Got a raccoon problem? Groundhogs in your alley?

Hoosiers dealing with nuisance wildlife can now access a broad range of information, any time, any day, through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.

An easy link to the DNR’s new Nuisance Wildlife webpage is on the main DNR website. Just visit www.dnr.in.gov

 and click on the “Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife” icon with a photo of a raccoon. It can also be accessed directly at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2351.htm

The DNR previously shared a wildlife contacts hotline with the U.S. Department of Agriculture but that line was staffed only during business hours and was not reachable at night or on weekends and holidays. That hotline will cease operation on Jan. 1.

The Nuisance Wildlife webpage provides specific information on the general characteristics, food habits, distribution, reproduction, prevention and control techniques, and disease threats of many species of mammal and birds as well as general information about snakes.

“Many wild animals in Indiana have become displaced as the result of urban growth and removal of their habitat,” the DNR said in a statement released on Monday. “While some species may move to other areas where natural habitat exists, some species actually thrive in urban settings. Wild animals such as these are protected by the State of Indiana for all of the citizens of Indiana, but sometimes they cannot peaceably coexist.”

“Because of the large number of raccoons and other species that cause a nuisance for landowners throughout the state, the DNR is unable to provide assistance to actually help remove the animals,” the DNR added. “The DNR does offer some solutions and advice on how to try to prevent future problems and remove wild animals that have created a problem.”

The DNR also licenses individuals to provide nuisance wild animal control services to the public. Find one near you by going to http://wildlifehotline.info

 and clicking on the “Find a Professional” link near the top of the page.