Wildlife
Below are some wildlife resources to further educate Charlton citizens on how to approach wildlife.
Resources
- Charlton Animal Inspector - The Animal Inspector should be contacted if you find a wild animal that is behaving in an unusual or aggressive manner as it may be exhibiting signs of rabies. Do not try to catch or touch an animal that looks sick. The Animal Inspector will be able to assist residents by evaluating the situation and advising accordingly.
- Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
- Massachusetts Wildlife - Moving Wildlife is Illegal - Find out why moving wildlife is illegal, ineffective and harmful.
- Massachusetts Wildlife - Wildlife Rehabilitation - Wildlife rehabbers care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife until they are healthy enough to be returned to the wild. For instructions on what to do if you find a sick/injured/abandoned wild animal, visit Wildlife Rehabilitators' Association of Massachusetts. The closest rehabilitator is Tufts University Wildlife Clinic, Grafton, MA, call them at 508-839-7918.
- Massachusetts Wildlife - Turtle Information and Conservation Tips
- MSPCA's Intruder Excluder - An interactive guide for detecting and humanely resolving conflicts with unwanted household and garden visitors in three simple steps.
- Turtle Rescue League - for all your turtle related questions!
Massachusetts Wildlife Problem Animal Control (PAC)
According to the Massachusetts Wildlife website, Problem Animal Control PAC permits authorize the handling of:
- Certain species of bats
- Chipmunk
- Gray fox
- House sparrow
- Mice
- Moles
- Muskrat
- Norway rat
- Opossum
- Pigeon
- Porcupine
- Rabbit
- Raccoon
- Red fox
- Red, gray and flying squirrel
- Skunk
- Snapping turtle
- Starling
- Voles
- Weasel
- Woodchuck
Individuals with damage caused by beaver flooding must contact their local Board of Health for a determination and necessary permitting. Damage caused by migratory birds and other birds such as woodpeckers, which are protected under both state and federal law, require a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.