Nuisance & Stray Animal Concerns

Nuisance Wildlife

Worthington residents value our community's natural and peaceful landscape, which is just one of the reasons Worthington is a wonderful place to call home. Wildlife also values the same qualities in its environment, which sometimes brings unwelcome visitors to our neighborhoods, creates conflicts, destruction of gardens and landscaping, and possible health risks. 

According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, common types of nuisance wildlife include animals such as bats, roosting birds, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, snakes, squirrels, woodpeckers, groundhogs, and deer.  While the City does not provide animal control services, we do want to provide resources and information to help you find solutions if animals or pests become a nuisance or health concern

No Feeding Learn More
  1. Animal Feeding
  2. Stray Dogs and Other Animals
  3. Sick or Injured Animals
  4. Dead Animal Removal
  5. Share Your Concerns

Animal Feeding

As Central Ohio continues to grow, the abundance of wildlife is adapting to dwindling natural habitats and capitalizing on the new food sources and nesting opportunities. Most times we can coexist peacefully with the creatures that take up residence in our yards and public parks, but some wildlife can become unwelcome “tenants,” causing destruction to property and, in some cases, posing a health risk.  

One thing that residents can do to keep wildlife from becoming a nuisance or danger is to avoid intentional feeding.  For more information on animal feeding click here.

  1. Deer
  2. Foxes
  3. Coyotes
  4. Skunks
  5. Squirrels and Raccoons
  6. Rats and Mice
They are absolutely everywhere," Worthington Police dealing with deer  dangers | WSYX

Active Months

April | May | June | July | October | November | December

More Information On Deer

Signs You May Have Deer

  • You notice uneven bite marks out of plants.
  • You find scrapes in the bark on the lower portion of trees.  These are typically made by the deer's lower teeth.
  • You find rubs in the bark on the lower portion of trees.  Bucks typically make rubs as they shed their antlers in the fall.
  • You notice heart-shaped hoof prints or dark oblong droppings.

DIY Deterrents

  • Do not approach a deer that has taken up residence near your home.  Be sure to keep dogs and children away from the deer.  
  • Scare them with sprinklers, noise, and dogs. Letting dogs out regularly may scare deer away and keep them from bedding their fawns nearby during the fawning season.  
    • However, if you suspect a fawn is in your yard, exercise caution when letting your dogs out without a leash.   Mother deer can act defensively around dogs if a fawn is nearby, sensing them as a threat.
    • When using noise as a deterrent, make sure to be courteous to nearby neighbors.