Loudoun County Animal Watch

The following cases were handled recently by the Loudoun County Department of Animal Care and Control. For information, call 540-882-3211 or 703-777-0406 or visit http://www.loudoun.gov/animals.

Blacksnake found in toilet

LOVETTSVILLE, Wenner Rd., June 3. An animal control officer responded to a report of a large blacksnake in a toilet. The snake was removed and returned to the wild.

Microchip helps ID Lab

MIDDLEBURG, W. Washington St., June 4. A stray black Labrador retriever was held at the Middleburg fire station. An animal control officer scanned the dog for a microchip and identified its owner through the chip. The owner claimed the dog.

Ducks go to school

STERLING, W. Laurel St., June 8. An animal control officer responded to a report of ducks inside the courtyard at Park View High School. The officer found a female mallard with 10 ducklings. They were relocated to a pond at Claude Moore Park.

Why raccoons wear masks

STERLING, Cascades Pkwy., June 8. A woman reported that a raccoon had tried to steal her purse at Algonkian Regional Park. The woman grabbed the purse from the raccoon before it ran into the woods.

Bear helped back to the wild

LEESBURG, W. Market St., June 8. An animal control officer responded to a report of a bear in the vicinity of Morven Park Road. The officer helped the young bear to a safe location.