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United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

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Articles 1921 - 1950 of 2570

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Direct And Indirect Costs Of Rabies Exposure: A Retrospective Study In Southern California (1998–2002), Stephanie A. Shwiff, Ray T. Sterner, Michele T. Jay, Shefali Parikh, Amy Bellomy, Martin I. Meltzer, Charles E. Rupprecht, Dennis Slate Apr 2007

Direct And Indirect Costs Of Rabies Exposure: A Retrospective Study In Southern California (1998–2002), Stephanie A. Shwiff, Ray T. Sterner, Michele T. Jay, Shefali Parikh, Amy Bellomy, Martin I. Meltzer, Charles E. Rupprecht, Dennis Slate

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The direct and indirect costs of suspected human rabies exposure were estimated for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, California, USA. Clinic, hospital, and county public health records (1998–2002) were examined to determine direct costs for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), and 55 (41%) former patients were contacted to voluntarily provide estimates of their indirect costs associated with receiving PEP. Additional costs due to public health and animal control personnel responses to rabid animals were collected, including diagnostic testing and wages. The mean total cost of a suspected human rabies exposure was $3,688, the direct costs per case were $2,564, and …

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The Successful Eradication Of Introduced Roof Rats (Rattus Rattus) From Buck Island Using Diphacinone, Followed By An Irruption Of House Mice (Mus Musculus), Gary W. Witmer, Frank Boyd, Zandy Hillis-Starr Apr 2007

The Successful Eradication Of Introduced Roof Rats (Rattus Rattus) From Buck Island Using Diphacinone, Followed By An Irruption Of House Mice (Mus Musculus), Gary W. Witmer, Frank Boyd, Zandy Hillis-Starr

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The United States National Park Service and the United States Wildlife Services made a planned and sustained effort to eradicate the introduced roof rats (Rattus rattus) from Buck Island Reef National Monument in the Caribbean Sea during 1998–2000. The rats were causing substantial damage to a variety of the 80-ha island’s floral and faunal resources. An island-wide grid of elevated bait stations containing anticoagulant (0.005% diphacinone; 50 ppm) rodenticide bait blocks were used to eradicate the rats. The bait stations were modified several times to assure ready access by rats while minimizing access by non-target animals, especially crabs …

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Cattail Distribution End Abundance In North Dakota, Scott T. Ralston, G. M. Linz, W. J. Bleier, H. J. Homan Apr 2007

Cattail Distribution End Abundance In North Dakota, Scott T. Ralston, G. M. Linz, W. J. Bleier, H. J. Homan

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North Dalcota provide important habitats for a plethora of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Since 1991, glyphosate-based (N-phosphonomethyl-glycine) herbicides have been used to manage dense cattail (Typha spp. L.) stands on 29,522 ha of wetlands in the PPR to disperse blackbird roosts. Limited information exists on the abundance and distribution of this important habitat. We took aerial photographs and used geospatial analysis tools to identify wetland basins and cattail coverage on randomly selected sample sites within the PPR. We found that average wetland density and size were 13 wetlands/ km2 and …

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Interleukin-6 And Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Values In Elk Neonates, Shannon M. Barber-Meyer, Craig R. Johnson, Michael P. Murtaugh, L. David Mech, P.J. White Apr 2007

Interleukin-6 And Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Values In Elk Neonates, Shannon M. Barber-Meyer, Craig R. Johnson, Michael P. Murtaugh, L. David Mech, P.J. White

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Serological indicators of general condition would be helpful for monitoring or assessing ungulate wildlife. Toward that end, we report the 1st reference values for 2 cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), in neonatal elk (Cervus elaphus). We obtained blood samples from 140 calves ≤ 6 days old in Yellowstone National Park during summer 2003–2005. IL-6 values ranged from 0 to 1.21 pg/ml with a median of 0.03 pg/ml. TNF-a values ranged from 0 to 225.43 pg/ml with a median of 1.85 pg/ml. IL-6 and TNF-a concentrations were not significant predictors of elk calf survival through 21 …

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The Successful Eradication Of Introduced Roof Rats (Rattus Rattus) From Buck Island Using Diphacinone, Followed By An Irruption Of House Mice (Mus Musculus), Gary W. Witmer, Frank Boyd, Zandy Hillis-Starr Apr 2007

The Successful Eradication Of Introduced Roof Rats (Rattus Rattus) From Buck Island Using Diphacinone, Followed By An Irruption Of House Mice (Mus Musculus), Gary W. Witmer, Frank Boyd, Zandy Hillis-Starr

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The United States National Park Service and the United States Wildlife Services made a planned and sustained effort to eradicate the introduced roof rats (Rattus rattus) from Buck Island Reef National Monument in the Caribbean Sea during 1998–2000. The rats were causing substantial damage to a variety of the 80-ha island’s floral and faunal resources. An island-wide grid of elevated bait stations containing anticoagulant (0.005% diphacinone; 50 ppm) rodenticide bait blocks were used to eradicate the rats. The bait stations were modified several times to assure ready access by rats while minimizing access by non-target animals, especially crabs …

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Use Of Implanted Radiotransmitters To Estimate Survival Of Greater Sage-Grouse Chicks, Michael A. Gregg, Mike R. Dunbar, John A. Crawford Apr 2007

Use Of Implanted Radiotransmitters To Estimate Survival Of Greater Sage-Grouse Chicks, Michael A. Gregg, Mike R. Dunbar, John A. Crawford

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Reduced chick survival has been implicated in declines of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations. Because monitoring survival of unmarked sage-grouse chicks is difficult, radiotelemetry may be an effective technique to estimate survival rates, identify causes of mortality, and collect ecological data. Previous studies have used subcutaneous implants to attach radiotransmitters to hatchlings of several species of birds with precocial young. Previous researchers who used subcutaneous implants in free-ranging populations removed chicks from the capture location and implanted transmitters at an alternate site. Because logistics precluded removing newly hatched greater sagegrouse chicks from the field, we evaluated a method for implanting …

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Coyote Investigative Behavior Following Removal Of Novel Stimuli, Daniel J. Heffernan, William F. Andelt, John A. Shivik Apr 2007

Coyote Investigative Behavior Following Removal Of Novel Stimuli, Daniel J. Heffernan, William F. Andelt, John A. Shivik

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Because coyotes (Canis latrans) show an aversion to novel objects, we examined the effects of the presence and removal of repellent and attractive stimuli on coyote behavior. We found a greater proportion of captive coyotes investigated 10-cm-tall cones (0.95) compared to 90-cm-tall cones (0.68) and control sites (0.81), and spent longer periods (P , 0.001 in all instances) investigating small cones (x̅ = 465 sec), compared to large cones (x̅ = 212 sec) and control sites (x̅ = 45 sec). However, investigation times at sites following removal of large cones were 1.6 and 2.3 times …

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Short Report: Fox Squirrel (Sciurus Niger) Associations With West Nile Virus, J. Jeffrey Root, Paul T. Oesterle, Heather J. Sullivan, Jeffrey S. Hall, Nicole L. Marlenee, Robert G. Mclean, John A. Montenieri, Larry Clark Apr 2007

Short Report: Fox Squirrel (Sciurus Niger) Associations With West Nile Virus, J. Jeffrey Root, Paul T. Oesterle, Heather J. Sullivan, Jeffrey S. Hall, Nicole L. Marlenee, Robert G. Mclean, John A. Montenieri, Larry Clark

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Tree squirrels (Sciurus spp.) have been recently shown to be commonly exposed to West Nile virus (WNV). Many characteristics of WNV infections in tree squirrels are unknown. To better understand WNV associations in fox squirrels (S. niger), we conducted mark-recapture sampling (N=72) and radio telemetry to study the longitudinal seroprevalence, seroconversions, and ectoparasites of these animals during 2005–2006 in northern Colorado. Five seroconversions were documented during this study. The majority of seroconversions occurred during the late summer/ fall months. However, one seroconversion was documented over the time period of February to late March 2005. Fleas …

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20,25-Diazacholesterol As An Oral Contraceptive For Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Population Management, Paul Nash, Carol A. Furcolow, Kimberly S. Bynum, Christi A. Yoder, Lowell A. Miller, John J. Johnston Mar 2007

20,25-Diazacholesterol As An Oral Contraceptive For Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Population Management, Paul Nash, Carol A. Furcolow, Kimberly S. Bynum, Christi A. Yoder, Lowell A. Miller, John J. Johnston

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicionus) colonies can become overcrowded, and the colonies, landscape, and people affected by them may benefit from controlled populations. Contraception is a method that may be useful, particularly where lethal control is inappropriate or illegal. We investigated if oral administration of 20,25-diazacholesterol (DiazaCon®)n, inhibitor of cholesterol and reproductive steroid hormone production, could reduce reproductive success of treated black-tailed prairie dogs in a field trial. Ten treatments of approximately 45-mg DiazaCon per black-tailed prairie dog yielded a 47% reduction of young:adult ratios compared to control sites. Over a 3-month period, desmosterol, a cholesterol precursor used …

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Food Webs And Intraguild Predation: Community Interactions Of A Native Mesocarnivore, Craig . M. Thompson, Eric M. Gese Mar 2007

Food Webs And Intraguild Predation: Community Interactions Of A Native Mesocarnivore, Craig . M. Thompson, Eric M. Gese

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Trophic level interactions between predators create complex relationships such as intraguild predation. Theoretical research has predicted two possible paths to stability in intraguild systems: intermediate predators either out compete higher-order predators for shared resources or select habitat based on security. The effects of intraguild predation on intermediate mammalian predators such as swift foxes (Vulpes velox) are not well understood. We examined the relationships between swift foxes and both their predators and prey, as well the effect of vegetation structure on swift fox–coyote (Canis latrans) interactions, between August 2001 and August 2004. In a natural experiment created …

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A Review Of Shiga Toxin Escherichia Coli And Salmonella Enterica In Cattle And Free-Ranging Birds: Potential Association And Epidemiological Links, Kerri Pedersen, Larry Clark Mar 2007

A Review Of Shiga Toxin Escherichia Coli And Salmonella Enterica In Cattle And Free-Ranging Birds: Potential Association And Epidemiological Links, Kerri Pedersen, Larry Clark

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Cattle are the main reservoir for human infection by pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonello enterico. To prevent entry of these foodborne pathogens into the human food chain, management factors at the farm level must be identified and controlled. External sources of contamination, such as birds, should be considered as potential sources of transmission over long distances. In this review, we focus on the epidemiology of infection by E. coli and S. enterica and the consequences of birds acting as disseminators of these pathogens at dairy farms in terms of cattle health and the subsequent effects on human health.

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Comparison Of Sampling Strategies To Estimate Abundance Of Double-Crested Cormorants In Western Mississippi, Aaron T, Pearse, Brian S. Dorr, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Richard M. Kaminski Mar 2007

Comparison Of Sampling Strategies To Estimate Abundance Of Double-Crested Cormorants In Western Mississippi, Aaron T, Pearse, Brian S. Dorr, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Richard M. Kaminski

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We compared 2 sampling strategies designed to estimate abundance of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus, hereafter cormorants) on aquaculture ponds in western Mississippi. Cormorants are a major predator of cultured channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus) in this region; thus, estimating cormorant abundance is needed to better determine their economic impact We independently designed a species-specific survey (i.e., cluster sampling) and a general survey (i.e., transect sampling) based on robust probability sampling theory to estimate abundance of this target population. During winters 2002-2003 and 2003-2004, we conducted 8 pairs of surveys and compared estimates of cormorant abundance and associated …

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Use Of Diazacon™ As A Reproductive Inhibitor For Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta Monachus), Christi A. Yoder, Michael L. Avery, Kandy L. Keacher, Eric A. Tillman Feb 2007

Use Of Diazacon™ As A Reproductive Inhibitor For Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta Monachus), Christi A. Yoder, Michael L. Avery, Kandy L. Keacher, Eric A. Tillman

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Feral monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) populations have become established in the United States and other countries around the world, and can cause damage to electrical facilities. Because the monk parakeet is a highly visible species and there is often public opposition to lethal control measures, non-lethal methods, such as contraception, are being developed to help control the spread of feral populations. Two gavage studies and one ad libitum nesting study were conducted to assess the efficacy of DiazaCon™ as a potential contraceptive for the monk parakeet. The first gavage study compared daily dose levels of 0, 50, 75, …

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A Frightening Device For Deterring Deer Use Of Cattle Feeders, Nathan W. Seward, Gregory E. Phillips, Jared F. Duquette, Kurt C. Vercauteren Feb 2007

A Frightening Device For Deterring Deer Use Of Cattle Feeders, Nathan W. Seward, Gregory E. Phillips, Jared F. Duquette, Kurt C. Vercauteren

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The presence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle can negatively impact a state’s economy and cattle industry. In Michigan, USA, wild white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a reservoir for reinfecting cattle herds. Although direct TB transmission between deer and cattle is rare, infected deer may contaminate cattle feed. To mitigate this risk, we designed and evaluated a deer-resistant cattle feeder (DRCF) device for deterring deer from feeders. The device delivered negative stimuli to condition deer to avoid cattle feeders. We tested the device by conducting a comparative change experiment at a high-density captive white-tailed deer operation in northeastern …

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Invasive Predators: A Synthesis Of The Past, Present, And Future, William C. Pitt, Gary W. Witmer Feb 2007

Invasive Predators: A Synthesis Of The Past, Present, And Future, William C. Pitt, Gary W. Witmer

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Invasive predators have had devastating effects on species around the world and their effects are increasing. Successful invasive predators typically have a high reproductive rate, short generation times, a generalized diet, and are small or secretive. However, the probability of a successful invasion is also dependent on the qualities of the ecosystem invaded. Ecosystems with a limited assemblage of native species are the most susceptible to invasion provided that habitat and climate are favorable. In addition, the number of invasion opportunities for a species increases the likelihood that the species will successfully establish. The list of routes of entry or …

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Oral Rabies Vaccine (Orv) Bait Uptake By Captive Striped Skunks, Susan M. Jojola, Stacie J. Robinson, Kurt C. Vercauteren Feb 2007

Oral Rabies Vaccine (Orv) Bait Uptake By Captive Striped Skunks, Susan M. Jojola, Stacie J. Robinson, Kurt C. Vercauteren

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Aerial delivery of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits has proven effective in large-scale efforts to immunize wildlife against rabies, and in North America this strategy currently is being used to immunize foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus and Vulpes vulpes), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and coyotes (Canis latrans). Skunks are also a major reservoir and vector of rabies, but at present oral vaccines for use in skunks are not licensed. Furthermore, given differences in morphology (smaller jaws) and behavior (food handling and consumption), it is unknown if baits currently used in ORV campaigns would be effective for skunks. …

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Feral Swine Management For Conservation Of An Imperiled Wetland Habitat: Florida’S Vanishing Seepage Slopes, Richard M. Engeman, Amanda Stevens, John Allen, Jon Dunlap, Marty Dunlap, Dennis Teague, Bernice Constantin Feb 2007

Feral Swine Management For Conservation Of An Imperiled Wetland Habitat: Florida’S Vanishing Seepage Slopes, Richard M. Engeman, Amanda Stevens, John Allen, Jon Dunlap, Marty Dunlap, Dennis Teague, Bernice Constantin

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Only 1% of the original extent of Florida’s seepage slope habitat remains, with Eglin Air Force Base containing some of the largest tracts. Feral swine damage is one of the greatest threats to this wetland habitat.We conducted a multi-year study to evaluate the impacts of sport hunting and supplemental swine removal on damage to seepage slopes. Prior to initiation of removal in 2003, swine damage to seepage slopes in the portion of the base closed to hunting averaged 25.0%, over twice the 10.9% losses in the portion open to hunting. After less than one year of supplemental removal, damage in …

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Mountain Beaver Home Ranges, Habitat Use, And Population Dynamics In Washington, W. M. Arjo, R. E. Huenefeld, D. L. Nolte Feb 2007

Mountain Beaver Home Ranges, Habitat Use, And Population Dynamics In Washington, W. M. Arjo, R. E. Huenefeld, D. L. Nolte

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa (Rafinesque, 1817)), endemic to western North America, is the only extant member of the family Aplodontidae. Limited information on movements and habitat use throughout the species' range is available. We radio-collared 41 mountain beavers to determine home ranges, dispersal, habitat use, and population densities on two managed forest sites in coastal Washington. Both sites were recently harvested for timber. The Donovan site (16.6 ha) was treated with herbicide before seedling planting and the Sylvia site (8.9 ha) was not treated. Mountain beaver home ranges (Donovan: 4.18 ± 0.81 ha; Sylvia: 1.39 ± 0.4 ha) …

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Serologic Evidence Of West Nile Virus Exposure In North American Mesopredators, Kevin T. Bentler, Jeffrey S. Hall, J. Jeffrey Root, Kaci Klenk, Brandon S. Schmit, Bradley F. Blackwell, Paul C. Ramey, Larry Clark Feb 2007

Serologic Evidence Of West Nile Virus Exposure In North American Mesopredators, Kevin T. Bentler, Jeffrey S. Hall, J. Jeffrey Root, Kaci Klenk, Brandon S. Schmit, Bradley F. Blackwell, Paul C. Ramey, Larry Clark

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Sera from 936 mammalian mesopredators (Virginia opossums, gray foxes, striped skunks, hooded skunks, raccoons, a bobcat, and a red fox) were collected during 2003 and 2004 in California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, and Wyoming and screened for flavivirus-specific antibodies by an epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosobent assay (blocking ELISA). Serum samples positive for antibodies against flaviviruses were screened for West Nile virus (WNV)– specific antibodies by blocking ELISA and selectively confirmed with plaque-reduction neutralization tests. High prevalence rates were observed in raccoons (45.6%) and striped skunks (62.9%). The high WNV antibody prevalence noted in mesopredators, their peridomestic tendencies, and their overall pervasiveness …

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Bioeconomic Analysis Of Herpetofauna Road-Kills In A Florida State Park, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Henry T. Smith, Richard M. Engeman, Robert M. Barry, Robin J. Rossmanith, Mark Nelson Feb 2007

Bioeconomic Analysis Of Herpetofauna Road-Kills In A Florida State Park, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Henry T. Smith, Richard M. Engeman, Robert M. Barry, Robin J. Rossmanith, Mark Nelson

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Road-kills are a major cause of mortality for a wide variety of herpetofauna, but management decisions on remediation procedures for reducing losses are based in economic realities. Because funding is finite for species conservation, bioeconomic analysis can assist in justifying, evaluating, and maximizing returns on conservation expenditures, especially for low-profile species such as herpetofauna. Here, we present a bioeconomic analysis of road-killed herpetofauna in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Florida. Road surveys were conducted daily for four years to identify and enumerate the numbers of each reptile and amphibian species killed by vehicles. Conservative individual valuations applied to the losses formed …

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Influence Of Land Use And Climate On Wetland Breeding Birds In The Prairie Pothole Region Of Canada, G. M. Forcey, G. M. Linz, W. E. Thogmartin, W. J. Bleier Feb 2007

Influence Of Land Use And Climate On Wetland Breeding Birds In The Prairie Pothole Region Of Canada, G. M. Forcey, G. M. Linz, W. E. Thogmartin, W. J. Bleier

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Bird populations are influenced by a variety of factors at both small and large scales that range from the presence of suitable nesting habitat, predators, and food supplies to climate conditions and land-use patterns. We evaluated the influences of regional climate and land-use variables on wetland breeding birds in the Canada section of Bird Conservation Region 11 (CA-BCR1 I ) , the Prairie Potholes. We used bird abundance data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey, land-use data from the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration, and weather data from the National Climatic Data and Information Archive to model effects of regional …

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Using A Commercially Available Enzyme Immunoassay To Quantify Testosterone In Avian Plasma, Brian E. Washburn, Joshua J. Millspaugh, Dana L. Morris, John H. Schulz, John Faaborg Jan 2007

Using A Commercially Available Enzyme Immunoassay To Quantify Testosterone In Avian Plasma, Brian E. Washburn, Joshua J. Millspaugh, Dana L. Morris, John H. Schulz, John Faaborg

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Using a commercially available testosterone enzyme immunoassay (EIA), we developed and validated an assay procedure for determining testosterone levels in small-volume (20 μL) avian plasma samples. We evaluated this EIA’s utility by measuring plasma testosterone levels in Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura), White-eyed Vireos (Vireo griseus), Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceus), and Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea). Standard biochemical validations (e.g., parallelism, recovery of exogenous testosterone) demonstrated that the assay accurately and precisely measured testosterone in avian plasma. We compared plasma testosterone levels in males and females of all four species and Indigo Buntings in …

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Using A Commercially Available Enzyme Immunoassay To Quantify Testosterone In Avian Plasma, Brian E. Washburn, Joshua J. Millspaugh, Dana L. Morris, John H. Schulz, John Faaborg Jan 2007

Using A Commercially Available Enzyme Immunoassay To Quantify Testosterone In Avian Plasma, Brian E. Washburn, Joshua J. Millspaugh, Dana L. Morris, John H. Schulz, John Faaborg

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Using a commercially available testosterone enzyme immunoassay (EIA), we developed and validated an assay procedure for determining testosterone levels in small-volume (20 mL) avian plasma samples. We evaluated this EIA’s utility by measuring plasma testosterone levels in Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura), White-eyed Vireos (Vireo griseus), Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceus), and Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea). Standard biochemical validations (e.g., parallelism, recovery of exogenous testosterone) demonstrated that the assay accurately and precisely measured testosterone in avian plasma. We compared plasma testosterone levels in males and females of all four species and Indigo Buntings in …

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Dominance And Neophobia In Coyote (Canis Latrans) Breeding Pairs, Alex Edward Mettler, John Anthony Shivik Jan 2007

Dominance And Neophobia In Coyote (Canis Latrans) Breeding Pairs, Alex Edward Mettler, John Anthony Shivik

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Previous research suggests that within social animals, subordinate individuals are less neophobic than dominant individuals. We investigated the effect of social status on neophobic responses using 10 captive coyote breeding pairs. Social status was determined from observations of feeding behavior and agonistic interactions during a series of reference trials. Once dominance was established, we surrounded an experimental area with novel stimuli (ropes adorned with interspersed flags) to create a novel context around a familiar food source. Contrary to hypotheses, dominant coyotes were first to feed, showed more interest toward novel stimuli, and eventually crossed the barrier, which subordinates never did. …

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A Broad Perspective On Current And Future Research On Urban Coyotes, John A. Shivik, Kathleen Fagerstone Jan 2007

A Broad Perspective On Current And Future Research On Urban Coyotes, John A. Shivik, Kathleen Fagerstone

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

A change in wildlife management appears to be occurring. Previous efforts needed to be focused on producing more game species or endangered animals; now, however, tools and training must resolve issues of overabundance and conflict with predators, especially species such as coyotes (Canis latrans) in urban areas. Urban conflicts with coyotes may be growing because of urban development of land and human intrusion, but alteration of habitats that attract coyotes is also a likely factor. Research that will describe basic coyote biology in urban areas will be needed, but managers will also need applied research and development of …

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Development Of Test Paradigms For Operant Conditioning Of Wild Norway Rats, Susan M. Jojola, Patrick W. Burke, Gary W. Witmer, Dale L. Nolte Jan 2007

Development Of Test Paradigms For Operant Conditioning Of Wild Norway Rats, Susan M. Jojola, Patrick W. Burke, Gary W. Witmer, Dale L. Nolte

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Many eradication efforts to remove rats (Rattus spp.) from islands have been successful. Eradications are expensive and labor-intensive which makes early detection of, and response to, reinvasion by rats critical. A better understanding of rat behavior could facilitate early detection and rapid response to intercept invaders, such as with trap placement and design, and toxic bait presentation and dispersal. This was a methods development study of test paradigms to operantly condition wild rats to run on an activity wheel and to press a lever for use in future behavior studies. Operant conditioning is the process of associating specific responses …

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Chromaflair® Crow Buster For Repelling Blackbirds And Crows, Scott J. Werner, Shelagh K. Tupper, John L. Cummings Jan 2007

Chromaflair® Crow Buster For Repelling Blackbirds And Crows, Scott J. Werner, Shelagh K. Tupper, John L. Cummings

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Nonlethal alternatives are needed to manage emerging and sustained conflicts between humans and several wild birds. We evaluated the ChromaFlair® “Crow Buster,” a device developed in Japan to repel Asian crows from garbage cans, fruit trees, and utility structures. The Crow Buster consists of a strip (1.5-3.5 cm wide) of stiff, shiny plastic cut into a spiral shape. The device is iridescent green-purple in color. We conducted 2 studies to determine the influence of the Crow Buster on the foraging distribution of red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) in captivity. For both bird …

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The Use Of Rodenticides For Conservation Efforts, Gary W. Witmer, John D. Eisemann, Gregg Howald Jan 2007

The Use Of Rodenticides For Conservation Efforts, Gary W. Witmer, John D. Eisemann, Gregg Howald

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Non-native rats (Rattus spp.) and mice have been introduced to more than 80% of the island groups around the world. They have caused ecosystem-wide impacts, including the extirpation and extinction of many native and endemic species which evolved in a mammalian predator-free environment. Fortunately, practitioners have developed techniques to eradicate introduced rodents, allowing ecosystems to recover. Rodenticides have proven an effective tool in eradications, having been used in over 300 successful eradications worldwide. Careful planning, adequate resources, and a sustained effort by competent field staff are needed to help ensure a successful eradication program. Island eradications are logistically complex …

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Evaluation Of Two Perch Deterrents For Starlings, Blackbirds, And Pigeons, Thomas W. Seamans, Scott C. Barras, Glen E. Bernhardt Jan 2007

Evaluation Of Two Perch Deterrents For Starlings, Blackbirds, And Pigeons, Thomas W. Seamans, Scott C. Barras, Glen E. Bernhardt

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Bird-aircraft collisions are costly and potentially deadly to people and wildlife. From 1990 through 2004, 57,702 bird collisions with aircraft were reported within the USA to the US Federal Aviation Administration. Approximately 82% of the strikes occur below 305 m height about ground level; therefore bird deterrents on airfields that reduce the quality of the birds’ habitat are critical to safe airport operation. One management approach is to reduce perching sites within the airport premises. We tested two anti-perching devices (BirdwireTM and BirdbloxTM) in an aviary setting. As an ancillary test, we determined which wire in a …

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Research Strategies Of The National Wildlife Research Center To Control Bovine Tuberculosis In Wildlife In Michigan, Usa, A. R. Berentsen, M. R. Dunbar, R. G. Mclean Jan 2007

Research Strategies Of The National Wildlife Research Center To Control Bovine Tuberculosis In Wildlife In Michigan, Usa, A. R. Berentsen, M. R. Dunbar, R. G. Mclean

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic disease caused by Mycobaferium bovis and is transmissible to humans, wildlife, and domestic livestock. In the United Kingdom, the suspected wildlife reservoir of bTB is the badger (Meles meles) (HUTCHINGS and HARRIS, 1997), and in New Zealand, the culprit is the brush-tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) (MORRIS et al., 1994). In northern Michigan, USA, bovine tuberculosis is endemic in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) . In 1975 a hunter-killed white-tailed deer in Alpena County, Michigan, USA, was tested positive for bTB. Subsequent surveillance by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) …

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