The wildlife hotline that is run by the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries answers questions when you're not sure what to do when you face issues with wild animals such as racoons, deer, bears, possums and even squirrels. The toll-free number is 855-571-9003. When I called last week Carrie Pomfrey–a wildlife specialist and certified biologist–answered all my questions about bears and the rules about bird feeders in detail. (No bird feeding from April 1 to December 1.) VDGIF answers calls from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The phone is staffed by specialists from the wildlife services state office. After-hours and weekend calls are generally returned the next business day. –submitted by Charles Batchelor
