Important Wildlife Safety Guidelines

In February, two confirmed cases of rabies were reported in the San Marcos area. While these incidents did not occur on the Texas State University campus, they serve as an important reminder for our community to remain vigilant and avoid contact with wildlife or stray animals.

As the weather warms up in Central Texas, wildlife activity will increase. Our campuses are home to various wildlife, including bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, deer, and snakes; therefore, encounters with these animals do occur.

Wildlife Safety Guidelines:

• Do not handle wildlife. Avoid contact with wildlife, whether dead or alive. Wildlife may carry rabies or other diseases and parasites. Wildlife should NOT be handled under any circumstances. State and federal laws protect wildlife and prohibit the harassment, capture, domestication, or feeding of wildlife.
• Do not feed animals. Never feed wildlife or leave food outdoors.
• Secure buildings. Close windows and exterior doors, especially in the evening and early morning hours, to prevent wildlife from entering buildings.

Reporting procedures:
While most of our animal neighbors will leave us alone if we leave them alone, contact the University Police Department (UPD) non-emergency line at 512.245.2805 if you have a wildlife encounter that you feel should be addressed. The university has trained Animal Control Officers authorized to remove or relocate wildlife.

If you are bitten, scratched, or exposed to a potentially rabid animal, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to Environmental, Health, Safety, Risk, and Emergency Management at 512.245.3616.