Laredo Negotiates Wildlife Management Contract to Address Hog and Javelina Overpopulation

City aims to curb property damage and safety risks from surging wild animal populations.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:21pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated grid pattern of a single, iconic image of a wild javelina, conveying the concept of urban wildlife encroachment in an abstract, pop art-inspired way.Laredo's efforts to manage the surging wild hog and javelina populations aim to curb the growing property damage and safety risks for local residents.Laredo Today

The city of Laredo, Texas is entering negotiations with a local environmental company to develop and implement a wildlife population control plan to address the growing problems caused by overpopulations of wild hogs and javelinas. Residents across the city have reported thousands of dollars in property damage from the animals, prompting the city council to direct staff to find a solution.

Why it matters

The wild hog and javelina populations in Laredo have become a major nuisance, causing extensive property damage to residents' yards and posing safety risks if the animals become cornered. The city is seeking a proactive approach to manage the situation before it escalates further.

The details

Laredo's City Council passed a motion directing staff to begin negotiations with Brewster Environmental Quality Services LLC, the sole bidder for the wildlife management project. The plan will likely involve a combination of lethal and non-lethal methods to reduce the hog and javelina populations. City officials are also exploring ways to make use of any culled animals, such as donating the meat to local charities and churches.

  • The issue was first discussed at a March 16 City Council meeting.
  • The council directed staff to begin negotiations with a company at that time.
  • A follow-up discussion and approval is scheduled for the May 4 City Council meeting.

The players

Dr. Tyler King

District VI Councilmember who said residents across Laredo are experiencing thousands of dollars in property damage from the wild animals.

Dr. Richard Chamberlain

Laredo Public Health Director, speaking on behalf of the Laredo Animal Care Services Assistant Director who was out of town.

Gilbert Gonzalez

District II Councilmember who met with state officials in Austin about available grants to address the issue.

Brewster Environmental Quality Services LLC

The sole bidder for Laredo's wildlife management project.

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What they’re saying

“Our residents in not just north Laredo but south Laredo, east Laredo and maybe even central Laredo, their yards are getting absolutely destroyed, with thousands of dollars that they are having to spend to replace their entire yards.”

— Dr. Tyler King, District VI Councilmember

“It really does impact people's lives and finances, not to mention safety.”

— Dr. Tyler King, District VI Councilmember

What’s next

The city plans to discuss the full scope and cost of the wildlife management project, as well as potential funding opportunities, at the May 4 City Council meeting.

The takeaway

Laredo is taking a proactive approach to address the growing problems caused by wild hog and javelina overpopulations, which have led to extensive property damage and safety concerns for residents across the city. The city's negotiations with a local environmental company aim to find an effective solution to manage these wild animal populations.