Aldermen discuss skunk, raccoon nuisance after resident complaints; animal-control case noted

Several aldermen raised resident complaints about increasing skunk and raccoon activity across LaSalle during new business, and city staff reported an ongoing animal-control case on North Charter Street.

Aldermen said residents, especially in the First Ward, had reported holes in lawns and concerns about being sprayed. Council members suggested limiting attractants such as unsecured garbage and asked whether county or regional programs could help; no formal program was adopted.

City staff described a specific enforcement matter in which a property owner had placed food at a property line and attracted skunks; the case was in municipal ordinance court, and a hired trapper had caught three skunks. Council members acknowledged the city has limited direct options but suggested continuing outreach to residents on securing waste and addressing nuisance feeding.

No motions or funding for a citywide nuisance program were offered during the meeting; aldermen said they would explore whether county resources or a contractor could be used in the future.