Police say wild animal encounter calls are rising in Topeka

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Topeka police say they are receiving an increasing number of calls regarding wildlife encounters in the city.

The Topeka Police Department (TPD) took to social media Wednesday, July 3 to let people know what to do if they come face to face with a wild animal. Police did not mention what species people are encountering in Topeka. Some tips police want to remind people of include the following:

• If a wild or baby animal appears alone it does not necessarily mean it needs help.
• If an animal appears injured, but you don't know if it is displaying normal behavior, do not touch the animal. Call the Kansas Wildlife Rescue Hotline at 785-575-1991.
• If you do find a wild animal that is injured or otherwise is in need of assistance, call the Northeast Kansas Wildlife Rescue Hotline. An animal control officer can help you from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday if all other measures have been taken.
• Animal control officers are responsible for enforcing city ordinances on animals including the leash law, vaccination and licensing requirement, the cruelty ordinance and checking on neglected or abused animals. More information on these officers can be found by clicking here.

Wild animals are occasionally sighted in urban areas in northeast Kansas. In June, a local woman spotted a bobcat roaming near the Lake Shawnee area. In January, a representative of Prairie Park Nature held a class in Lawrence teaching people how to coexist with coyotes moving into the area.

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