Wildlife Taken for Depredations Recommended by Agency Staff for Public Notice, Comment, and Presentation at Public Hearing
The proposed rule changes will specifically address the following:
• Allow the Executive Director to designate staff to issue depredation permits for Special Concern species and alligators.
• Allow cities to submit their application for depredation permits to agency staff, not specifically the Executive Director.
• Specify the types of violations that would prohibit an individual from applying to become a Wildlife Damage Control Agent (WDCA) and establish a time frame on which those violations would impact an individual’s ability to be approved as a WDCA.
• Modify the passing test score requirement from 85% to 80%.
• Allow agency staff, in addition to the Executive Director and agents, to authorize the use of bait for trapping under a depredation permit if necessary. • Remove the requirement for Animal Control Officers (ACO) and those acting in the official capacity as an Animal Control Officer to obtain a depredation permit when taking wild animals exhibiting obvious signs of rabies, unprovoked aggression, or that are suspected to be rabid.
Justification: The changes that are proposed will streamline administrative processes and align rule with current business practices; remove barriers that prohibit individuals with minor wildlife violations from becoming a WDCA; create a reasonable testing requirement that aligns with other WRC testing requirements; and remove barriers for Animal Control Officers (ACO) acting in an official capacity, to take wild animals exhibiting signs of rabies. 15A NCAC 10B .0106 (pages 1
