Author: FBLID 15

Nutria Trapping

Nutria (Myocastor coypus)

Nutria (Myocastor coypus)

LID 15 continues to address maintenance issues in Riverstone lakes and wetlands that are caused by nutria. Nutria are considered an invasive species, and the most effective option to control the population is trapping. The District began a trapping program in 2020, but that effort was suspended during the winter when nutria are typically dormant. However, trapping is scheduled to resume during the first week of March.

Humane traps are used that do not harm the animals. The trapping company will check the cages daily and release the nutria into areas where they cannot damage the levees or preserved wetlands areas within LID 15, or other neighboring communities.

Nutria are more than a nuisance animal, as their burrows can cause stability issues with the levee. They also consume and destroy valuable wetlands vegetation that LID 15 is legally required to maintain under federal law. The District chose to treat the animals humanely, but due to potential risks to the levee, wetlands, and public health and safety, they must be removed from the area.

In the past, nutria traps have been tampered with, stolen, and broken. The cost to replace the traps, as well as the additional labor involved with the extended trapping, results in additional costs to LID 15 taxpayers. The District requests residents help by leaving the traps in place to ensure the integrity of the LID facilities and to minimize the cost to taxpayers. If you see anyone interfering with traps, please feel free to report it on the LID 15 website. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

https://www.fblid15.com/contact-us

Alligators in LID 15

An alligator was spotted recently in Lake Riverstone, but at this time it has not exhibited behavior that would be defined as “nuisance” by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).  Alligators are native to LID 15 and can be found in the lakes and bayous around Riverstone.  LID 15 follows the guidance and regulations set by TPWD for trapping and relocating alligators.

If You See an Alligator

Many Texans will live in close proximity to these native reptiles with no confrontations, however, there are occasions when certain alligators become a “nuisance” and must be handled by the proper authorities. The current legal definition of a nuisance alligator is “an alligator that is depredating (killing livestock or pets) or a threat to human health and safety.”   TPWD is the only authority that can deem an alligator a nuisance because of their protected status.

Alligators have a natural fear of humans and usually retreat away when approached by people, however, the following are instances in which local authorities should be notified:

  • If you see an alligator in the roadway;
  • If an alligator is repeatedly following boats, canoes or other watercrafts, and/or maintains a close distance without submersing; or
  • If you walk near the water and an alligator comes straight toward you, especially if it comes out of the water.

If you notice any of these “nuisance” behaviors, contact LID 15 using the following link and the incident will be reported to TWPD:  www.fblid15.com/contact-us