Wild Animal Trap

1. 1
Presented By: Patrick Sullivan
Public Works Director
Item # 10
October 10, 2016
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding
the Trapping and Release of Wild Animals

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• The Public Works Department has managed a
trap and release program for a number of years.
The process involves the use of a City issued
trap, a request to service the trap, resulting in the
release of the animal into Olmos Basin.
SUMMARY

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
• Currently, Public Works performs between Twelve (12) and Thirty (30)
calls a month. Occasionally, perform two or more calls a day at the
same resident’s home.
• Private companies were explored on their trapping services, which are
different from our current process.
• Wild animals are looking for easy meals, which is readily available
from owners within the neighborhoods

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
• Relocating an animal within a half mile of its origin does not result
in a relocation for very long
• Three trapping service companies that were contacted all
relocated the animals outside loop 1604
• The risk to handlers (trappers) in contracting various diseases
transmitted by these animals is fairly high

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POLICY ANALYSIS
• Currently, the City’s “Wild Relocate Program” is not
beneficial in depletion the wild animal population.
Service calls from residents are unplanned work
interruptions and employees are exposed to health
risk or injuries

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POLICY ANALYSIS
• City of Terrell Hills does not provide traps or personnel
to assist residents with wild animal removal
• City of San Antonio does not provide traps or
personnel to assist residents with wild animal removal
• City of Olmos Park does provide traps and personnel
to remove wild animals but releases them to Wildlife
Rescue instead of back into the basin

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POLICY ANALYSIS
• Local Wildlife rescue groups are much better
equipped at handling and housing wildlife than we are
• The City of San Antonio recommends Wildlife Rescue
and Rehabilitation as a good resource for citizens
wishing to dispose of wild animals: 830-336-2725

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POLICY ANALYSIS
• Seeking guidance from Council regarding elimination
of the City's program and requiring residents to hire
their own professional to trap and release wild
animals outside of the city limits or funding a program
to properly train and equip City personnel to
accomplish this task

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FISCAL IMPACT
• Cost for the City to implement program is between $600
and $1,500 a month. Currently, it is managed by the
Public Works Department to include man hours and
fuel.

11. QUESTIONS?