Digital Commons Network^™

Florida's Nuisance Alligator Control Program, Michael L. Jennings, Allan R. Woodward, Dennis N. David

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The recovery of alligators from centuries of exploitation, coupled with a burgeoning human population in Florida has resulted in an increasing number of problem animals and alligator attacks. In response to this problem, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission implemented a nuisance alligator control program in 1978. A mean of 2513 nuisance alligators per year was harvested during the period 1978 to 1988. The number of alligator complaints, nuisance alligators harvested, and alligator attacks increased significantly over the period (P=0.0003, P=0.0001, and P=0.04). The value of alligator meat remained stable at about $5.00/pound over the same period, while …

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 …

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 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.

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

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 4th (1989)

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 1949, …

Beaver And Beaver Dam Removal In Wisconsin Trout Streams, Larry Dickerson

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 4th (1989)

Beaver (Castor canadensis) dam building activities create many long-term affects on stream ecosystems. Beaver dams may negatively influence trout fisheries by creating physical barriers to spawning areas, increasing sediment retention, and increasing water temperatures. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Animal Damage Control (ADC) program in Wisconsin, entered into cooperative agreements with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on the Nicolet National Forest from June through September, 1988, to remove beaver and beaver dams from priority classed trout streams. Four hundred and eight beaver …

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

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 4th (1989)

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 …

Wolf Depredation On Livestock In Minnesota Annual Update Of Statistics - 1988, William J. Paul

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 4th (1989)

Depredation by wolves (Canis lupus) on livestock and poultry in Minnesota is a problem for some producers. A small percentage of the farms in the wolf range are affected annually and a few of these farms suffer substantial monetary loss in a given year. From 1976 through 1988, the number of farms suffering verified wolf depredations ranged from 9 to 38 (x = 23) per year out of about 7,200. From 1977 through 1988 the highest cattle losses claimed by farmers were 0.45 per 1,000 available in 1979; the highest sheep losses claimed were 2.66 per 1,000 available …

Ecologically Sensitive Management Options For Bats, Paul B. Robertson

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 4th (1989)

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic, positive shift in the public image of bats in the United States (Tuttle 1988a). This shift is particularly impressive in light of the inappropriate and poor public image that bats have suffered in most western nations in the last century. Over the past decade, a sizeable segment of the U.S. public, as well as local, state and national officials, have been educated to the ecological and economic value of bats which results from their insectivory and plant pollination activities (Olkowski and Olkowski 1989, Tuttle 1988b). The fact that they pose a …

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

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 4th (1989)

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 …

Ecologically Sensitive Management Options For Bats, Paul B. Robertson

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic, positive shift in the public image of bats in the United States (Tuttle 1988a). This shift is particularly impressive in light of the inappropriate and poor public image that bats have suffered in most western nations in the last century. Over the past decade, a sizable segment of the U.S. public, as well as local, state and national officials, have been educated to the ecological and economic value of bats which results from their insectivory and plant pollination activities (Olkowski and Olkowski 1989, Tuttle 1988b). The fact that they pose a …

Wildlife Damage In Electric Substations In New York, Jody W. Enck

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Wildlife managers have long been concerned with the damage wildlife can cause, especially to agricultural crops. However, one area which has received little research is the damage caused by wildlife to electric substations. Such research is needed because damage to electric substations increases operating costs of utilities and reduces reliability of service to customers.

Six member utilities of the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation (ESEERCO) were surveyed to identify classes of substations experiencing animal-caused faults (i.e., short circuits), and to determine the impacts of those faults. Records of more than 200 animal-caused faults occurring from 1970-88 were examined. The …

Zinc Phosphide Rodenticide Reduces Cotton Rat Populations In Florida Sugarcane, Nicholas R. Holler, David G. Decker

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Rodents cause extensive damage to sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) in southern Florida (Samol 1972). Losses have been estimated as high as $235/ha (Lefebvre et al. 1978). Cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) and roof rats (Rattus rattus) are responsible for most of the damage (Holler et al. 1981). In-field treatment is required for effective reduction of rat populations because of the distribution and restricted movement patterns of rats within fields (Lefebvre et al.1985a). Zinc phosphide (2%) baits are the only rodenticide baits registered for in-field use in Florida sugarcane. A preliminary test of in-crop aerial application …

Use Of Donkeys To Guard Sheep And Goats In Texas, Murray T. Walton, C. Andy Feild

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Though livestock guarding dogs have received considerable attention in recent years, other animals including donkeys (Equus asinus) are being used to protect sheep and goats from predation by coyotes (Canis latrans). In Texas many ranchers prefer donkeys due to low cost, relatively small maintenance requirements, and compatibility with other predator control methods. This paper describes husbandry practices for use of guard donkeys and relates rancher accounts of their effectiveness in protecting sheep and goats.

Persistence Of Tartrazine In Marking Sheep Wool, Richard J. Burns, Peter J. Savarie

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Tartrazine was examined as a possible replacement marker for rhodamine B in the Livestock Protection Collar. Test solutions were formulated in six combinations; tartrazine at 0.5%. and 1.0% concentrations, with and without compound 1080, and with and without nigrosin black. Each solution was examined for persistence of color in the laboratory and when applied to the wool of dried sheep hide. Hide pieces were allowed to weather naturally or were sprinkled to simulate rain. Tartrazine alone was also tested at concentrations of 0.5%. and 1.0% on the necks of sheep. Over a 3-month period, no fading was noted in the …

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 …

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.

A Fencing Technique To Reduce Raccoon Feeding Damage To Sugarcane Research Plots, Hugh P. Fanguy, Dwight Leblanc

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Damage caused by the feeding of raccoons (Procyon lotor) on stalks of sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) has occurred for several years on the 200-acre U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) research farm located near Houma, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. Damage begins when sugarcane mature internodes begin to from in late June and early July, and continues until the completion of harvest in late December. Raccoons appear to prefer varieties having low fiber and/or high sugar content and can severely damage these varieties (personal observation). Depredation by these animals frequently result in loss of data as preferred …

Animal Damage Control And The Wildlife Profession, Gary J. San Julian

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Conflicts between man and wildlife have always been a part of our history. We have tried to control the damage caused by wildlife and found that this was not always in the best interest of the resource. The role of animal damage control in our profession has changed and so has the public's view of it. As professionals we must strive to explain the need and value of wildlife damage management to our peers, the public and our detractors. This can be accomplished by participation in our professional organizations, the presentation of papers at scientific meetings, and open discussion of …

Elk And Crop Damage In Pennsylvania, Gary W. Witmer, Rawland Cogan

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The native eastern subspecies of elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) was once widespread in Pennsylvania, but was extirpated from the state by 1880 (Bryant and Maser, 1982). About 177 Rocky Mountain elk (C. e. nelsoni) were re-introduced to the state between 1913 and 1926 (Sassaman, 1985). The herd increased as did crop damage complaints. Hunting seasons began in 1923 and continued until 1931. No further hunting was allowed because the herd had declined steadily. A small herd persisted in North-central Pennsylvania, in Elk and Cameron Counties. Elk sightings were rare by 1948, despite 17 years of closed …

Donkeys For Predation Control, Jeffrey S. Green

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Donkeys (Equus assinus) are described and their availability discussed. Key points which appear important in successfully using a donkey for reducing predation on livestock are presented.

Beaver And Beaver Dam Removal In Wisconsin Trout Streams, Larry Dickerson

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Beaver (Castor canadensis) dam building activities create many longterm affects on stream ecosystems. Beaver dams may negatively influence trout fisheries by creating physical barriers to spawning areas, increasing sediment retention, and increasing water temperatures. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Animal Damage Control (ADC) program in Wisconsin, entered into cooperative agreements with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on the Nicolet National Forest from June through September, 1988, to remove beaver and beaver dams from priority classed trout streams. Four hundred and eight beaver …

Population Dynamics And Harvest Response Of Beaver, Neil F. Payne

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

"For when we speak of the fur trade, we mean the beaver trade. Other furs were handled; others -- notably the rich sea otter -- were more valuable by far. But the beaver was the root and core of the trade... Many men died, a continent was explored, an indigenous [human] race degraded and its culture crushed; all because beaver fur, with its tiny barbs, felted up better than any other" (Berry 1961:18).

Demonstration Electric Fences To Control Black Bear Damage To Apiaries In New York State, Janet L. Sillings, Thomas N. Tomsa Jr., James E. Forbes

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The New York State black bear (Ursus americanus) population, approximately 4,000 animals (Clarke 1977), causes damage to apiaries in the catskill, Adirondack, and Southern Tier regions of the state. During 1987, 1988, and 1989, USDA Animal Damage Control (ADC) administered a program in New York to control bear damage to apiaries. Control activities were carried out pursuant to a Cooperative Agreement between ADC and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and were supported by matching Federal-State contributions. Program objectives were beekeeper education aimed at preventing bear damage and for the construction of demonstration temporary electric …

Coyote Depredation Control In New York - An Integrated Approach, Thomas N. Tomsa Jr., James E. Forbes

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The New York State Cooperative Coyote Damage Control Program was established in late 1986 through a cooperative agreement between the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) and USDA, APHIS, ADC in response to escalating complaints of coyote (Canis latrans) depredations on sheep from 1980-85. Ten counties with histories of and/or potential for coyote/livestock conflicts were identified and targeted for publicity and primary program emphasis. Program staff received 58 reports of coyote depredations on 182 sheep from 32 producers in the ten target counties and seven outlying counties from May 1987 through May 1989, and verified …

Wildlife Damage To Crops: Perceptions Of Agricultural And Wildlife Professionals In 1957 And 1987, Michael R. Conover, Daniel J. Decker

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

We surveyed state wildlife agencies, state agricultural departments, Wildlife Extension Specialists, U.S.D.A. Animal Damage Control agents, and state Farm Bureau officials to develop a national perspective of wildlife damage to agricultural crops in the U.S. A broad consensus existed that wildlife damage was a major problem, although groups often differed in their perceptions of the seriousness of specific problems. The complexity of the wildlife damage problem was apparent in that 27 different wildlife species were cited as causing the greatest problem to a state's farmers. Nevertheless, 38-80% of the respondents from every group surveyed stated that deer were their worst …

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 …

Fertility Control As A Tool For Regulation Of Wildlife Populations, U. S. Seal

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Biological control of reproduction and fertility is a normal part of the life history of all organisms. Control mechanisms allow timing of reproduction with respect to age, time of day, season, and other periodic environmental events. Further modulation can occur with variations in temperature, rainfall, nutrition, and health status. Interactions with other members of the species, ranging from pherohormonal stimulation of estrus to social delay of puberty and breeding to infanticide, provide further constraints upon fertility and recruitment. All of these processes ultimately act through molecular neuroendocrine mechanisms that are under genetic control and are subject to natural selection and …

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.