Life Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of A Bird Hazard Reduction Force On Reducing Bird/Aircraft Strike Hazards At The Atlantic City International Airport, Nj., Andrew J. Montoney, H. Christopher Boggs

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Bird-aircraft strikes at the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) increased from 18 in 1989 to 37 in 1990. The number of bird-aircraft strikes involving gulls (Larus spp.) during this time rose from 6 to 27, a 350% increase. The predominant species involved in bird strikes was the laughing gull (L. atricilla). Pursuant to an interagency agreement between the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/ Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)/ Animal Damage Control (ADC), ADC established a Emergency/Experimental Bird Hazard Reduction Force (BHRF) at ACY …

An Evaluation Of Floating Ropes For Reducing Cormorant Damage At Catfish Ponds, Donald F. Mott, Richard D. Flynt, Junior O. King

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

A floating rope system consisting of lengths of 9.5 mm (3/8 in) yellow, polyethylene rope and foam floats was evaluated for reducing double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) depredation on farm raised channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in Mississippi. The ropes were placed at 15-17 m intervals across 2 ponds (4.6 and 6.0 ha) perpendicular to the prevailing winds. Helium-filled balloons were used in an attempt to enhance the effect of the ropes. Cormorant numbers entering both test ponds were recorded during pretreatment, treatment, and posttreatment periods. The floating ropes were effective in reducing cormorant numbers on ponds (by …

An Evaluation Of Max-Flex Fast Fence™ For Reducing Deer Damage To Crops, John T. Owen, James B. Armstrong, H. Lee Stribling, M. Keith Causey

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

A 2-year study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of Max-Flex Fast Fence™ electric fencing materials (polytape) for reducing damage to crops. Specifically, our goal was to look at the efficacy of this product for the home gardener. In the first phase of the project, plots of approximately 1/40 acre were established in areas of historically high deer densities. Each plot was planted with soybeans and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 fencing configurations or to the open control group. Within each plot, 6' wide strips were tilled across the length. These tilled areas were checked for the presence of …

The Use Of Odors To Induce Avoidance Behavior In Pine Voles, Christopher J. Salatti, Anthony D. Woolhouse, John G. Vandenbergh

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Commercial orchards, ornamental nurseries, and residential horticulture in North Carolina experience economic losses due to pine vole (Microtus pinetorum) depredation. Predator odors and the herbicide Casoron were tested as potential repellents for pine voles. To test for avoidance behavior, animals were allowed to build a nest in one of two chambers attached to each arm of a Y-maze. The cage containing the nest was treated with either a test repellent compound, methylene chloride (solvent control), or left unmanipulated (control). Animals were categorized as either maintaining or changing nest cage preference between pre-test and test periods. The number of …

Long-Term Trial Of An Inflatable Effigy Scare Device Or Repelling Cormorants From Catfish Ponds, Allen R. Stickley Jr., Junior O. King

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Growing winter populations of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) over the past decade have caused serious depredation problems for commercial channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus) growers in the Mississippi Delta (Stickley and Andrews 1989). Stickley et al. (1992) found that cormorants allowed to feed without hindrance took an average of 5 catfish fingerlings per foraging hour, but at times took as many as 28 fingerlings per hour. Obviously, growers have to repel these birds or suffer heavy losses where the cormorants are feeding on catfish fingerlings and not gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) as they at times …

Rejex-It™Ag-36, A Potential Tool To Protect Seeds From Bird Depredation, Peter F. Vogt

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The ever increasing bird populations (e.g., Black birds, geese etc.) are known to cause considerable losses to agriculture. This problem has reached serious proportions for crops that are farmed on large tracts and are seeded by aerial application such as rice and canola. ReJeX-iT™AG-36, a non-toxic, biodegradable bird aversion formulation, derived from food grade ingredients, has been proven in pen tests and field trials to be effective as a seed treatment to prevent birds from eating the treated seeds. The product does not harm the seeds or the effected birds in any way, even if ingested; it just makes the …

Can We Landscape To Accommodate Deer? The Tracy Estate Research Garden, Helen H. Heinrich, Susan Predl

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The landscape of New Jersey is remarkably rich in vegetation and open space, despite the state's reputation as the nation's most populous state. This landscape is increasingly the product of intense interaction between the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and both native and cultivated vegetation, particularly in suburban communities, where both the whitetail and the vegetation coexist in abundance. Nearly extirpated at the tum of the century due to over-hunting, the state's white-tailed deer population today exceeds 140,000 because habitat is ideal and hunting seasons are carefully regulated. In many instances, where landowners choose not to use hunting as …

Evaluating The Gas Cartridge For Coyotes In Controlling Badgers, Craig A. Ramey

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Efficacy investigations were conducted in Pampa, TX to evaluate the use of the "GAS CARTRIDGE FOR COYOTES: (Canis latrans) for controlling problem badgers (Taxidea taxus) in burrows. This coyote cartridge with two active ingredients (sodium nitrate and charcoal), produces high concentrations of carbon monoxide when burned and is effective in controlling coyotes in dens. Badgers were live-trapped, immobilized, and equipped with mortality-indicating radio transmitters prior to their release. Movements were monitored for a minimum of 12 days prior to each initial efficacy test and for at least 3 days in follow up tests for survivors. Only occupied …

Impact Of Clearcut Size On White-Tailed Deer Use And Tree Regeneration, James W. Akins, Edwin D. Michael

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Northeastern forests have experienced regeneration delays and/or failures due to browsing by whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Investigations were made in north-central West Virginia to determine if the size of clearcut is correlated with degree of deer browsing, regeneration of shrubs and trees, and percent ground cover by various herbaceous plants. Tree seedlings, woody shrubs, and herbaceous ground cover were recorded in September 1992 and August 1993 on 16, 1-year old clearcuts, ranging in size from 0.8 to 0.2 ha. Woody regeneration was categorized by species, origin, browsed or not, and vegetative height class on 25 systematically arranged sampling …

Status And Management Of Vole Damage To Horticultural Plantings In North Carolina, Peter T. Bromley, William T. Sullivan Jr.

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

A trapping study in 1979 indicated that voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus and M. pinetorum) were distributed widely in North Carolina. In 1991, Extension Agents with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service were surveyed to determine the distribution, nature and severity of vole damage to horticultural plantings, home orchards, and other plantings. Data from the statewide trapping survey and the poll of agents coincided to indicate that voles, particularly pine voles, caused damage from the mountains to the coast. Existing, legal control methods were judged grossly inadequate by agents. Pursuant to the surveys, the North Carolina Pesticide Board and the …

Public Policy Education: An Important Wildlife Management Opportunity, Paul D. Curtis

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Suburban wildlife management issues are generating heated debate between citizen organizations, elected public officials, and state wildlife management agencies. Decisions are being made by town and county officials which directly impact or supersede state authority for managing resident wildlife. As an example, I will focus this discussion on the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) management controversy at Durand Eastman Park, in the greater Rochester metropolitan area, New York.

Deer Damage In Tennessee: Landowner Perceptions And Attitudes, Michael M. King

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are an important resource for Tennesseans. They are enjoyed by consumptive and nonconsumptive users alike. Approximately 190,000 hunters pursued deer during the 1992-93 hunting season in Tennessee. They successfully harvested 126,999 deer (Greg Wathen, TWRA Assistant Chief of Wildlife, pers. commun.) and it has been estimated that these hunters would have spent approximately $125 million on goods and services related to deer hunting (Whitehead 1991).

Sixth Eastern Wildlife Management Conferences Summary And What Lies Ahead, James E. Miller

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

I want to begin by expressing appreciation to Ed Jones, Mike King, Greg Yarrow, Pete Bromley, John Heisterberg, and others on the program committee for hosting and conducting this Sixth Eastern Wildlife Damage Management Conference. I also want to express our appreciation to the exhibitors, the National Animal Damage Control Association, and The Wildlife Society (TWS) for their support. I think those of you who are still here will join me in congratulating these people, organizations, and TWS for helping ensure a successful conference. As one of the people who perceived the need for this conference in the early 1980's, …

Perceptions And Knowledge Of Alabama Fruit And Vegetable Producers Towards Coyotes, M. Chad Philipp, James B. Armstrong

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Members of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Producers Association (AFVP) were surveyed in 1992-1993 to assess their attitudes and knowledge of coyotes and the amount of perceived damage caused by coyotes. A mail-back questionnaire was developed and pilot tested. The revised questionnaire was sent to all members (N = 84) of the AFVP; individuals whose main income is the production of fruits and vegetables. Seventy-seven percent (n = 61) of those surveyed returned completed questionnaires. Tests for nonresponse bias were conducted and results showed no significant difference. Attitudes were assessed using a Likert scale where 1 = respondents favoring maximum …

A Summary Of Reported Deer-Related Vehicle Accidents In A Virginia City, Patrick F. Scanlon, William F. Wilmoth, Ralph W. Rexroad

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Data from 548 reported accidents involving white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and vehicles in Lynchburg during the years 1987-1991 were summarized. A majority (54.4%) occurred in the months October, November and December with 25.9% occurring in November. While accidents occurred at all hours, most (50%) occurred between 1700 and 0100 hrs.; about 12% occurred between 0600 and 0900 hrs. Accidents occurred on all days of the week (range 12.8% to 17.0%) and were not higher on work days. Adverse weather did not seem to be a factor increasing collisions; 80% of collisions occurred in clear weather. Most (75%) accidents …

Landowners Perceptions Of Crop Damage From White-Tailed Deer In South Carolina, Webb M. Smathers Jr., Gary R. Stratton, Derrell Shipes

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Survey respondents reported a definite increase in the population of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in South Carolina. Almost 73% of the producers from a random sample indicated that deer populations have increased over the five year period preceding 1991. With a higher deer population, crop damage from deer became more prevalent, and 72% of the producers indicated having some level of damage. The producers in the sample had mixed feelings about the damage their crops received with 70% indicating that the damage was either negligible or was tolerable in exchange for having deer around. In South Carolina the …

Status Of Alpha-Chloralose And Other Immobilizing/Euthanizing Chemicals Within The Animal Damage Control Program, Paul P. Woronecki, William L. Thomas

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In 1992 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control (ADC) program was granted approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under a continuing Investigational New Animal Drug agreement, to use Alpha-chloralose (A-C) nationwide for capturing nuisance waterfowl, coots, and pigeons. FDA and ADC have imposed several requirements, restrictions and conditions on the operational use of A-C. Training and certification are required to use A-C and other approved immobilizing and euthanizing agents.

Effects Of Free-Ranging Cats On Wildlife: A Progress Report, J. S. Coleman, S. A. Temple

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

We have embarked upon a three-year study to determine the density and distribution of free-ranging cats (Felis catus) and their effects on prey populations in rural Wisconsin. The effects of predation by free-ranging cats on wildlife populations are potentially great and have not been adequately accounted for in wildlife management programs. In rural Illinois there was an average of 5.6 free ranging cats per farm (Warner 1985). If densities elsewhere are similar, then a state such as Wisconsin, with over 200,000 active and retired farms, could have over 1 million free-ranging cats on farms. In other studies (Bradt …

Survey Of Mississippi Catfish Farmers On Means, Effort, And Costs To Repel Fish-Eating Birds From Ponds, A. R. Stickley, K. J. Andrews

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Eighty-seven percent of 281 Mississippi catfish farmers felt that fish-eating birds were enough of a problem to warrant harassment. Farmers estimated that they spent an average of 2.6 man-hours per day harassing birds at an average annual cost of $7400. Sixty percent of the farmers who harassed birds did so by driving around the ponds and firing at birds to repel them. Propane exploders and pyrotechnics were also used. Pyrotechnics were judged the most effective repellent technique. The cost of bird harassment according to these farmers is $2.1 million. The value of fish loss to cormorants alone is roughly estimated …

An Automatic Trigger For Bird Frightening Devices, Steve Price, John Adams

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

This triggering unit for animal frightening devices was developed because of an expressed need for a more effective method of breaking up starling and grackle roosts. The USDA, Animal Damage Control (ADC) office in Louisville, KY suggested that a device which detected the presence of the birds before activating and then emitted different sounds would be much more effective than single functioning devices on timers. Existing frightening devices have limited effectiveness because the birds become accustom to the repeated and periodic actuations of the same thing over and over again. In November of 1986, Mr. Bernice Constantin, District Supervisor for …

The Effectiveness Of Orco Mole Bait In Controlling Mole Damage, Dale K. Elshoff, Glenn R. Dudderar

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The tunneling damage caused by eastern moles (Scalopus aguaticus) and starnosed moles (Condylura cristata) is well known to professionals in lawn care, golfcourse maintenance, and turfgrass production, as well as many private landowners. Present damage control methods, including trapping, gas and smoke fumigants, and insecticide applications have a wide variety of limitations and prove impractical in some situations. An easily applied mole damage control method is needed that professional and nonprofessional applicators can use in a variety of environmental and physical conditions.

This study tested the effectiveness of Orco Mole Bait, a chlorophacinone pellet placed in …

Depredation Permits For Migratory Birds, Larry L. Hood

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

All of the native species of birds in the United States are protected by either federal or state laws. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the federal government has formulated regulations that assist in controlling protected species that cause economic damage or health hazards. These regulations are in Subpoint D of Part 21, Title SO Code of Federal Regulations, and may take the form of standing depredation orders or permits issued to kill those species that cause problems.

An Investigation Of Animal Damage Associated With Maple Syrup Production, J. Alan May, Dennis Slate

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

An increase in the use of plastic tubing systems to collect sap from sugar maples (Acer saccharum) has allowed syrup producers to boost production in recent years, but not without cost. Rodents gnawing on tubing, spouts, and fittings may cause damage in excess of $300,000 annually in Vermont, the largest maple producing state. Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), and chipmunks (Tamias striatus) appear to be responsible for the majority of damage. Other species including flying squirrels (Glaucomvs sabrinus), white-footed mice (Peromvscus leucopus), porcupines (Erethizon …

Revolution In Bird Control, Air Birdstrike Prevention Inc.

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Over 90% of all civil bird strikes in the U.S. occur at altitudes up to 3,000 feet above the ground and in the close vicinity of the airport. Many species of birds are involved, but almost 50% of all strikes involve gulls.

A Review Of The Status Of Bird Management Products And Devices In The United States, Charles W. Areson

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Commercial urban /industrial structural pest bird control is approaching a time of crisis. Several long-standing toxicants that have been used as a major part of pest bird control programs are either suspended, at risk of suspension, or have had their production terminated by the manufacturer. "Environmental groups" are up in arms about the use and misuse of pesticides. Lawsuits have been filed to stop the use of some products, and political pressure has brought about reviews of some pesticide products on both the state and federal levels. EPA has seemed to have a "get tough" policy in its reregistration guidelines, …

Laughing Gulls At Jfk Airport: Safety Hazard Or Wildlife Resource?, R. A. Dolbeer, M. Chevalier, P. P. Woronecki, E. B. Butler

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

John F. Kennedy International Airport is adjacent to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge administered by the National Park Service. In 1979, 15 pairs of laughing gulls (Larus atricilla) nested on the refuge, the first recolonization of Long Island by this species since the gulls' disappearance from New York around 1900. The colony, with nests as close as 0.4 km to 1 runway, has subsequently increased to about 3,000 pairs. From 1970 to 1978, only 1 laughing gull strike by an aircraft was recorded at JFK. From 1979 through August 1989, 800 strikes were recorded, including 179 in 1989, in spite of …

Evaluation Of A Canada Goose Call-Activated Switch For Crop Damage Abatement, James W. Heinrich, Scott R. Craven

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Damage and nuisance problems caused by Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are difficult to control with current abatement technology. We tested the efficacy of a goose call-activated switch as a modification for propane exploders (gas cannons), using recorded Canada goose calls and live goose trials. We recorded a 30 m range for the switch and found that it was activated by a range of non-target sounds. The development of this device and the technology involved are discussed. The call-activated switch is not a useful tool in reducing Canada goose damage in crop fields.

Canada geese frequently feed on agricultural …

Economic Impact And Control Of Wading Birds At Arkanas Minnow Ponds, Michael D. Hoy, Jeffery W. Jones, Albert E. Bivings

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Esophageal/stomach contents of 172 little blue herons (Egretta caerulea), great egrets (Casmerodius albus), snowy egrets (Egretta thula), and great blue herons (Ardea herodias) were analyzed to estimate their consumption of golden shiners. Mean and maximum number of golden shiners consumed/bird, as well as the mean total length of golden shiners consumed by each wading bird species was determined. Loss estimates varied by wading bird species and ranged from $0.10 - $1.12/bird/feeding. Loss estimates reflect the severity of problems with wading birds on minnow ponds and the need to reduce losses by use …

The Usda-Aphis-Adc Program In The United States, Bobby R. Acord

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The ADC program was transferred to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in 1986. Shortly after the transfer, the Secretary of Agriculture established the National Animal Damage Control Advisory Committee (NADCAC). Current and future issues facing ADC are discussed in the context of NADCAC recommendations.

Epa Update On Vertebrate Pesticides, William W. Jacobs

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates pesticides under the authority of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Vertebrate pesticides are subsumed under the heading "rodenticides" and, under FIFRA, are regulated similarly to other pesticides.