INJURED BOB CAT CAPTURED IN FRISCO, TX
ANIMAL CONTROL REMIND RESIDENTS TRAPS ARE ILLEGAL AND MAY INJURE PEOPLE, PETS
(March 23, 2009) Animal control officers remind residents that setting metal traps to catch unwanted wildlife is illegal within city limits and may result in injuries to people and pets, as well.
Shortly after 9 a.m. yesterday morning, March 22, dispatchers were alerted an injured bob cat was in the alley of the 4100 block of Freedom Lane. Animal control officers were called and they were able to capture the injured bob cat. Animal control officers say the animal was missing a back paw. Staff says it appears the injury resulted from the animal being caught in a claw type¨ trap. Animal control officers add, the animal was a juvenile cat and appeared thin, indicating the bob cat may have had the injury for sometime.
The traps are considered inhumane and therefore, illegal in the City of Frisco¨ said Gregg Carr, Animal Control Administrator. We appreciate residents apprehension about wildlife, such as bob cats and coyotes, but we don't recommend traps because the devices don't discriminate and children and family pets can easily become caught and hurt in the traps, too.¨
The injured bob cat was taken to the Outdoor Learning Center in Plano, which rehabilitates injured wildlife. However, the Outdoor Learning Center is not equipped to rehabilitate bob cats, so the animal will eventually be transferred to another facility.
Carr stresses city animal control officers were only able to capture the bob cat because it was hurt. Otherwise, Carr adds, the animals usually scare and run away when they see people. Carr reminds residents to use the following tips to help keep their families and pets safe from wildlife.
"X Do not leave pet food out overnight. Keep food outside for only a half an hour during the day, if possible.
"X Remove any fallen fruit from trees, daily.
"X Keep trash in a secure container. This alleviates easy meal access. Place container outside on trash pick up day.
"X Be mindful of birdfeeders and scattered seed on the ground. Birdseed attracts squirrels and rodents.
"X Make a disturbance when confronted with wildlife so the animals know they're in your territory. Waving a stick or banging pots and pans are good means for creating a disturbance.
"X Take a stick with you when walking pets. This can be used to harass a wild animal, if you're confronted during your walk.
"X Keep eye contact and slowly back way from larger, wild animals. Don't turn your back and run, as this can trigger an animal to attack.
"X Physically restrain all pets and bring them into the house overnight, if possible.
"X Keep landscaping trimmed back around the house and pool. This helps prevent wild animals from finding shelter at your home.
"X Immediately report sightings of wildlife which appear to be staggering.
Call the DFW Wildlife Coalition Hotline at 972-234-WILD. Normally, wild animals run away at the sight of humans. However, if an animal is staggering and continues to move towards you, it's possible the animal may be rabid.
For more information, contact the City of Frisco Animal Control at 972-292-5303. Call the local division of the Texas Wildlife Damage Management Service at 817-978-3146. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also provides information at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild. To donate or to find out more information about the Outdoor Learning Center and Living Materials Center, call 469-752-1195. The Outdoor Learning Center is supported by the Plano Independent School District.
