DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The responsibility of removing dead wildlife in Decatur has changed hands.

Effective Sunday, Macon County Animal Control is no longer removing dead animals within the Decatur city limits. They said they will maintain their responsibility for collecting and disposing of dead domestic animals found within the area, but responsibility for dead wildlife now belongs with Decatur’s Public Works Department.

The City of Decatur advises private property owners to carefully bag smaller dead animals (such as squirrels, birds, raccoons, ground hogs and opossums) and dispose of them in the trash. In some cases, City crews can collect large dead wild animals, such as deer and coyote, on private properties within Decatur.

To arrange for the pickup and disposal of dead wild animals, people should call Public Works at 217-542-3589. In cases where the wildlife poses a roadway hazard and it is outside normal operating hours, people may contact the Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center at 217-424-1311.

To report dead domestic animals, people should continue to reach out to Animal Control at 217-425-4508.