Politics & Government
Wild Animals in Densely Populated Areas Raises Commissioner's Concern
The threat of wild boars, coyotes and feral hogs, such as those spotted in the Greater Brandon area, have caught the eye of Hillsborough County Commissioners, who are expected to consider an action plan of protection proposed by Commissioner Ken Hagan.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan is set to ask his colleagues today, Feb. 6, to consider ways to protect residents and property from “potentially dangerous” wild animals that have been spotted in densely populated areas.
Recent such incidents include Feral hogs in FishHawk, boars roaming New Tampa parking lots and coyotes making their presence known in Carrollwood. In Northdale, a dog goes face-fo-face with a boar and loses its life.
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Hagan intends to ask county staff to look into the “state of the situation” when commissioners meet at the Fred B. Karl County Center on Kennedy Bouleverad in Tampa.
- See Feral Hogs in FishHawk Put Wildlife Department To Work
According to Hagan’s agenda item, he wants staff directed to “recommend an action plan designed to alert citizens of the dangers as well as advise on ways to best protect themselves and their property.”
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Coyote sightings are not uncommon in Hillsborough’s populated areas. Wild boar sightings are also not unheard of.
Hagan, however, says some of the reports have been atypical.
“Recent and frequent (sightings) in areas of Carrollwood Village, Original Carrollwood and Lake Magdalene are very unusual,” Hagan said. “What is most concerning is their increasing activity in highly populated areas, which substantially increases the potential for a dangerous encounter.”
Reports about human and wild animal interactions have been “increasingly aggressive,” he added.
Hagan is unsure of what actions, if any, the county should take, but intends to ask Hillsborough County Animal Services officials to report back on the situation.
“A real potential for danger exists and I want to ensure that our residents have all the information they need to remain safe,” he said.
Hagan’s primary goal is to raise awareness about the increase in sightings and aggressive encounters, he said, and to “alert our residents to what they can do to protect themselves from injury and their property from damage.”
The commission meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 601 East Kennedy Blvd.
To view the full agenda, visit the county online.
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What wild animals have you spotted in Bloomingale and Riverview? Do they concern you? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
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