Wildlife & Stray Animal Concerns

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. Deer
  2. Foxes
  3. Coyotes
  4. Skunks
  5. Squirrels and Raccoons
  6. Rats and Mice

images
Active Months

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

More Information On Deer

Signs Deer are Nearby

  • 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

  • Though no plants are totally resistant to deer browsing, some are less palatable to deer and are less likely to receive heavy damage.
    • Plant pungent perennials as a natural barrier to help make your backyard less appetizing for deer.
    • Learn more about deer-resistant plants here.
  • As neophobes, deer fear new, unfamiliar objects. Though they aren’t always attractive, scarecrows, sundials, and other garden ornaments—especially those with movable parts—make deer skittish. 
    • Use them in combination with wind chimes or bright lights to keep deer out of your yard.
  • Relatively cheap and easy when compared to putting up a fence, string a line of monofilament around your beds within the deer feeding zone—ideally two to three feet above the ground. 
    • Just as deer can’t comprehend the concept of glass, this clear, taut barrier also confuses deer, ultimately causing them to flee.
  • For more information check out 20 Ways to Keep Deer Out of Your Yard courtesy of This Old House