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Council hears resident reports of growing wild-hog problem; animal services and police outline response options
Summary
Residents and council discussed increasing wild-hog activity. Animal Services said staff will attempt to scare hogs off and coordinate with Texas Parks and Wildlife for trapping; law enforcement warned against private shooting near city limits and outlined safety rules.
Council members and residents described a growing problem with wild hogs damaging yards and posing a safety risk in parts of Alpine. The issue drew questions about who is responsible for removal and what residents may legally do inside city limits.
Council and staff said the city’s Animal Services typically responds by trying to "scoot" hogs off properties when it is safe and to coordinate with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or a game warden for trapping. Animal Services Manager Jennifer Stewart said the city has a larger trap but the department generally will not perform heavy trapping operations unless absolutely necessary. "We usually just go out there and try to scoot them off the property if it's safe," she said. She also urged residents not to trap or discharge firearms within city limits except as authorized by code for nuisance removal by an authorized official.
Police and city staff warned that discharging firearms close to town is hazardous. The police chief said law enforcement and Parks and Wildlife can respond and that property owners outside the city limits may take different actions per state rules, but inside city limits shooting is not advised. Council members suggested practical deterrents discussed by residents, including withholding nighttime irrigation and installing motion‑activated sprinklers or lights; staff said animal control can provide guidance and will work with Parks and Wildlife for larger trapping needs.
No policy change or expenditure was approved; council directed staff to clarify ordinance language about trapping and to coordinate with Texas Parks and Wildlife on response protocols and public guidance for residents.
