Michael Berry

Michael Berry

Michael Berry has drunk homemade moonshine from North Carolina with Robert Earl Keen, met two presidents with the same last name, been cussed at by...Full Bio

 

Pearland Gives The Ok To Shoot Invasive Muscovy Ducks Running Amok In Town

Muscovy ducks are a nuisance in Pearland and now the city is encouraging residents to trap or even shoot them in some cases.

The City of Pearland is allowing landowners and homeowner’s associations (HOAs) to “address the ducks as seen fit, and within legal parameters, by the HOA or the landowner.”

Pearland is designated as a bird sanctuary city but the Muscovy duck is considered an invasive species from Central and South America and are therefore not protected.

From KPRC-TV here are the rules:

For HOAs and landowners can:

- Capture the Muscovy ducks

- Kill the Muscovy ducks

- Hire an agent to capture or kill the ducks

- If the duck is not killed, it must be transported to Hidalgo, Starr or Zapata County. These three counties are the only counties in Texas and the U.S. where the duck may not be destroyed and can be released.

Note that in Pearland city limits, the discharge of a firearm is generally illegal. If a duck is destroyed where use of a firearm is permissible, the person doing so much use nontoxic shot or nontoxic bullets. Once the duck is captured and killed, they must be disposed of through burial or incineration. 

Here's what HOAs, landowners, residents, visitors and agents cannot do: 

- To capture, destruct, harass the duck at a place or on a property they do not own 

- The agent has not received permission from the HOA/landowner

- Keep, consume, sell or offer to sell the duck, or release the duck in another location with the exception of releasing in Hidalgo, Starr or Zapata County.

- Participate in the take of a native species

- The take of a duck other than a Muscovy can lead to charges. HOAs, landowners and their agents must be certain they are destroying the Muscovy species. Accidental takings can damage native populations. 

In the event of an accidental take of another species, the accidental take must be reported to the Fish and Wildlife Service or Ecological Services Office for the state/location for the occurrence.

Those who do not find an issue with the ducks are still prohibited from feeding them, including Muscovy ducks. Feeding the ducks can result in criminal charges or civil penalties. 


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