Texas aims to legalize hunting invasive sheep from helicopters

Texas lawmakers are taking a unique approach to combatting the invasive species of aoudad sheep that have been wreaking havoc in the state. A new bill introduced by Texas House Representative Eddie Morales aims to address the issue by allowing residents to hunt the aoudad sheep from helicopters.

The bill, known as HB 5398, proposes an amendment to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, granting residents the option to “take” or hunt aoudad sheep while flying in helicopters over herds. If passed into law, aoudad sheep would join coyotes and feral hogs as the only animals allowed to be hunted from helicopters in Texas.

The aoudad sheep problem in Texas dates back to the post-World War II era when veterans brought back these large animals from North Africa. Over the years, the population of aoudad sheep has exploded, threatening native species like bighorn sheep and commercial livestock. With an estimated 30,000 aoudads roaming the state, the need for population control measures has become urgent.

One of the major concerns with aoudad sheep is their potential to spread disease, particularly a harmful bacteria called Mycoplasma Ovipneumoniae that can infect and kill local sheep and goat populations. In addition to the aoudad sheep, there have been reports of hybrid “Frankensheep” clones being bred illegally in Montana and sold to buyers in Texas, raising concerns about the consequences if these hybrids were to escape into the wild.

While there is no legislation in place to address the issue of Frankensheep, HB 5398 is currently awaiting approval by the Texas Senate before it can be signed into law by the governor. Given the lack of opposition from the state senate so far, it is likely that the bill will pass, allowing helicopters to be used in the fight against invasive aoudad sheep.

Representative Morales has emphasized the importance of taking action to control the aoudad sheep population, stating that allowing residents to hunt them from helicopters is a necessary step in preserving the native wildlife of Texas. The bill has sparked a debate about the ethics and effectiveness of using helicopters for hunting, but supporters believe it is a vital tool in addressing the invasive species problem.

Overall, the introduction of HB 5398 reflects the ongoing efforts to manage invasive species in Texas and protect the state’s natural ecosystem. By allowing residents to hunt aoudad sheep from helicopters, lawmakers hope to mitigate the impact of these animals on native species and promote a healthier balance in the ecosystem. The world of science is constantly evolving, with new discoveries being made every day. One of the most exciting areas of research is the study of genetics and how our genes can influence everything from our physical appearance to our risk of developing certain diseases.

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