Wildlife and Trap Policies

Animal Services | 2222 W. Warrior Trail | Grand Prairie, TX  75052 | Phone: 972-237-8575 | Fax 972-237-8579
E-mail | Hours of Operation

Wildlife / Domestic Animals 

Many types of wildlife are attracted to our yards because food is plentiful and easy to obtain. Being aware of your potential contribution to this environment helps reduce nuisance animal incidents in your area. Please call Grand Prairie Animal Services at 972-237-8575 regarding any questions or concerns about wildlife.

Coyote and bobcat sightings are common occurrences in Grand Prairie. To learn more about these animals visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Website.

How to Avoid Wildlife Problems

• Avoid feeding wild animals, including birds. Birdseed attracts rats and other rodents, a known food source for predators like coyotes.

• Feed your pet indoors at all times. Dog and cat food left outdoors attracts a variety of wild animals, from skunks to coyotes. Feeding your pet outdoors may also make them vulnerable to wildlife attacks.

• Secure your trash and trash cans. Don’t place trash outside overnight or the day before pickup. Keep your garbage in your garage or in a secure trash can (not plastic bags) until the morning of pickup.

• Pick up any fruits or vegetables at ground level; various wild animals enjoy these types of food.

• Keep your pets inside and under your control at all times. An animal allowed to roam off-leash, even in your front yard, presents an easy meal for a predator.

• Spay or neuter your pet. Coyotes are attracted by the scent of female dogs in heat, just as unsterilized male dogs may be lured by female coyote scents.

• Clean your property to remove overgrowth and underbrush. This helps eliminate nesting or denning sites for wildlife.

• Add lighting to your backyard. Wild animals tend to avoid well-lit areas at night.

• Avoid using mothballs and ammonia as a deterrent. In many cases, the scents are so close to animal urine that they attract animals. Also avoid using coyote urine to deter other animals.

Trapping Animals 

Rules

Traps can be set Monday through Friday and late on Sunday evenings. Traps cannot be set on any holiday or weekends.

Traps are not to be set during inclement weather conditions, such as low temperatures below 40⁰ F, highs above 90⁰ F, rain or when severe weather is expected.

Traps will need to be monitor daily and contact Animal Services when the animal is trapped that morning or during the business day before 3 p.m.

Traps are to be placed in a protected area safe from harsh elements or danger. A trap may be placed in an attic, shed, garage, or under a safe structure, but will need to be removed from these areas prior to Animal Services servicing the trap.

Traps cannot be placed in direct sun, location must remain shaded at all times.

Animal services does not provide traps. Traps can be purchased at stores such as Grand Prairie Feed, Northern Tool Supply or check with your local pet retailer.

Animal Services will require permission to enter property to remove trapped animal(s) and the trap, if applicable.

The intent of trapping is to safely contain an animal so that it can be safely transported somewhere else. It should be used as a last resort and not in any way to make the animal suffer. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that the animal is trapped and maintained in a humane manner until it can be transported. Trapping an animal is stressful on the animal to begin with and adding additional external stimuli such as animals or people harassing the animal, excessive heat, cold, or rain can add to the trauma, causing the animal to become injured or die as a result. Since you are the one trapping the animal and preventing it from leaving the area you are responsible for the outcome. If an animal becomes injured or dies as a result of negligence in trapping the individual may be liable civilly or criminally. The intent of trapping is to safely contain an animal so that it can be safely transported somewhere else. It should be used as a last resort and not in any way to make the animal suffer.

Use bait that is attractive to your target animal but not so attractive to non-target animals. Bait placement is important for some animals. For animals reluctant to enter the trap, trail baiting, leaving a small trail of food or scent for them to follow, can help guide them into a trap. Make sure the animal cannot reach through the sides of the trap.