We have a neighbor who feeds deer and raccoons. We live in a subdivision and everyone has had problems with the over population of raccoons. Can you suggest a publication that warns against feeding wild animals? Also, is there an agency that could send a representative to talk to this neighbor.

This response was provided by Darryl Coates, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, District Wildlife Biologist.

Good Morning,

If your neighbor is feeding deer intentionally - that is illegal under IDNR Law. Contact IDNR Conservation Law Enforcement by calling 1-877-2dnrlaw (1-877-236-7529): There are some exceptions to this law. Go to www.dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems/Digest/Digest.pdf See page 8 or Go to Page 8 Hunter and Trapper Digest See - Heading: Feeding Wildlife for more information about this law and the exceptions.

My first question to you would be - "Are YOU experiencing any damage by racoons on YOUR property?" If "Yes" - Removal of raccoons by trapping is recommended. Removal requires a free nuisance wildlife permit issued by your DNR Wildlife Biologist. View "How to Solve a Problem with Wildlife at Your Home Article: Hiring a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Vs. Do-it Yourself" on this web site. Select - Find a Wildlife Professional (left hand column). Contact your local IDNR Biologist by clicking on "Find Your District Wildlife Biologist" should you chose to Do-it Yourself and to receive a nuisance permit. Click on - "Find Operators by County or Region" to locate a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator in your area should you chose to hire someone to come in and remove the raccoons for you. For more information on racoons and damage prevention and control measures look under "Directory of Wildlife", 'Mammals', then select 'Raccoons' and you will see additional recommendations. If you answered "No" - Review the "How to Prevent Problems with Wildlife"pages for tips. Thanks for contacting us.