Long-time trapper Reggie Langford of Catawba Island and professioinal nuisance trapper Geno Barna of Port Clinton will team up on Wednesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at the Catawba Island Community Hall, 3307 NW Catawba Rd., Catawba Island to give area residents advice on how to handle nuisance animals on their properties.

“There are ways to control nuisance skunks, raccoons, coyotes and other wildlife, either by the home owner or by utilizing a licensed professional nuisance trapper,” said Langford. “Home owners need to know, as well, that there are rules set by the Ohio Division of Wildlife that must be followed.”

Barna, who retired from the Ohio Division of Wildlife eight years ago, said that skunks are a particular problem right now, but that raccoon populations here have decreased after a natural die-off on the Catawba Peninsula last year.

“There are often surprises,” said Barna. “You might be using a live trap to corral a groundhog that is burrowing a den under your home or garage, only to discover you have a very angry skunk in the trap. That’s often when people call a licensed trapper with experience in eliminating such a thorny problem without getting sprayed.”

Langford, a decorated Vietnam veteran, is also a member of the Catawba Island Parks Board.

“The Catawba Peninsula and many areas of Ottawa County have seen a lot of new home development in recent years. Those homeowners need to know the tips that will discourage nuisance critters from settling in on your property,” said Barna. “Nuisance trappers are often needed, but they must also be trained and licensed to work with handling wildlife.

“You can’t just buy a live trap and then help the neighbors with the issues they are having with handling nuisance critters. We have seen an increase in nuisance squirrels, and at this time of year we’re seeing a lot of movement, with skunks and raccoons being killed on the highways and byways.”

Everyone is invited to also attend the regularly scheduled Catawba Island Township Parks Board meeting that will be held on Wednesday, May 18 at 6 p.m., followed by the 7 p.m. session on nuisance trapping. There is no charge to attend the meetings, thanks to the support of the Catawba Island Township Trustees.