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Wildlife Damage Control: A Current Perspective, Jack H. Berryman

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

I attach special importance to this responsibility and appreciate the opportunity to deliver these keynote comments. We are here to discuss a very important and always controversial subject. The first Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference provides a unique opportunity for all of us to constructively influence the future direction as well as the professional and public perception of this important wildlife management activity.

Will Mammalian Pheromones Be Useful In Wildlife Damage Control?, Dietland Müller-Schwarze

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Rodents, lagomorphs and cervids are the most important herbivorous mammals that cause economic damage in North America. Farmers, foresters, trappers and gardeners have since time immemorial used various concoctions to attract wild mammals or repel them from certain sites or crops. The chemical industry has often used food odors in their animal control products. Currently no pheromone is being used in wildlife damage control.

Rodenticide Selection And Bait Composition To Minimize Potential Primary Hazard To Nontarget Species When Baiting Field Rodents, Rex E. Marsh

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

A wide variety of methods is used to reduce potential hazards to non target species when baiting out-of-doors for rodents. The principles involved in making rodent baits highly selective hinge on the biology, particularly the feeding habits and food preferences of the target species. The differences or uniqueness of both the at-risk nontarget animals and the target animals should be assessed and then capitalized upon where possible in terms of susceptibility to toxicant, kind, size and shape of bait, etc. Generally only a few nontarget species are at risk in any particular situation, and the degree of this risk also …

The Use Of Eurasian Dogs To Protect Sheep From Predators In North America: A Summary Of Research At The U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Jeffrey S. Green, Roger A. Woodruff

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The authors thank the sheep producers who cooperated in the study. R. Harman, R. VanHorn, S. Ecret, K. Havelock, J. Geiser, W. Bowers, G. Pendleton, D. Johnson, and C. Schwartz helped with the care and evaluation of the dogs.

In the search for methods to reduce coyote (Canis latrans) predation on sheep, livestock guarding dogs have been found to be a relatively successful technique in a variety of conditions including open rangeland (Green and Woodruff in press) and fenced pastures (Linhart et al. 1979, McGrew and Bakesley 1982, Pfeifer and Goos 1982, Green et al. In Press a). …

Ultrasonics: Technology Vs. Tools, Tej Tanden

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Food and material losses to rodents are as old as the knowledge of humans to store food for future use. Humans have had to share their food supplies and learn to live with the unwelcome guests since time immemorial. Even to this day rodents continue to claim a significant share of human food supply on this earth. They have inflicted epidemics that have destroyed large segments of human populations in various parts of our world, throughout history.

Humans Versus Animals, William D. Fitzwater

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In the beginning, humans and the so-called "lower animals" would meet cautiously and fleetingly, both intent on the basic goals of survival - food and water for the belly and shelter or other escape from more powerful enemies who regarded them as dinner entrees. This situation prevailed until puny man threw the first stone or swung a heavy club and realized that he could catch fleeter animals and kill larger ones than himself with his new tools. Thus instead of a grubby existence on plants, fruits, and insects, humans with their new toys eventually became efficient predators. Most of the …

Managing Coyote Damage Problems With Nonlethal Techniques: Recent Advances In Research, Samuel B. Linhart

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In 1972 President Nixon issued Executive Order 11643 prohibiting further federal use of toxicants for controlling predators; EPA subsequently withdrew all chemical registrations for this purpose. These actions stimulated research efforts to develop alternate nonlethal means of reducing livestock losses to coyotes and other predators. Some of these studies, focused primarily on barrier fencing, guarding dogs, chemical repellents and aversive agents, "frightening" devices, and modification of leg-hold traps, have resulted in new ways to alleviate the problem.

Canada Goose Numbers And Goose Damage In Northeastern Indiana, Ed Cleary, Ken Reynolds

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Any wild animal can be both hero and villain, and Canada geese are no exception. They can and do cause damage. Goose numbers are increasing and present data indicate a positive relationship between goose numbers and goose damage. In Northeastern Indiana, Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima and B. c. interior) damage agricultural crops and cause esthetic damage to lawns, boats, docks and beaches. Indiana is not the only midwestern state with a goose damage problem. During the last year, Wisconsin registered 235 goose damage complaints, Ohio 160, Michigan over 100, Minnesota 46 and Illinois 31 (personal communications with …

An Update On Pesticides Registered For Control Of Vertebrate Pests, William W. Jacobs

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Federal registration certifies that it is legal to market and use the produce in question in the United States, subject to the conditions and restrictions stipulated on the approved label. Federal registration does not guarantee that a particular chemical or product will be available throughout the country or even that the product will actually be marketed at all. If a particular product cannot be found in a local outlet, the manufacturer should be contacted. If the name of the manufacturer is not known, this information can be obtained from the extension specialist or from Product Management Team 16, Registration Division …

The Effects Of Soil Texture And Related Soil Properties On The Distribution And Control Of Pine Voles (Microtus Pinetorum) In New York State Apple Orchards, John R. Whitney

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The semifossorial microtine rodent Microtus pinetorum or the pine vole is well known as a destructive pest in fruit orchards (Hamilton 1935; Benton 1955; Burt 1957). The subterranean burrows of the pine vole often parallel the roots of apple trees, and damage occurs when the rodent gnaws the bark and cambial layers of large roots and severs smaller roots, occasionally even girdling the tree to more than a foot below the surface (Benton 1955; Pearson and Forshey 1978).

Shrew Damage And Control: A Review, Robert H. Schmidt

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Shrews (Insectivora:Soricidae) occasionally come into conflict with human interests. This review covers the general biology of shrews, situations in which shrews can be considered pests (as defined by Howard 1962), and control methods.

An Effective Program In Coyote Damage Control, F. Robert Henderson

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Kansas is a prairie state where about 2 million people live. In Kansas there are around 75,000 farms and ranches. Sheep are raised on approximately 1500 farms, either under farm-flock or feeder lamb systems. In January of 1983 there were approximately 200 thousand sheep and 1.7 million calves in Kansas. Kansas ranks 7th in the nation in swine production.

Use Of Electric Fencing To Prevent Deer Browsing In Allegheny Hardwood Forests, Ronnie Brenneman

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In many areas of Pennsylvania, even-aged management of Allegheny hardwood forests is being impacted by excessive browsing of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), which makes it difficult to secure adequate natural seedling and sprout regeneration for successful reforestation (Marquis and Brenneman 1981). Marquis (1981) estimated the average value of timber production lost due to deer browsing in northern Pennsylvania at $1,075 per acre, about half the total stand value. Chemical repellents, individual seedling protectors, area fencing and other techniques have been used to attempt to protect forest regeneration; most are either ineffective in preventing deer browsing or economically unfeasable.

The 1080 Toxic Collar: Economics Of Field Use In Texas, Jerry H. Scrivner

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Although numerous studies have evaluated the effectiveness of various methods of predator damage control, relatively few have discussed the economics of techniques used to reduce predation on livestock (deCalesta 1983, Green et al. 1980, Gum et al. 1978, U.S. Department of Interior 1978); probably because of difficulties obtaining reliable data (Connolly 1982). Such information, however, is important since eliminating expenses of relatively inefficient control practices would allow ranchers to reduce total production costs, thereby increasing net returns (Scrivner and Conner 1983), whereas for state and federal animal damage control agencies, better documentation of the economics of various control techniques promotes …

Evaluation Of Induced Sterility For Beaver (Castor Canadensis) Management Problems, J. J. Kennelly, P. J. Lyons

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The concept of controlling animal damage problems by reducing fecundity of offending species through induced sterility first was proposed by Knipling (1955) for insect control and was applied successfully by that author (Knipling 1959) for eradication of the screw-worm fly. The potential application to vertebrate pest problems was recognized immediately by David (1961) and, subsequently, by many other workers for a variety of pests (e.g. Balser 1964; Kennelly et al. 1970: Murton et al. 1972; McDonald 1980; Potvin et al. 1982) including beaver (Arner 1964; Blanchard 1964; Nevers 1968; Hill 1977). Unfortunately, the method remains today largely unavailable for routine …

Control Of Damage By Mammals In Ontario Orchards, Ronald J. Brooks, Stephen A. Struger

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Each year, mammalian wildlife causes extensive and costly damage to fruit tree growers throughout Ontario. In 1981, in response to the concern among fruit growers over high levels of this damage, the Ontario Apple Marketing Commission and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food requested that we initiate a long-term study of this problem. However, the desire to improve available control practices was impeded by a general lack of know ledge of the scope of mammalian pest problems in Ontario. For example, the extent and degree of damage in relation to seasonal and regional differences, pest population levels and management …

Introducing Livestock Guarding Dogs To Sheep And Goat Producers, Raymond Coppinger, Jay Lorenz, Lorna Coppinger

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Dogs that protect sheep and goats from predators were relatively unknown as a method of reducing predation in the United States until recently. An estimated several dozen individuals were using guarding dogs with flocks (Newbold 1974), but only a few government officials or industry leaders were aware that the technique might have merit for the long-standing coyote problem. North American ranchers relied mainly on removal of predators, but removal provides only temporary relief and poses ethical questions as well. In strong contrast, on Old World sheep and goat pastures, the method of choice for protecting stock from Canis, Ursus …

The Need For Urban Animal Control, Gary J. San Julian

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The relationship between humans and animals has evolved over many centuries; in the beginning it was very violent. As humans moved from a cave to a village and later to a farm, they protected their property with whatever means were available. Spears, traps and later poisons and rifles were used to handle wildlife problems. As methods of providing life's necessities were refined, people moved from the farms into the cities. Today, many former city dwellers are moving out of town into a more rural setting. Although the relationship between wildlife and humans has changed from its violent beginnings, competition still …

Evaluation Of Dimethyl Anthranilate As A Nontoxic Starling Repellent For Feedlot Settings, J. Russel Mason, Adam H. Arzt, Russel F. Reidinger

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Few objective estimates are available, but starling (Sturnus uulgaris) and, sometimes, blackbird (e.g., Agelaius phoeniceus) depredations at feedlots are considered serious economic problems (Besser et al. 1967, 1968; Feare 1975, 1980; Stickley 1979; Twedt and Glahn 1982). Losses may result either from feed contamination and disease transmission or, more likely, from feed consumption (Besser et al. 1968; Russell 1975; Twedt and Glahn 1982). These problems are exacerbated by the use of complete diets (Rickaby 1978) which are presented in open troughs to which starlings have access. Feare and Wadsworth (1981) have shown that these birds can take …

Movements Of The Pine Vole (Microtus Pinetorum) In Repopulating Orchard Habitat, Pamela N. Miller, Milo E. Richmond

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Pine vole (Microtus pinetorum) populations cause significant damage to orchards and truck crops (e.g., Anthony and Fisher 1977, Biser 1967, Eadie 1954, Forbes 1972a). Yet their population structure and movement dynamics have received surprisingly little study (Smolen 1981). The scarcity of data may have been due in part to the former availability of Endrin as a highly effective control agent (e.g., Horsfall 1956b), but the appearance of Endrin-resistant populations (Webb and Horsfall 1967), the restrictions of use of chlorinated hydrocarbons, and the inclusion of pine voles in Integrated Pest Management programs have made the need for basic population …

Bats In Human Dwellings: Health Concerns And Management, Stephen C. Frantz, Charles V. Trimarchi

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The natural roosts of insectivorous bats in the north-east US are typically caves, rock crevices, and hollow trees. A few species, primarily Myotis lucifigus (little brown bat) and Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat), have readily adapted to living in the houses and other structures of humans. During the warmer months of April through October, commensal bats sometimes become a nuisance due to their colonial habits and resultant odors, noises, guano deposits, and associated aesthetic and economic damages. Bat ectoparasites and at least one fungal disease, histoplasmosis, are of some medical import and the observation of bats flying about a residence …

Wildlife Conflicts In An Urban Area: Occurrence Of Problems And Human Attitudes Toward Wildlife, Michael A. O'Donnell, Larry W. Vandruff

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Today's world is undergoing increasing urbanization, and as most metropolitan expansions have resulted in urban sprawl, much original wildlife habitat has been heavily modified or eliminated. Populations of many wildlife species have decreased as a result of habitat changes, but at the same time, numbers of some native and many exotic species have increased in urban areas. As the process of urbanization continues and human's intensive use of land encroaches upon the use of land by wildlife, contact between people and wildlife will change in form and increase in residential areas.

Wildlife Population Cycles: Implications For Damage Control Planning, Richard E. Griffiths

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Animal population cycles are not a newly discovered phenomena. References to irruptions (sic, Leopold 1933 p. 50) of small rodents can be found in the Old Testament, the writings of Aristotle and in European histories (Orr 1963 p. 360). The wildlife literature is filled with descriptions and studies of the population fluctuations of numerous species. Despite the vast amounts of data collected and speculation engaged in, biologists only partially understand the reasons for these fluctuations (Archibald 1977, Chitty 1952, Christian 1950, Cole 1951, Frank 1957, Hoffman 1958 Swinton 1883 and many others).

Chem-News - An On-Line Pesticide Information Program, W. G. Smith, R. I. Carruthers, J. Barnard

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Computerization of pesticide information is rapidly becoming a necessity as regulatory agencies expand their activities through enforcement, monitoring, and certification of pesticide applicators. Educational institutions responsible for providing pesticide information and pesticide applicator training for certification must also expand their capabilities for immediate updating and faster retrieval. Two programs at Cornell University, the Chemical-Pesticides Program and the Pesticide Impact Assessment Program (PIAP), are presently involved in developing on-line pesticide information for researchers, extension personnel, and regulatory agencies, as well as for those using pesticides.

Animal Damage Control In Eastern United States, Donald A. Spencer

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

This report is an overview of ongoing animal damage control programs in the 31 Eastern States, made possible by scores of individuals and the organizations they represent. The response to requests for data was excellent. For example, all 31 State Wildlife Agencies contributed information on their programs. As was to be expected, the organizations contacted do not use the same format in discharging their responsibilities nor in the records they keep. Thus precisely recorded figures have to march side by side with "educated estimates", but at least the estimates were made by personnel intimately acquainted with a particular project. As …

Black Bear Depredation On Bee Yards In Florida, David S. Maehr

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The development of procedures for dealing with nuisance black bears in Florida has followed many years of antagonism between beekeepers and the State's wildlife agency as well as an intensive effort to mitigate the problem. With an apparently decreasing black bear population and increasing public sentiment for the bear, the pressure to develop acceptable management guidelines has become great. This paper summarizes the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission's efforts in documenting and mitigating the bear-beekeeper problem in Florida.

Beaver Management In The Southeastern United States: A Review And Update, David K. Woodward

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Beaver populations in primitive times have been estimated at 60 million animals distributed across the North American continent where adequate food and water existed (Seton 1900). History books document well the exploitation of this resource by trappers in the settling of the new world. The search for beaver was so efficient that by the beginning of the twentieth century only small numbers of animals remained in remote areas. During the early 1900's however, beaver populations began to increase for a variety of reasons. Foremost among these were trapping restrictions, but the absence of natural predators, reversion of abandoned farms to …

Wildlife Damage Control In Eastern Cities And Suburbs, Vagn Flyger, Daniel L. Leedy, Thomas M. Franklin

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The topics covered in this paper are based mainly on experiences with people seeking help from the University of Maryland and the National Institute for Urban Wildlife. Although most residents of cities and suburbs enjoy and appreciate wildlife, we are frequently reminded that some do not, other people only tolerate and enjoy selected animal species, provided that these animals ''behave" - they don't make noise, keep their distance, don't damage ornamentals, and are not messy. Some people are so intolerant of wildlife that they even complain about frog choruses from nearby ponds. Response to wildlife varies such that one resident …

Welcome To Conference Participants, Herbert E. Doig

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

It is a pleasure for me to welcome participants of the First Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference and I bring you greetings and best wishes for a successful conference from Governor Mario Cuomo and commissioner of Environmental Conservation Henry Williams. It is appropriate that the first conference on this important subject in the East be heId in New York since we typify a variety of interactions between people and wildlife that are characteristic of the region.

Comparison Of 8 Physical Barriers Used For Protecting Douglas-Fir Seedlings From Deer Browse, David R. Deyoe, Wieger Schaap

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The success or failure of forest regeneration efforts in western Oregon and Washington often depends on adequate control of animal damage to young seedlings. Cutover and partially stocked forest lands provide excellent habitat for animals that clip or browse young seedlings. Black and Dimock (1969) estimated that animals were responsible for roughly one out of five reforestation failures. The Cooperative Animal Damage study of coniferous plantations in Oregon and Washington (1963-1975) found that animals damaged an average of 30 percent of all unprotected Douglas-fir seedlings each year on the 165 plots studied (Black et al. 1979). Browsing by deer and …