So tell me about the Wildlife in Texas.

by | Apr 6, 2022 | Animal Control

Texas’s diverse ecosystems are home to a wide array of wildlife species. While this biodiversity enriches the state’s natural heritage, it also presents challenges when certain species encroach upon human habitats. Effective wildlife control in Texas involves understanding common nuisance animals, adhering to state regulations, and implementing humane management strategies.

Common Nuisance Wildlife in Texas

Several species frequently come into conflict with humans in Texas:

  • Feral Hogs: Originally introduced for livestock purposes, feral hogs have proliferated across Texas, causing significant agricultural and environmental damage. Their rooting behavior leads to soil erosion and destruction of crops.
  • Raccoons and Squirrels: These mammals often seek shelter in attics and garages, potentially causing structural damage and posing health risks through the transmission of diseases.
  • Nutria: Invasive semi-aquatic rodents that damage wetlands and agricultural fields.
  • Black Bears: Once nearly extinct in Texas, black bears are making a comeback, leading to increased encounters, especially in regions like the Big Bend and Hill Country. While generally not aggressive, they can become a concern when they forage in urban areas.

Regulatory Framework

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) oversees wildlife management and enforces regulations to balance human-wildlife interactions:

  • Nuisance Fur-bearing Animals: Landowners or their agents can take nuisance fur-bearing animals without a hunting or trapping license if these animals are causing damage. However, the pelts of these animals cannot be possessed or sold without the appropriate licenses.
  • Protected Species: Certain species are protected under state law, and harming or capturing them without proper authorization can result in legal penalties. It’s crucial to consult TPWD guidelines before taking any action.

Wildlife Control Methods

Sometimes you may need help, from a company like Homeland Wildlife Control that helps with Critter Control San Antonio and the near by cities call on for their animal control. Effective wildlife control combines prevention, exclusion, and, when necessary, removal:

  • Prevention: Securing trash bins, removing outdoor food sources, and maintaining properties can deter wildlife from encroaching.
  • Exclusion: Installing barriers like fences and sealing entry points in buildings prevent animals from accessing human habitats.
  • Removal: When animals become a nuisance or pose a threat, humane trapping and relocation by licensed professionals are recommended.

Professional Wildlife Control Services

Several companies in Texas specialize in humane wildlife removal and control:

  • Texas Wildlife Control: Offers services across the state, focusing on the removal of various nuisance animals.
  • Austin’s Wildlife Removal Services: Provides exclusion work to prevent future wildlife entry, backed by a one-year warranty.
  • Critter Control: Operates in multiple Texas locations, offering removal services for raccoons, squirrels, bats, and more.

Community Involvement and Education

Public awareness and participation are vital in managing wildlife issues:

  • Volunteer Programs: TPWD organizes initiatives like the annual crab trap removal program to protect marine wildlife.
  • Educational Campaigns: Efforts to inform the public about invasive species, such as the campaign encouraging the consumption of nutria to control their population, are underway.

Wildlife control in Texas requires a balanced approach that respects the state’s rich biodiversity while safeguarding human interests. By staying informed about local wildlife, adhering to state regulations, and engaging with professional services when necessary, Texans can coexist harmoniously with the diverse species that share their environment.