Post by FWS on May 8, 2008 16:17:58 GMT -6
How to catch coyotes? Roswell debates trapping
Move could cost up to $1,000
By MARY MacDONALD
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/07/08
Roswell isn't ready to trap coyotes as a public service, but the city is considering a partnership program that would cover half the cost of private trapping in neighborhoods reporting problems.
Mayor Jere Wood said he supported city-financed trapping, describing coyotes as a chronic problem the city should address. But council members, meeting in a work session Tuesday, said they were reluctant to start trapping.
Coyote trapping is labor intensive, and can cost up to $1,000 for two weeks of trapping, said Aaron Bovos, deputy city administrator. He reported that Cobb County has conducted trapping and Gwinnett County now traps for coyotes in its public parks.
Councilwoman Lori Henry questioned the worth of coyote trapping, and noted many Roswell neighborhoods have rat infestations, but homeowners are expected to pay for that trapping.
"I don't see it as a function of government," she said.
After 20 minutes of discussion, council members and Wood reached a compromise, agreeing to ask city staff to investigate a program that would provide "matching" funds to homeowner groups who agree to hire their own coyote trappers.
The issue is expected to be discussed further, before it reaches a council agenda. Wood likened the coyote problem to other animal nuisances, which the city controls.
"The problem is a chronic problem. It's never going to go away," he said.
Homeowners in Roswell in recent months have reported increasing problems with coyotes. Neighbors who live in an area near the city's historic district have hired a private trapper, and last month called city officials after hearing gunshots at night.
Move could cost up to $1,000
By MARY MacDONALD
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/07/08
Roswell isn't ready to trap coyotes as a public service, but the city is considering a partnership program that would cover half the cost of private trapping in neighborhoods reporting problems.
Mayor Jere Wood said he supported city-financed trapping, describing coyotes as a chronic problem the city should address. But council members, meeting in a work session Tuesday, said they were reluctant to start trapping.
Coyote trapping is labor intensive, and can cost up to $1,000 for two weeks of trapping, said Aaron Bovos, deputy city administrator. He reported that Cobb County has conducted trapping and Gwinnett County now traps for coyotes in its public parks.
Councilwoman Lori Henry questioned the worth of coyote trapping, and noted many Roswell neighborhoods have rat infestations, but homeowners are expected to pay for that trapping.
"I don't see it as a function of government," she said.
After 20 minutes of discussion, council members and Wood reached a compromise, agreeing to ask city staff to investigate a program that would provide "matching" funds to homeowner groups who agree to hire their own coyote trappers.
The issue is expected to be discussed further, before it reaches a council agenda. Wood likened the coyote problem to other animal nuisances, which the city controls.
"The problem is a chronic problem. It's never going to go away," he said.
Homeowners in Roswell in recent months have reported increasing problems with coyotes. Neighbors who live in an area near the city's historic district have hired a private trapper, and last month called city officials after hearing gunshots at night.
