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Urban Wildlife
NEW Loan Service for Residents
Irving Animal Services has deterrent devices available for loan to residents and businesses, such as ultrasonic devices and motion-activated sprinklers and lights.
These devices can be borrowed for up to two weeks, free of charge. Information about how to use the devices will be provided. Borrowers must sign a deterrent agreement.
Wild Animals in Irving
A variety of wildlife species are native to Irving. They share this urban landscape with humans and pets among the city’s green spaces.
IAS responds to situations involving wildlife when public safety is in jeopardy. However, the mere presence of a native wild animal does not typically constitute a public safety threat. IAS recommends preventing wild animals from becoming accustomed to people as the first step in reducing wildlife conflicts.
Wild animals will continue to come to a location as long as they find sources of food, water or shelter needed for survival. Trapping and removing wildlife does not solve the problem, it simply creates a vacancy for another wild animal to move in and use the available resources. The following information can help prevent and resolve wildlife conflicts.
A few relatively simple measures can help prevent or resolve conflicts between people and their wild neighbors:
- Never intentionally feed wildlife.
- Keep trash containers tightly sealed.
- Feed pets indoors or pick up any remaining food after they have had about 30 minutes to eat.
- Hang bird feeders out of reach of other animals. Do not leave birdseed in feeders or on the ground overnight.
- If you have a pet door, close it securely at night.
- Trim overhanging branches and overgrown landscaping.
- Cover crawlspace and attic openings.
- Carefully inspect and repair eaves and other areas where the roof and house join.
- Ensure the chimney has a secure cap.
- Use barriers to prevent animals from digging underneath homes, decks and sheds.
- If an animal must be removed from a home or business, use humane removal options.
- Keep dumpsters away from fences, and trim branches that overhang them. Keep lids and doors closed to keep animals out.
- Do not allow pets to run loose.
- Supervise pets while outside at night.
- Don’t leave pet food or water bowls outside.
- Keep pets up-to-date on vaccines.
- Keep dogs on a leash when walking, running or hiking, and avoid heavy brush, bushes and wood piles.
- Ensure all pets wear identification tags and are microchipped.
A veterinarian is the best resource for injured or sick pets, and can help put together a pet first aid kit should anything happen.
Finding young animals that seem to be helpless and doing what is best for them can be at odds. What is always best for young animals is for their mothers to take care of them. Humans should avoid interfering unless it is absolutely necessary.
If you find an uninjured baby animal out of its nest or home, give the mother a chance to return. If the baby animal appears ill or injured, or the mother has not returned, contact Animal Services for information on what to do.
For additional information, visit:
- DFW Wildlife Coalition
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Department: Orphaned and Injured Animals
- 911 Wildlife: Orphans
- Humane Society of the United States: Found an Orphaned or Injured Baby Wild Animal?
Contact Us
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IAS Field Services
Hours
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. DailyEmergency response only after normal business hours and city holidays. Please contact Irving Police Department at the non-emergency numbers:
Resources
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Urban Wildlife Resources
- Wildlife Fact Sheets
- Wildlife Rehabilitators for Dallas County
- Bees on private property? TexasBeeKeepers.org
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Rabies Information