Crime & Safety

Spring is in the Air, Just Ask the Stamford Animal Shelter

Wildlife calls have exploded in the past week, according to shelter officials.

If you ask Laurie Hollywood, Director of the Stamford Animal Care & Control Shelter, spring is already in the air. She can tell, she says, because wildlife calls have "exploded" over the past week. 

"We're already seeing bunnies hopping around and little red squirrels," said Hollywood. "You're going to start noticing the smell of skunk as they get up to whatever they're going to get up to."

Hollywood said as the temperatures begin to warm up, homeowners should take a proactive approach to preparing their home for increased critter activity.

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"Now's a good time, if you have a shed or a deck, to try and close off or seal the bottoms so you don't get families being born under them," she said. "Broken basement windows and exposed crawl spaces should be addressed, as well as eaves and roofs. Squirrels, skunks and raccoons will all make homes there."

Hollywood said to also make sure chimneys are have cages over the flues and grates over the dryer vents to keep birds and bats out.

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"Be preventative now so you don't end up with more issues later," she said. "It's easy to describe what you need in one word: Impenetrable."

Hollywood also said to make sure this is the season to make sure your pets are spayed or neutered or on strict lock down.

"This is the season they're going to try and escape and go find a partner," Hollywood said. "They'll try to run away if they're not fixed, so now's a  good time to address the situation"

Hollywood said those interested could contact the Stamford Animal Shelter for low-cost spay and neuter options.


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