Agenda

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ARF- 7609

2. B.

Work Session

Meeting Date:	10/25/2022
Submitted For:	Josh Beck	Submitted By:	Josh Beck, Director
Department:	Health & Emergency Management	Division:	Health Services

Information

Request/Subject

Information and Discussion on Wildlife Feeding Education and/or Ordinance options for Gila County

Background Information

In a previous Board of Supervisors meeting, during the public comment section, concerned residents spoke about the increasing amount of dangerous human/wildlife interactions in northern Gila County. These comments align with the data that has been shared by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. A thorough review of concerns has been researched and discussed between Arizona Game and Fish and Gila County Animal Care and Control. The findings will be shared to begin the discussion around the topic of wildlife feeding.

Evaluation

The benefits and detriments of wildlife feeding practices in northern Gila County have been researched and discussed. The information gathered is ready to be presented to the Board of Supervisors, for discussion on the best path forward.

Conclusion

Once presented with the research and information gathered about wildlife feeding practices, the Board of Supervisors will have the information available for the discussion on the best path forward for the residents and wildlife to address the wildlife/human balance in northern Gila County.

Recommendation

The Health and Emergency Management Department Director recommends the Board of Supervisors weigh the barriers and benefits to the options available for decreasing the frequency of dangerous wildlife/human interactions in Gila County.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion on Wildlife Feeding Education and/or Ordinance options for Gila County. (Josh Beck)

Attachments
Wildlife Presentation
Potential Draft-Wildlife Feeding Ordinance
Gila County Bear Ordinance
Cochise County Ordinance
Navajo County Ordinance
Yavapai County Ordinance
Show Low City Code
Flagstaff Ordinance
Research on Feeding
HUman Animal Interaction Fatalities
Wildlife Tourism
Vector Diseases
Feeding Wildlife Impacts
Wildlife Health