Highlights
Let Wildlife Be Wild !
From the iNaturalist Program App to Animal Services ’ Urban Wildlife Website
# Leveraging Technology For Community Wildlife Education
In October 2022 , Animal Services ’ former field operations manager Ray Rentschler presented information about Arlington ’ s Sustainable Wildlife program at the Texas Unites for Animals conference in Austin , Texas . This conference was attended by animal welfare professionals from Texas and surrounding states .
Ray ’ s dedication and passion for wildlife inspired creative outreach tool development , like the City ’ s
City ’ s Urban Wild Life Website , as well as
interactive wildlife maps for citizen reporting . To date , almost 900 wildlife sightings have been reported and documented in Arlington – including avian , mammal and reptile species . Rentschler envisioned interactive maps as a tool to emphasize wildlife abundance , and the importance of using proven best practices to foster harmonious coexistence with local wildlife .
Arlington Animal Services ( AAS ) is working to educate Arlington residents , business owners , and visitors about urban wildlife .
The Sustainable Wildlife Program was initiated to implement proven best practices for coexistence with wildlife . Support of this program will help attain the best outcome for people , domestic pets , and wildlife in the community .
Humanity has grown in our understanding of ecosystems , interdependency and the need for greater urban diversity of flora and fauna within our living spaces . The outdated practice of Animal Services professionals just trapping and relocating wildlife “ pests ” ( or euthanizing them ) has been proven unsucessful . Studies have shown that relocated wildlife seldom live more than a couple of weeks after relocation ; generally dying of starvation or injuries inflicted by other area wildlife ( or domestic pets ) defending their territories .
Read more about why trapping will not work . Animal Services understands that there are times when trapping , or removal of problem wildlife , is warranted ; however , even with the removal of a nuisance animal , this will not stop another animal from moving into its territory . Removal of a nuisance animal without addressing the underlying resource availability and habitat attraction issues of your location will not stop future repeat problems from occurring .
Steps to Reduce Unwanted Wildlife at Home :
• Do not intentionally feed wildlife ;
• Keep trash containers tightly sealed ;
• Feed pets indoors or at least pick up any remaining food after they eat ;
• Do not leave birdseed in feeders or on the ground overnight ;
• If you have a pet door , close it securely at night ;
• Cover crawlspace and attic openings with heavy gauge , rustproof wire mesh ( not chicken wire );