Page 437 - City of Arlington FY19 Adopted Operating Budget

Infrastructure

Goal 2: Support and Expand Programs to Reduce Environmental Impacts
Objective 1: Mitigate Operating Costs and Impact on Environment
Project Performance Measure(s) City Service Team (Department)
Core Feral Hog Mitigation Plan Citizen perception of stray animals Neighborhood Services (Code
INF as neighborhood problem Compliance Services)
2.1.5
Summary:

The invasive feral hog is notorious for causing economic
and ecological damage. Studies indicate that 70% of the Feral Hogs Mitigated
feral hog population must be removed annually to 40
decrease populations due to their prolific breeding
potential. Current measures utilized to mitigate hogs 30 34
31
include the use of conventional individualized live traps 20
and round pens. Animal Services has removed 160 feral 21
10 16
hogs from River Legacy Park and adjacent neighborhoods 0 11 3 9
since FY 2010. The existing strategies ineffectively 0
influence feral hog population growth and density rates FY FY FY FY FY FY FY FY
while contributing to the rise of human‐wildlife conflict. 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Starting in early October, when hog season begins, staff
will deploy an improved, modern trapping method that
utilizes wireless trap system technology. The wireless
round pen trapping system involves an automatic feeder
and camera system that sends real‐time pictures and video
to staff mobile devices. Staff will be able to activate the
trap door via a mobile application when large numbers of
hogs are observed in the trap. This method will enable
staff to trap entire sounders instead of individual hogs,
increasing staff productivity and reducing feral hog
population. The objective is to increase the number of
feral hogs removed at River Legacy Park in efforts to
sustain public safety and preserve neighborhood
aesthetics.

Update:
In the FY 2017 City Services Survey, 27% of those surveyed
perceived stray animals as an issue. The impact of this
program will not be apparent until the FY 2018 City
Services Survey results are released. In September 2017,
the trapping system and camera equipment were set in
place. Animal Services did not receive any hog complaints
th
during the 4 quarter. The total number of hogs mitigated
increased by 78% in FY 2018 (16) over FY 2017 (9). The hog
trap will be set‐up again in October when hog season
begins.

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