Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Feeding wildlife poses risks to residents, animals says health director

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The Health Department is asking residents to refrain from feeding wildlife.

“With the exception of bird feeders, feeding and playing with wildlife is illegal and could lead to illness,” Health Director Shaun McAuliffe stated in an email to the Independent.

In a follow up interview, McAuliffe said that his department had received reports of residents attempting to feed and domesticate beavers. Other individuals are feeding skunks, opossums and raccoons.

“All that stuff is illegal,” McAuliffe reiterated.

In her newsletter last week, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus stated that feeding wildlife or “leaving general attractants” is restricted and can result in fines. At the local level, those fines can range from $25-$100. They can be as much as $500 if elevated to the state level.

McAuliffe said that by feeding wildlife, individuals are causing animals to congregate in greater frequency in residential areas. “It creates conflict,” he noted.

He added that the town has seen a greater increase of beavers getting struck by cars. Bears also have gone after bird feeders on Bullmoose Run, Fruit Street, Roosevelt Lane and Saddle Hill Road.

There are health risks to higher exposure to wildlife. Beavers can carry Giardia and cryptosporidium. McAuliffe noted that deer in town have tested positive for COVID-19, and his department is monitoring chronic wasting disease in the deer population.

“We advise people to stick to feeding the birds … and just avoid feeding the other wildlife,” said McAuliffe.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday voted to rescind its CPC funding request for Pyne Field as it reevaluates the redesign project.

Vertex informed the Elementary School Building Committee on Tuesday night that it plans to find a civil engineering expert to oversee roadwork construction as part of the Charleswood School project.

Developers are one step closer to having Whisper Way accepted as a town road following a meeting of the Conservation Commission on Tuesday.

Hopkinton resident Ben Pantera has drawn interest from Ivy League schools as he continues to build his skills as an offensive lineman for Buckingham Brown & Nichols School football.

This week’s Police Log features five arrests, along with reports of vehicles speeding on West Elm Street, a resident receiving “bizarre mail,” and someone dropped off on I-495 by an Uber driver.

The latest Arts Residency profiles Libby Lit, a paraprofessional at Hopkinton High School who founded the Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ Unified Theater program.

Town meetings tonight include the Hopkinton Youth Commission (6:30) and School Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Some melting snow sits on top of a pumpkin in front of a home near the center of town.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR