PEOPLE IN SMALL TOWNS, SHARE A DESTINY. Town of Clyde Park, Welcome
Balancing Community Safety and Pet Protection
Mayor Wiley and the staff would like to address the recent concern regarding a cat that was caught in a trap and taken to the shelter, where it was later adopted by another family. We understand how difficult and heartbreaking this situation has been for the family involved, and we wish to extend our deepest sympathy.
This was not the result of intent to seize a specific animal, but rather an unfortunate circumstance that arose while the Town was responding to a resident’s complaints about stray cats causing a nuisance on their property.
Following town codes and state/county codes and procedures, efforts were made to contact residents within the vicinity to identify the animal. Despite those efforts, the cat remained unidentified and was taken to the county shelter, where it was adopted before it could be reclaimed, sixteen days before the animal was reported missing.
There are significant public health and safety concerns regarding stray animals, and the duty of the Town governance is to protect the health and safety of Town residents. Abiding by and participating in the observance and enforcement of the codes of governance are shared by all and are an important aspect of living in a community.
What might it look like if the Town hadn’t taken action?
Scenario: For weeks, neighbors were calling Town Hall about cats roaming the streets, knocking over trash cans, using flower beds as litter boxes. Some folks reported that their own pets were being chased or scratched. At night, the sound of fighting and yowling kept families awake. One resident even shared that her child was attacked while playing in the yard.
In this scenario, if the Town had not taken action, those calls would have only grown louder. Instead of people being upset that action was taken, the community would be upset that no action at all was taken. Social media would be filled with posts such as:
- “Why isn’t the Town doing anything about all these stray cats?”
- “The stray problem is out of control, and nobody at Town Hall cares.”
- “If this was a pack of stray dogs, it would have been handled already. Why are cats being ignored?”
- “If nothing is done, there will be kittens everywhere and the problem will double in a few months.”
In that scenario, the Town would be accused of ignoring public complaints and letting the problem grow.
The truth is, we responded to the concerns that were brought to us. And while a deeply sad and unfortunate circumstance occurred in the process, it came from trying to address a real and ongoing problem.
Our responsibility is to balance compassion for pets with the safety and concerns of our residents, and sometimes that balance is difficult. There are subtle nuances to consider in each situation. But every step we take is done carefully, lawfully, with the intention of serving all the needs of our community as a whole.
Going forward, we will be reviewing our process to strengthen communication and to add extra safeguards, so that we may better balance the concerns of the community with the importance of protecting family pets.
We thank our residents for their understanding as we continue work to provide a clean, safe and peaceful environment for the people and pets of Clyde Park.
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Community Wildlife Alert: We've Had a Visitor In Town, Staying Safe Around Moose
Moose are a beautiful part of our local landscape, but they are powerful wild animals. Whether you are walking, driving, or simply in your yard, please follow these critical safety rules to prevent dangerous encounters.
Maintain a Safe Distance (The Golden Rule)
- If a moose reacts to you, you are too close. If it stops feeding, raises the hair on its neck, or pins its ears back, back away immediately.
- Never approach a moose. Do not try to feed it, pet it, or take a close-up picture. It is dangerous and illegal.
Be aware of seasonal risks:
- Spring/Early Summer: Cow (mother) moose with calves are extremely protective and aggressive. Never get between a cow and her calf.
- Fall (Rut): Bull (male) moose are easily agitated and more aggressive during mating season.
- Keep all dogs leashed. Moose view dogs as predators (like wolves) and will often charge to defend themselves against a dog, putting you and your pet at risk.
Roadway Safety
- Slow Down at dawn, dusk, and during bad weather when moose are most active and difficult to see.
- Flash your hazard lights to alert other drivers if you see a moose near or on the road.
- If you see one, look for another. Moose often travel in groups, especially a mother with her young.
Scenarios.
Moose is Calm.
Give it a wide berth—at least 50 feet. Talk calmly or make noise to let it know you are there. Slowly walk away in the direction you came from.
Moose Shows Signs of Aggression.
Look for pinned ears, raised hackles (hair on the neck), or lip-licking. Do not wait. Back away and find cover immediately.
Moose Charges You.
RUN! Unlike with bears, it is okay to run from a moose. Get behind a large, solid object like a sturdy tree, a car, or a building. Moose usually will not chase you far once they have driven you off.
If Knocked Down.
Curl into a tight ball and use your arms to protect your head and vital organs. Stay still until the moose leaves the area.
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Public Review Notice – Clyde Park Water PER Draft
The Town of Clyde Park has received the updated Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) – Draft (August 2025 update) for our water system. This document includes charts, tables, and graphs that outline current conditions, challenges, and proposed improvements to our water infrastructure.
The draft PER is now available for public review. Community members are encouraged to look it over and stay informed as the Town Council considers next steps.
View the draft PER here: PER (Professional Engineering Report) DRAFT 2025
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Join Town Council Meetings Virtually Via Zoom
Second Wednesday of every month @ 7p.m.
To join the meeting virtually, go to:
https://rb.gy/mvkhoz
Meeting ID: 873 9839 1494
Passcode: 304829
In the Town of Clyde Park, we are defined less by boundaries on a map than by the sense of shared values our residents hold dear. Small town values, guided growth, preservation of historical, cultural, and natural heritage are just a few of the core principles that makes Town of Clyde Park a wonderful place to call home.
