Thank you for clicking onto the Police Department Link. This page contains our latest postings including our daily log. To go to our official site please click on the link below.
Link to the Official Website of the
Sterling Police Department
Receive Instant Notification on Emergencies in Town on Twitter
|
Warning
The animal control officer reports three confirmed cases of rabies in Sterling since October. All of these confirmed cases involve raccoons. Please keep your pets under control. If you observe an animal acting strangely call the animal control officer at 978-422-7331.
Signs that may indicate rabies: The animal may exhibit signs of being intoxicated, it may walk sideways, fall over, may approach a human or a pet.
According to Mass wildlife you should:
Preventing Conflicts
The following tips will explain how people can live with and enjoy wildlife ,including raccoons, responsibly. Remember that your behavior affects the behavior of wildlife.
Secure your garbage and compost! Raccoons will happily raid garbage cans and compost heaps. Make sure garbage is kept in tightly closed containers. Take out trash on the morning of pick-up instead of the night before. Keep compost in secure vented containers to prevent access to this attractive food source. These practices prevent artificial feeding of raccoons and also makes your area less attractive to them.
Do not feed or try to touch raccoons! Raccoons are wild animals and feeding, whether directly or indirectly, may cause them to lose their fear of people. Raccoons which become habituated (used to people) may approach other humans expecting food or attention. This is not safe for animals or people.
Feed pets indoors! Do not put pet food outdoors under any circumstances. Pet food left outdoors inadvertently feeds a variety of wildlife including raccoons. Causing raccoons to congregate at a feeder can also facilitate the spread of disease from raccoons to other wildlife or domestic animals.
Eliminate potential denning areas! Close off openings under porches and buildings. Seal any openings that lead into sheds or attics and cap off chimneys.
Share this information with your neighbors! Your best efforts will be futile
For more information please visit the masswildlife website, or contact the animal control officer.
| 
