As the temperatures drop and the weather worsens, be aware that many wild animals have been and are making their way into the city limits of Kearney. The numbers of opossums and raccoons are on the rise. You may also have noticed an increase in the number of wild, stray cats in your neighborhood.
The following some simple rules will help in the areas of safety and animal control:
• Do not allow children to try to pet opossums, raccoons, or wild cats. While we have not had reported cases of these animals being sick, there is always that possibility. Don’t risk either you or your child being bitten or scratched.
• Do not feed these animals because that only encourages them to stay in the area of your house in order to get more food. Make sure that storage sheds have been secured so that animals can not enter them to find shelter.
If you do have a problem with opossums, raccoons, or wild cats, feel free to contact the Kearney Police Department at (308) 233-5253 to borrow a live trap.