Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

What You Wanted To Know About All You Ever Heard Concerning Snake Repellents, Gary J. San Julian

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

Have you ever heard about a way to keep snakes away from your house? Many people in North Carolina have been told by their elders of various ways to repel snakes. When we first started working on this problem in North Carolina, we were amazed at the number of "home remedies" that people believed would protect their property from snakes; and we began to keep a record of these remedies. In 1981, a grant from the Pesticide Impact Assessment Program allowed us to begin to test some of these remedies to determine their value.

Deer Damage And Damage Control In Ohio's Nurseries, Orchards And Christmas Tree Plantings: The Grower's View, Joel D. Scott, Thomas W. Townsend

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

A survey of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) damage was conducted among growers (N = 2,236) of fruit, Christmas tree and nursery crops in Ohio; over 81% responded. Damage was reported by 43.1% of Christmas tree growers, 4l.3% of orchardists and 32.5% of nurserymen. Most commonly reported by orchardists as damaged were apples (Malus spp.)s by Christmas tree growers were white pines (Pinus strobus), and by nurserymen were maples (Acer spp.)o Young plants (x̅ = 7.5 years) were more commonly damaged than older plants of all species. Seasonal damage was most common in spring …

Histoplasmosis And Its Impact On Blackbird/Starling Roost Management, A.R. Stickley Jr., R.J. Weeks

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

Histoplasmosis is a common and sometimes serious fungal disease that primarily affects the lungs, but can also involve other parts of the human body. The disease is characterized by 3 major forms: acute pulmonary, chronic cavitary, and disseminated histoplasmos is. Two fungicides are effective in treatment of the disease, but serious side effects often result. The occurrence of the fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, is associated with large quantities of bird and bat excreta that have come in contact with soil. Roost sites must generally be occupied by birds for at least 3 years before soil conditions are conducive to its …

Relationship Between Seasonal Changes In Forage Quality And Feeding Patterns In Meadow Voles (Microtus Pennsylvanicus), Ronald J. Brooks, Stephen A. Struger

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

Forage analyses revealed that mowed orchards provide a relatively high quality forage to meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), especially in the fall. Mowed forage was characterized by significantly higher protein and moisture content and significantly lower acid and neutral detergent fibre and lignin than forage from an abandoned orchard. Energy and fat were not significantly affected by mowing.. However, vole numbers declined markedly in mowed regions in comparison to undisturbed areas. Voles preferred to inhabit areas with dense cover even though vegetative dieback had occurred. Voles did not exhibit any distinct preference for either cracked corn (rodenticide carrier agent) …

Estimating Cost-Effectiveness Of Controlling Animal Damage To Conifer Seedlings, David S. Decalesta

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

A model for determining the benefit-cost ratio of controlling damage by vertebrate pests to conifer seedlings requires knowledge of the amount, distribution, and duration of animal damage, reduction in damage associated with control, costs of control, methodology and value of trees at harvest. Because control costs occurring in the present must be compared with savings recovered decades later in the future, the model incorporates procedures for discounting or adjusting future monetary benefits into present net worth valuations,, The model allows forest managers to evaluate a wide range of damage costs and savings accruing from use of various control techniques. The …

Management Implications Derived From Bird Damage Assessments In North Dakota Sunflower, Joseph L. Guarino, John L. Cummings

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

The most recent estimate of blackbird damage to ripening sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in North Dakota in 1980 exceeded $6 million. Although less than 5% of the sunflower fields in the state received greater than 10% damage in each of four past survey years, as much as 50% of the total state-wide damage occurred in these fields. This loss can be combated with cost-effective control- Successful control requires timely action when blackbirds are in large concentrations. Frightening blackbirds from fields early in the damage season disperses damage and this can result in compensatory growth by sunflower, whereby yields at …

Preventive Control Of Pest Rodents, Walter E. Howard

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

With "preventive control" of pest rodents, by using rodent bait boxes (stations) on a permanent basis, there is no longer any biological, ecological, or economic reason for rodent pests or health problems to occur in villages, cities, and intensively cultivated agricultural areas, but not pastures or forests. Such pest rodents can usually be eliminated without endangering non-target species, quite inexpensively, simply, and in a more environmentally desirable manner than most current practices, where the pest rodents are not controlled until populations have built up, which requires large amounts of rodenticides. With preventive control, once the pest rodents have been controlled …

Repellents For Rodents In Conservation-Tillage Agriculture, Ron J. Johnson

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

In response to a need for a safe and effective method of reducing rodent damage to newly planted corn in conservation-tillage fields, too chemicals, thiram (tetramethylthiuram disulfide) and methiocarb (3, 5-dimethyl 1-4-methylthio] phenol methylcarbamate), were coated on untreated seed corn for evaluation as repellents and agents for conditioned aversion, Results of field-enclosure and other studies indicate that 1.25% thiram by weight repels thirteen-lined ground squirrels and causes no phytotoxicity. Lower thiram rates tested (0.08, 0.4, 0.8%) were ineffective, Methiocarb rates of 2.5 and 5.0% repelled thirteen-lined ground squirrels, but these rates may significantly reduce corn stand counts under some conditions, …

Role And Responsibilities Of Agencies For Wildlife Damage Control, James E. Miller

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

"A well balanced wildlife management program includes research, the acquisition of land, the development of habitat, the careful regulation of hunting or harvest, the protection of certain species, the enforcement of laws — and — the control of animal depredations. Though necessary, this is among the least popular and most controversial of the wildlife management functions. It is, nevertheless, one of the activities which a responsible agency must undertake." This statement is a direct quote from the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' (IAFWA) Position Paper on Animal Damage Control (1981).

An Evaluation Of Visual And Auditory Electronic Devices To Repel Deer, R. Blake Roper, Edward P. Hill

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

An electronic device that emitted auditory and visual stimuli was evaluated for repelling deer from hardwood plantations and soybean fields in Southwest Alabama from February 1976 through March 1978. Repellent effectiveness in hardwood plantations and in soybean fields was determined by comparing browsing damage on areas treated with the repellent stimuli against damage on control areas.

No difference (P < 0.05) was detected in browsing damage between treated and control areas in either hardwood plantations or soybean fields. Browsing damage on soybeans continued when electronic stimuli were combined with electric fences, human scent rags, and periodic shooting, demonstrating the high degree of adaptability of the white-tailed deer as they attempt to utilize an available food supply.

Double-Crested Cormorant Damage To A Commercial Fishery In The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, Scott R. Craven, Esther Lev

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

The endangered classification of the double-crested cormorant (DCC) in Wisconsin resulted in complete protection and significant management efforts in the 1970's., These efforts, probably coupled with reduced pesticide loads, resulted in a resurgence of Wisconsin cormorant populations from a low of 66 pairs in 1972 to 1028 pairs in 1982» The DCC was reclassified as a threatened species in 1982. This apparent success story did not take into consideration the potential negative impact of an abundant piscivorous bird. In 1978 a colony of DCC's became established on a remote rocky island in the Apostle Islands National, Lakeshore, in Lake Superior. …

Preparation And Analysis Of Alternative 4-Ap Baits For Blackbirds, J.E. Davis

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) acceptance of corn as a bait for use in ripening sunflower has been questioned. This study demonstrated that sunflower meats, sunflower achenes, and pearled barley all have potential as alternative bait carriers for 4-AP. Each can be treated with 4-AP so that individual bait particles carry dosages equivalent to those of cracked corn in the registered product, Avitrol FC Corn Chops 99S. Treated baits produced a distress response in redwings in times ranging from 21.7 min (sunflower meats) to 64.5 min (sunflower achenes). The time to distress elicited by sunflower meats coated with 4-AP …

Public Tolerance Of A Suburban Deer Herd: Implications For Control, Daniel J. Decker, Thomas A. Gavin

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

Suburban deer populations have been increasing in the eastern U.S., resulting in deer-human conflicts that can not always be resolved by a traditional management approach., Professionals responsible for management of deer damage (herd control and extension education) need information on the extent and nature of deer damage in suburban situations. Attitudes of suburban residential property owners about wildlife in general and deer in particular must be identified so that control measures that are socially acceptable as well as biologically feasible can be formulated o People's tolerance of deer damage and their propensity for undertaking on-site preventive measures need to be …

The Whooping Crane Cross-Fostering Experiment: The Role Of Animal Damage Control, Roderick C. Drewien, Stephen H. Bouffard, Desmond D. Call, Richard A. Wonacott

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

Predator losses of endangered species in reintroduction programs are unacceptable because of the scarcity of the species and the major commitment of staff time and funds. When the whooping crane (Grus americana) cross-fostering experiment (experiment) at Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Grays Lake), Idaho was proposed in 1972, animal damage control (ADC) was considered unnecessary. Sandhill crane (G. canadensis tabida) nest success was high and coyotes (Canis latrans) and red foxes (Vulpes Vulpes) were uncommon. Canids increased by the mid-1970's destroying whooping crane eggs and chicks. An ADC program initiated in 1976 …

Frontmatter And Contents

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SECOND EASTERN WILDILFE DAMAGE CONTROL CONFERENCE

Dispersal Of A Heron-Egret Rookery, Douglas I. Hall

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

A rookery composed of an estimated 10,000 herons and egrets (family: Ardeidae) located in Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas was successfully dispersed in the Spring of 1983. A diversified scaring program was planned and initiated prior to the onset of courtship display and nest building. The roost relocation was subsequently followed by habitat alteration procedures to make the 5-acre stand of primarily Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) unattractive as a future roosting site. Although no nesting occurred at the site in 1983, the lack of an early scaring program in the Spring of 1984 resulted in the uncleared portion …

Removal Of Nesting Starlings With Drc-1339, Douglas I. Hall

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

DRC-1339-treated crickets (Gryllus sp.) were utilized in an attempt to remove starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) nesting and rearing young in the aircraft hangars at the Little Rock Air Center, Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas. Bait ratio of 1 treated to 5 untreated crickets was used. They were placed under airport night lights where foraging birds naturally gathered to feed on insects attracted to these lights. Adult starlings consumed the crickets as well as fed them to their young. Lethal control was achieved on both age classes of bird. Field test results show promise for the development of a …

The Role Of State And Wildlife Agencies In Wildlife Damage Control, Charles D. Kelly

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

The Alabama Game and Fish Division is responsible for the stewardship of the wildlife and fisheries resources in the state. Within this context and the cooperative efforts with other agencies that have dealings with animal damage, the Division develops, permits, approves and administers control of both game and non-game (except migratory) species of wildlife.

Animal control complaints fall into two major areas - crop damage and nuisance animals. Nuisance animals, with some exceptions, are bats, armadillos, alligators, woodpeckers, snakes, birds that roost or nest in rookeries. Squirrels, bears, rabbits are the cause of both nuisanced crop damage complaints. Deer, beaver, …

Landowner Tolerance Of Beavers: Implications For Damage Management And Control, Ken G. Purdy, Daniel J. Decker, Richard A. Malecki, John C. Proud

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

Management of beaver (Castor canadensis) populations can be an effective way to create wetlands while at the same time producing a valued recreational and furbearer resource. Optimizing beaver populations for such a dual objective, however, requires careful integration of biological and sociological considerations in management planning. Knowledge of beaver population dynamics by itself is insufficient for sound management; human tolerance data also must be included in management decisions to reduce the potential of encountering problems that could impede the attainment of beaver-wetlands management objectives. Expansion of beaver into new areas often may be constrained by managers' perceptions of …

Wildlife Damage Control - The Role And Responsibility Of The U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service, Leroy W. Sowl

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

The doctrine of State ownership of wildlife was a part of the body of English common law transplanted to these shores by the original English settlers. The Crown conveyed ownership of many natural resources, and included wildlife in the patents it issued to the proprietors of plantations and colonies. When the provinces became States, they inherited ownership of wildlife.

Apparent Efficacy Of Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard Programs At Four Naval Air Stations, Thomas C. Walker, C. Willard Bennett

Second Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference (1985)

The Department of the Navy implemented its present mandatory bird-aircraft strike reporting system in 1981. Reported bird-aircraft strikes have increased each year, presumably due to increased awareness and compliance with regulations. Four Naval air stations implementing bird-aircraft strike hazard reduction programs in 1984 reported 57-78% fewer strikes in 1984 than in 1983.

Repellents For Rodents In Conservation-Tillage Agriculture, Ron J. Johnson

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In response to a need for a safe and effective method of reducing rodent damage to newly planted corn in conservation-tillage fields, two chemicals, thiram (tetramethylthiuramdisulfide) and methiocarb (3,5-dimethy l 1-4-[methylthio] phenol methylcarbamate), were coated on untreated seed corn for evaluation as repellents and agents for conditioned aversion. Results of field-enclosure and other studies indicate that 1.25% thiram by weight repels thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) and causes no phytotoxicity. Lower thiram rates tested (0.08, 0.4, 0.8%) were ineffective. Methiocarb rates of 2.5 and 5.0% repelled thirteen-lined ground squirrels, but these rates may significantly reduce corn stand counts …

Assessing Deer Damage In Young Fruit Orchards, Jay B. Mcaninch, Mark R. Ellingwood, Michael J. Fargione, Peter Picone

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Evaluations of systematic damage assessments of 5, 10 and 20 percent of all apple trees in 12 orchards were compared. The 10% assessment technique was selected as the most accurate and efficient in estimating summer and fall damage. Analysis of several parameters of tree vigor found significant differences between browsed and unbrowsed trees for tree basal diameter and central leader diameter over 2 successive years. These subtle yet important differences in tree development were felt to severely limit the possibilities of relating browsing to growth and later, yields. Methods and considerations for making control decisions on a per acre basis …

Animal Damage Control And The Endangered Species Act, Warren T. Parker

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The premise of the Endangered Species Act is that all wildlife are valuable natural resources and the extinction of species in the name of progress must be halted. To achieve this end, Congress requires all Federal agencies to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service when any of their programs or projects affect a listed endangered or threatened species. Problems of special interest to this conference are those that project an endangered or threatened species in direct conflict with man.

State Funded Wildlife Damage Programs: The Wisconsin Experience, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Scott R. Craven

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Wisconsin has a long tradition of involvement with wildlife damage and wildlife damage programs. It is one of less than a dozen states that presently has a program for wildlife damage. From 1931 to 1980, Wisconsin paid landowners for damage to crops caused by wildlife. Now the focus of Wisconsin's wildlife damage program is on damage control and prevention through appropriate abatement techniques and wildlife population control. This paper will detail Wisconsin's experience with these approaches and will offer insight into improving state funded wildlife damage programs.

Reformulated 4-Aminopyridine Baits Cost-Effectively Reduce Blackbird Damage To Ripening Cornfields, Jerome F. Besser, John W. De Grazio

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In 1984 4-aminopyridine baits, stabilized with hydrochloric acid, were appraised in ripening cornfields being attacked by blackbirds on the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, South Dakota. In 1982, it had been discovered that 4-aminopyridine, the active agent in commercial Avitrol^® baits for crop protection rapidly vaporized at summer storage and field baiting temperatures.

In July, baiting lanes were created in 12 cornfields by destroying every 55th row. In August after a 3-day pretreatment period, fields were baited with Avitrol^® FC Corn Chops-99 for a 2-week period when corn was most vulnerable to damage. Bait was applied from baiting …

An Investigation Of Techniques Used To Discourage Rebuilding Of Beaver Dams Demolished By Explosives, James M. Dyer, Charles E. Rowell

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

One hundred seventeen beaver dams were partially or wholly demolished with explosives from April through August between 1982 and 1984. These dams were of two types; shallow water dams found in areas of flat terrain, and deep water dams found in major creek channels or in areas of hilly terrain. Following demolition, various treatments were applied to the dam sites to try to retard rebuilding. Our conclusions are that deep water dams can be removed more effectively than shallow water dams and that late summer removals were rebuilt less frequently than early and midsummer removals. Also, certain types of repellents …

Landowner Tolerance Of Beavers: Implications For Damage Management And Control, Ken G. Purdy, Daniel J. Decker, Richard A. Malecki, John C. Proud

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Management of beaver (Castor canadensis) populations can be an effective way to create wetlands while at the same time producing a valued recreational and furbearer resource. Optimizing beaver populations for such a dual objective, however, requires careful integration of biological and sociological considerations in management planning. Knowledge of beaver population dynamics by itself is insufficient for sound management; human tolerance data also must be included in management decisions to reduce the potential of encountering problems that could impede the attainment of beaver-wetlands management objectives. Expansion of beaver into new areas often may be constrained by managers' perceptions of …

Economic And Environmental Impacts Of Beavers In North Carolina, David K. Woodward, Robert B. Hazel, Brian P. Gaffney

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

In 1984, a postal survey of landowners and managers was conducted in North Carolina concerning the presence of beavers (Castor canadensis) on their property. Major objectives of the survey were to determine: (1) current distribution and relative abundance of beavers in North Carolina, (2) the economic and environmental impacts from an apparently increasing beaver population, and (3) landowner attitudes toward these increasing populations. Of the 1,069 questionnaires returned, data was compiled from 456 landowners (43 percent) who confirmed the presence of beaver activity on their property during 1983. A significant increase in beaver numbers and distribution has occurred …

Preventive Control Of Pest Rodents, Walter E. Howard

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

With "preventive control" of pest rodents, by using rodent bait boxes (stations) on a permanent basis, there is no longer any biological, ecological, or economic reason for rodent pests or health problems to occur in villages, cities, and intensively cultivated agricultural areas, but not pastures or forests. Such pest rodents can usually be eliminated without endangering nontarget species, quite inexpensively, simply, and in a more environmentally desirable manner than most current practices, where the pest rodents are not controlled until populations have built up, which requires large amounts of rodenticides. With preventive control, once the pest rodents have been controlled …