal Control) which is a wildlife trapper.
- Their website has many informative articles to read regarding wildlife.
Did you know: It's illegal to trap and relocate wildlife? The state law states that all animals trapped must be euthanised as moving them will only transfer the problem to another person
Tip: Do not feed your animals outdoors (even turkey and deer). It may encourage wildlife to approach your residence. Animals accustomed to being fed may eventually show signs of aggression. Remember, wild animals can carry diseases (like rabies) so making your property unattractive to wildlife is a great deterrent. Keep your trash secured and de-grease your grill regularly.
Fact: An animal with "transmittable" rabies is at the end stage of the disease. At the point where they can shed the disease through bites, saliva and fluids, they only have a natural life span left of 7-10 days in the majority of instances.
Two classifications of Rabies:
DUMB RABIESWill attack aggressively.
Still shows signs of diorientation.
May attack shadows, itself, others, parked cars, bushes, etc.
May foam at the mouth but not always.
- Animal is lethargic and/or listless.
- Bumps into objects.
- Falls over or wobbly on feet.
- May foam at the mouth but not always.
- shows general confusion.
- appears intoxicated.
Nocturnal animals will come out during the day when they need to. If they are hungry, dehydrated, looking for a mate, feeding young, been chased out by a predator they will come forward during daylight hours. We also have crafty animals that know when trash day is and make a point to come out during the day for the "pickings".
Rabbits make their nests in plain sight. If you find the nest (usually in compost, tall grass, leafy areas) leave it alone. If you see babies in the nest but no mom do not panic. Mom comes during the night to nurse their babies for 5 minutes only. A baby rabbit bigger than the size of a whole peanut is old enough to be on their own. Just picking them up can send them into a fatal shock.
Turtles vs Cars: Please be careful while driving late May through June as this is when turtles are on the move to lay their eggs. They are oblivious to vehicles and will only go in the direction that their minds are honed in on. If you see a turtle in the road we advise that you:
- Slow down and pass in a safe manner.
- Do not park on the roadway and "help" the turtle as you could cause an accident obstructing traffic. Or worse, lose a finger by being bitten.
- Do not try to turn the turtle around to "go back". They will only turn around and cross again.
- Picking a turtle up by the tail can damage the turtle and it is a myth that they cannot reach around and bite you all the way back there.
- If the turtle has been hit by a car contact the ACO and we will safely remove it.
- Do not taunt or poke a turtle. Turtles cannot be pushed from one side to the other. this will only agitate the animal and provoke him to attack.
Not in my yard!
Turtles will come up to properties that suit them and lay their eggs. When they find their spot they will dig a bit, and lay there for a long period (sometimes over a whole day). After they lay, they will bury them, and then leave. They usually will not stay with their eggs. This is a normal behavior for turtles. Please leave them be. The turtle will move along in time. More often than not, the eggs will not hatch due to environmental issues. Pushing the turtle away will only encourage a repeat performance and you risk injury by interfering.
Turtles will come up to properties that suit them and lay their eggs. When they find their spot they will dig a bit, and lay there for a long period (sometimes over a whole day). After they lay, they will bury them, and then leave. They usually will not stay with their eggs. This is a normal behavior for turtles. Please leave them be. The turtle will move along in time. More often than not, the eggs will not hatch due to environmental issues. Pushing the turtle away will only encourage a repeat performance and you risk injury by interfering.
The above is a great informational article. The Town of Norfolk does not encourage handling of the turtles.
West Nile & EEE Information
Between late spring and early fall we accept reports for dead birds. The state does random testing for the following type for West Nile Virus & EEE: Crow, Blue Jay, and Robin.
If you have a dead bird, irregardless of type, please let us know so that we can provide the MA Dept. of Public Health with statistical data.
You cannot catch West Nile Virus from handling a dead bird.
If you find a Crow, Blue Jay, or Robin:
1. Visually look at the animal and determine if it has recently died and is still clean (i.e. no flies, fly eggs or ants on it).
A. If the animal is clean, please contact the AC Officer or the Board of Health to have it picked up for testing.
B. If it is not clean, follow the below instructions for disposal. After disposal please call and report the bird.
All Other Birds:
The state recommends the following disposal for dead birds that are not candidates for testing.
1. Do not directly handle the bird with bare hands.
2. Place the bird in a disposal bag and double bag. After this the bird can go out with household trash.
West Nile Virus is transmitted through a mosquito bite, not through contact with a bird. Birds that are effected with WNV may show signs of depression, disorientation, and lethargy prior to dying.
To report a dead bird directly to the State DPH please call: 866- MASS-WNV
ACO: 508-528-3232
BOH: 508-528-7747
If you have a dead bird, irregardless of type, please let us know so that we can provide the MA Dept. of Public Health with statistical data.
You cannot catch West Nile Virus from handling a dead bird.
If you find a Crow, Blue Jay, or Robin:
1. Visually look at the animal and determine if it has recently died and is still clean (i.e. no flies, fly eggs or ants on it).
A. If the animal is clean, please contact the AC Officer or the Board of Health to have it picked up for testing.
B. If it is not clean, follow the below instructions for disposal. After disposal please call and report the bird.
All Other Birds:
The state recommends the following disposal for dead birds that are not candidates for testing.
1. Do not directly handle the bird with bare hands.
2. Place the bird in a disposal bag and double bag. After this the bird can go out with household trash.
West Nile Virus is transmitted through a mosquito bite, not through contact with a bird. Birds that are effected with WNV may show signs of depression, disorientation, and lethargy prior to dying.
To report a dead bird directly to the State DPH please call: 866- MASS-WNV
ACO: 508-528-3232
BOH: 508-528-7747
Confirmed Rabid Animals in Norfolk