Unusual animal rescued by Animal Care Services
City of San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS) has a warning for residents after the seizure of an animal connected to the illegal exotic animal trade – It is against the law.
ACS recently discovered a coati clinging to an area home’s front door frame in a southside neighborhood west of Miller’s Pond, prompting the homeowner to call ACS for help. Coatis are carnivorous diurnal mammals more regularly found in South America. Coatis are rare in South Texas and ACS officers quickly determined the animal was illegally purchased as a pet by a nearby resident who was keeping the animal in their backyard.
Following consultation with state game wardens, the prohibited animal was confiscated and transferred to Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc., one of only three Texas-based organizations legally permitted to care for them. Residents found with prohibited animals in the San Antonio city limits face confiscation of the animal and fines up to $2,000.
