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Summit County dangerous wild animal response team plans ahead
Published: February 4, 2014
AKRON––Lions and tiger and bears are just a few of the animals found on an extensive list of wild animals in and around Summit County that are addressed by the Dangerous Wild Animal Response Team (DWART) plan under consideration by Summit County Council. The state mandated requirement describes how Summit County will plan and provide resource support before, during and after a dangerous wild animal emergency. The emergency may be caused through human acts, equipment malfunction or by natural disasters.
Along with law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services, the plan includes County of Summit Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Summit County Public Health, Akron Zoological Park and dangerous wild animal subject matter experts. Depending on the way a wild animal emergency occurs, varieties or combinations of teams and agency members may be involved.
“This plan creates a cohesive framework to address the unique needs in the event of a dangerous wild animal emergency,” said Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry. “The DWART plan draws on both government and non-government agencies and resources to best address any situations that may arise.”
The plan includes a known list of approximately 200 dangerous and wild animals in and around Summit County. The list identifies 85 animals in Cuyahoga County, 43 animals in Stark County and 31 animals in Summit County. The majority of the animals in Cuyahoga and Summit Counties are found at the Cleveland and Akron Zoos. In Stark County, the majority of animals are located at an exotic animal rescue facility in Massillon. The remainder of the animals can be found in Geauga, Medina, Portage and Wayne counties.