A bill that passed through the Iowa Senate changes how some may take care of some nuisance animals.

Senator for District 12 Amy Sinclair says the bill allows for people to take care of nuisance animals that are considered fur bearing year round without contacting the Iowa Department of Natural Resources first. She mentions that these animals are considered a nuisance when they start to destroy property. Sinclair tells Raccoon Valley Radio why the bill was introduced in the first place.

“I mean, years ago we didn’t have this problem because the fur had monetary value, and so folks hunted and trapped for that monetary value. The value of fur doesn’t exist anymore, so we’re not keeping those furry nuisance species in check anymore, and they really are becoming a real problem to property owners.”

Sinclair adds that the bill only pertains to fur bearing animals, like raccoons, coyotes and skunks. She advises that endangered animals will still be protected, and that game animals will still only be available to harvest during their respective hunting seasons.