DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m still scratching my head about what just occurred at my home when an otherwise seemingly intelligent woman brought a squirrel she trapped, as she didn’t want it on her property, and dropped it off on my private property. By the time I realized it wasn’t a vehicle just turning around and approached her, the deed was done!

Since I already have a sufficient number of varmints, I very much took offense to her actions. As a public service reminder, perhaps you would be kind enough to inform people as to the proper procedure when they choose to remove a pest from their own premises. Thank you! — No Name via email

ANSWER: For information on getting rid of problem wildlife, Sun Spots emailed Chuck Hulsey, regional wildlife biologist at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. He said, “Generally, people can’t be transporting live wildlife without permits or certification as an animal damage control agent, and then under the conditions of the program.”

Sun Spots asked Hulsey what someone should do if they have a problem critter to move. He said it depends on the town. “We have seven regional offices. Folks should contact one of the offices or a game warden. If they don’t know (whom to contact), they can call the main office and they can direct them.”

You can call the main office at DIFW, 287-8000, for information on what to do in your situation. Also, on its website, DIFW has a map of the districts and a listing by town, which will tell you which of the seven districts you are in. You can visit that website at maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/land/wmd/towns.htm. 

Making that call will not result in someone rushing out to your house to trap a wayward squirrel. As a homeowner, you are responsible. You will probably have to hire an animal damage control agent (private citizens licensed to trap and/or rehabilitate wildlife). DIFW can provide the names of people with those credentials or you can find a list online at maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/pdfs/ADCListforInfoCenter.pdf

There may be circumstances under which you can trap the animal yourself, but that does not mean you can drop it off in someone else’s backyard, as the naughty lady in the letter did. You would have to check with DIFW and see how the rules apply to your situation.

If the animal is dangerous, say a rabid raccoon, then a game warden should be notified, and you should call the 24-hour dispatch center nearest you. Those are in Gray, 800-228-0857; Augusta, 800-452-4664; Orono, 800-432-7381; and Houlton, 800-924-2261

Your town’s animal control officer is limited to domestic animals, but would probably have a list of local animal damage control agents you could call.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I cannot find any contact information in your paper or online for donations for the Oxford family who lost their home in a fire Sunday. Do you have a phone number or email contact or a list of items needed? I have dozens of people wanting to help them, but we cannot find any information anywhere online. Thanks. — Karen Barnes, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sun Spots spoke to Cindy Watson, Sally Courtney’s sister. She said that all donations are being taken to the Oxford Fire Department, and you can drop off items there.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].