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New Braunfels passes ordinance banning wildlife feeding

The ordinance was enacted after seeing the effects of urban overpopulation on water supplies, and considering the number of auto crashes involving deer

NEW BRAUNFELS — The City of New Braunfels passed an ordinance banning the feeding of wildlife on private and public property within the city, aiming it at educating people on the dangers of overpopulation in urban areas.

New Braunfels Watershed Program Manager Mark Enders says the purpose of the ordinance was to protect animals and the environment.

"The health of the wildlife themselves, the health of our rivers and creeks and also for drivers' safety so they're not coming into contact of deer and wildlife," Enders said.

The ordinance was enacted after seeing the effects of urban overpopulation on water supplies, and considering the number of auto crashes involving deer.

"We were seeing increased bacteria levels in the coming river and dry final creek," Enders said. "We have data showing some of that bacteria level was due to overabundance of urban wildlife in the city."

The ordinance takes effect in March. The first offense will be met with a warning; after that, offenders could see fines between 75 and 500 dollars.

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