Richardson's Wildlife

Our city has a wide variety of native wildlife who are critical parts of our ecosystems. Richardson Animal Services (RAS) strives to create a well informed community so that we can live harmoniously with them! If you see a wild animal, please DO NOT feed, touch, or harm any wildlife that you find.

Our city does NOT trap apparently healthy wildlife that does not pose a threat (The presence of the wildlife in the community does not pose a threat). The wildlife that will be trapped are high risk of rabies like skunks and raccoons and animals that are acting abnormally aggressive. Our city is their home as well and studies have shown their presence is great for our mental health/wellbeing as it connects us to nature and most wildlife are predators of the pest species (rodents, insects, snakes, spiders, etc.).

If you are a resident of Richardson and you trap any of the following below, you will be required to release into the wild on your own. Places you can release are nature reserve/parks that have creek so the wildlife have access to shelter and water: Spring Creek (Routh Creek), Prairie Creek Park, and Breckinridge Park.

• Squirrels
• Rabbits
• Rats
• Opossums
• Armadillos

Ways to Keep Wildlife Away

• Install chimney caps or cover chimney with wire mesh
• Cover exhaust fan openings and vents
• Keep tree limbs cut back 6 to 8 feet from your roof
• Keep your garbage in a secure container that cannot be opened by animals
  • You can use bungee cords to keep them closed.
• Store birdseed in a secure place and hang your feeders in locations where only birds can reach them as bird feeders can attract raccoons and possums
• Place birdbaths where wildlife cannot reach them or provide birds with water away from the home.
  • Birdbaths, fountains or pet water dishes may draw wildlife pests, especially where water is scarce.
• Keep in mind that fencing, plant choice and landscape design can play a role in whether your yard and garden is more or less attractive to nuisance wildlife.
  • Landscape that provides space where animal can hide themselves or their youth will continue to attract them.
• If you have fruit trees in your yard, be sure to pick or dispose of ripe fruit.
• Do not leave brush, leaf piles or other debris to accumulate.
• Dispose of garbage regularly.
• Keep pet food and water dishes indoor. DO NOT encourage raccoons, deer and squirrels by feeding them.
• For animals that spend time on the ground, place yard flags or pinwheels near areas you would like them to avoid.
• For animals spending time in trees, tie strips of Mylar or streamers in the branches that will flap and flutter in the breeze and startle the animal.

• Hazing or Scare Tactics
  • Eyespot Balloons
  • Mylar Tape (Reflective Tape)
  • Motion-Sensitive Sprinklers
  • Dogs

Resources

If you need assistance or more information about urban wildlife, please visit the following websites:

• 911 Wildlife
• North Texas Wildlife Center
• DFW Wildlife Coalition
• The Humane Society of the United States - Solving Problems with Wildlife
• Texas Parks and Wildlife
• Urban Wildlife Rescue, Inc. - DIY Tips on Handling Wildlife Issues Around the Home
• CDC Rabies Information
• CDC Wildlife Information
• Common Misconceptions About Rabies (911 Wildlife)
• Animal Help Now: Resources