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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Wildlife Diseases And Humans, Robert G. Mclean
Wildlife Diseases And Humans, Robert G. Mclean
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS Directly Transmitted Diseases: Rabies Hantavirus Trichinosis Mosquito-borne Encephalitis Tick-borne Diseases: Colorado Tick Fever Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Tick-borne Typhus) Lyme Disease Tularemia Relapsing Fever Personal Protection Flea-borne Diseases Plague Murine Typhus Fever Commensal Rodent-borne Diseases Rat-bite Fever Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease) Salmonellosis Rickettsialpox Bird-borne Diseases: Histoplasmosis Ornithosis Salmonellosis
Coyotes, Jeffrey S. Green
Coyotes, Jeffrey S. Green
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
In body form and size, the coyote (Canis latrans) resembles a small collie dog, with erect pointed ears, slender muzzle, and a bushy tail. Coyotes are predominantly brownish gray in color with a light gray to cream-colored belly. Color varies greatly, however, from nearly black to red or nearly white in some individuals and local populations. Most have dark or black guard hairs over their back and tail. Coyote-dog and coyote-wolf hybrids exist in some areas and may vary greatly from typical coyotes in size, color, and appearance. Coyotes often include many items in their diet. Rabbits top the list …
Feral Dogs, Jeffrey S. Green, Philip S. Gipson
Feral Dogs, Jeffrey S. Green, Philip S. Gipson
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Feral dog, Canis familiaris. The primary feature that distinguishes feral from domestic dogs is the degree of reliance or dependence on humans, and in some respect, their behavior toward people. Feral dogs survive and reproduce independently of human intervention or assistance. While it is true that some feral dogs use human garbage for food, others acquire their primary subsistence by hunting and scavenging like other wild canids. Feral and domestic dogs often differ markedly in their behavior toward people. Feral dogs are usually secretive and wary of people. Thus, they are active during dawn, dusk, and at night much like …
Mink, Edward K. Boggess
Mink, Edward K. Boggess
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The mink (Mustela vison) is a member of the weasel family. Both sexes are a rich chocolate-brown color, usually with a white patch on the chest or chin and scattered white patches on the belly. The fur is relatively short with the coat consisting of a soft, dense underfur concealed by glossy, lustrous guard hairs. Mink also have anal musk glands common to the weasel family and can discharge a disagreeable musk if frightened or disturbed. Unlike skunks, however, they cannot forcibly spray musk. Mink are shoreline dwellers and their one basic habitat requirement is a suitable permanent water area. …
Badgers, Fred Lindzey
Badgers, Fred Lindzey
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The badger (Taxidea taxus) is a stocky, medium-sized mammal with a broad head, a short, thick neck, short legs, and a short, bushy tail. Its front legs are stout and muscular, and its front claws are long. It is silver-gray, has long guard hairs, a black patch on each cheek, black feet, and a characteristic white stripe extending from its nose over the top of its head. Badgers are members of the weasel family and have the musky odor characteristic of this family. They are especially adapted for burrowing, with strong front legs equipped with long, well-developed claws. …
Black Bears, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Black Bears, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The black bear (Ursus americanus) is the smallest and most widely distributed of the North American bears. Black bears east of the Mississippi are predominantly black, but in the Rocky Mountains and westward various shades of brown, cinnamon, and even blond are common. The head is moderately sized with a straight profile and tapering nose. The ears are relatively small, rounded, and erect. It is important to be able to distinguish between black bears and grizzly/brown bears (Ursus arctos). The grizzly/brown bear is typically much larger than the black bear.
Grizzly/Brown Bears, Charles Jonkel
Grizzly/Brown Bears, Charles Jonkel
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Grizzly/brown bears (Ursus arctos) of the world include numerous subspecies in Asia, Europe, and North America. The interior grizzly (Ursus arctos horribilis) is generally smaller than the coastal (Ursus arctos gyas) or island (Ursus arctos middendorffi) subspecies of North American brown bear, and it has the classic “grizzled” hair tips. Brown bears in general are very large and heavily built. Wherever brown bears live, their size is influenced by their subspecies status, food supply, and length of the feeding season. Bone growth continues throughthe sixth year, so subadult nutrition often dictates their …
Polar Bears, Peter L. Clarkson, Ian Stirling
Polar Bears, Peter L. Clarkson, Ian Stirling
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The polar bear is the largest member of the family Ursidae. Polar bears have a heavy build overall, large feet, and a longer neck relative to their body size than other species of bears. The fur is white, but the shade may vary among white, yellow, grey, or almost brown, depending on the time of year or light conditions. The vitamin A content of the liver ranges between 15,000 and 30,000 units per gram and is toxic to humans if consumed in any quantity. Polar bears are distributed throughout the circumpolar Arctic. In North America, their range extends from the …
Bobcats, Dallas Virchow, Denny Hogeland
Bobcats, Dallas Virchow, Denny Hogeland
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The bobcat (Lynx rufus), alias “wildcat,” is a medium-sized member of the North American cat family. It can be distinguished at a distance by its graceful catlike movements, short “bobbed” tail, and round face and pointed ears. Visible at close distances are black hair at the tip of the tail and prominent white dots on the upper side of the ears. Body hair color varies, but the animal’s sides and flanks are usually brownish black or reddish brown with either distinct or faint black spots. The back is commonly brownish yellow with a dark line down the middle. …
House Cats (Feral), William D. Fitzwater
House Cats (Feral), William D. Fitzwater
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The cat has been the most resistant to change of all the animals that humans have domesticated. All members of the cat family, wild or domesticated, have a broad, stubby skull, similar facial characteristics, lithe, stealthy movements, retractable claws (except the cheetah), and nocturnal habits. Feral cats are house cats living in the wild. They are small in stature, weighing from 3 to 8 pounds, standing 8 to 12 inches high at the shoulder, and 14 to 24 inches long. The tail adds another 8 to 12 inches to their length. Colors range from black to white to orange, and …
Red Fox, Robert L. Phillips, Robert H. Schmidt
Red Fox, Robert L. Phillips, Robert H. Schmidt
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most common of the foxes native to North America. Most depredation problems are associated with red foxes, although in some areas gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) can cause problems. The red fox is dog-like in appearance, with an elongated pointed muzzle and large pointed ears that are usually erect and forward. It has moderately long legs and long, thick, soft body fur with a heavily furred, bushy tail. Red foxes occur over most of North America, north and east from southern California, Arizona, and central Texas. The red fox is …
Beavers, James E. Miller, Greg K. Yarrow
Beavers, James E. Miller, Greg K. Yarrow
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The beaver (Castor canadensis) is the largest North American rodent. Most adults weigh from 35 to 50 pounds (15.8 to 22.5 kg), with some occasionally reaching 70 to 85 pounds (31.5 to 38.3 kg). Individuals have been known to reach over 100 pounds (45 kg). The beaver is a stocky rodent adapted for aquatic environments. Many of the beaver’s features enable it to remain submerged for long periods of time. It has a valvular nose and ears, and lips that close behind the four large incisor teeth. Each of the four feet have five digits, with the hind feet webbed …
Pocket Gophers, Ronald M. Case, Bruce A. Jasch
Pocket Gophers, Ronald M. Case, Bruce A. Jasch
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Thirty-four species of pocket gophers, represented by five genera, occupy the western hemisphere. In the United States there are 13 species and three genera. The major features differentiating these genera are the size of their forefeet, claws, and front surfaces of their chisel-like incisors.
Thomomys have smooth-faced incisors and small forefeet with small claws. Northern pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) are typically from 6 1/2 to 10 inches (17 to 25 cm) long. Their fur is variable in color but is often yellowish brown with pale underparts. Botta’s (or valley) pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae) are extremely variable in size and color. …
Muskrats, James E. Miller
Muskrats, James E. Miller
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is the largest microtine rodent in the United States. It spends its life in aquatic habitats and is well adapted for swimming. Its large hind feet are partially webbed, stiff hairs align the toes, and its laterally flattened tail is almost as long as its body. The muskrat has a stocky appearance, with small eyes and very short, rounded ears. Its front feet, which are much smaller than its hind feet, are adapted primarily for digging and feeding. The overall length of adult muskrats is usually from 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm). Large …
Nutria, Dwight J. Leblanc
Nutria, Dwight J. Leblanc
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a large, dark-colored, semiaquatic rodent that is native to southern South America. At first glance, a casual observer may misidentify a nutria as either a beaver (Castor canadensis) or a muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), especially when it is swimming. This superficial resemblance ends when a more detailed study of the animal is made. Other names used for the nutria include coypu, nutria-rat, South American beaver, Argentine beaver, and swamp beaver.
The original range of nutria was south of the equator in temperate South America. This species has been introduced into other areas, primarily for fur farming, …
Cotton Rats, Donald W. Hawthorne
Cotton Rats, Donald W. Hawthorne
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) is a moderately large, robust rodent with a scaly, sparsely haired tail that is shorter than the combined head and body. Cotton rats have relatively large eyes. The ears are large but almost hidden in the fur. They have four toes and a small thumb on their front feet and five toes on each hind foot. The cotton rat has very small internal cheek pouches. Distinguishing characteristics are the rough grizzled appearance of the blackish or grayish fur and the rather stiff black guard hairs.
The hispid cotton rat occurs over most of the …
Rodent-Proof Construction And Exclusion Methods, Rex O. Baker, Gerald R. Bodman, Robert M. Timm
Rodent-Proof Construction And Exclusion Methods, Rex O. Baker, Gerald R. Bodman, Robert M. Timm
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The most effective means of limiting rodent damage is rodent-proof construction. New buildings should be designed and built to prevent rodent entry. Rodent-proofing is a good investment. Designing and constructing a rodent-proof building is less expensive than adding rodent-proofing later. Nevertheless, poor maintenance or management practices, such as leaving entry doors and unscreened windows open, will make the bestconstructed building susceptible to rodent entry. Techniques discussed here apply both to new construction and to the modification of existing structures.
Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels, Edward C. Cleary, Scott R. Craven
Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels, Edward C. Cleary, Scott R. Craven
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is a slender rat-sized rodent weighing about 8 ounces (227 g) with a length of about 10 inches (25 cm) including a tail of 3 inches (8 cm). As its name implies, 13 stripes run the length of this ground squirrel’s body. Five of the light-colored lines break up into a series of spots as they progress down the back and over the rump. Five light and four dark stripes extend along the top of the head and end between the animal’s eyes. The cheeks, sides of the body, and legs are yellowish, tan, or tan …
Chipmunks, David E. Williams, Robert M. Corrigan
Chipmunks, David E. Williams, Robert M. Corrigan
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Fifteen species of native chipmunks of the genus Eutamias and one of the genus Tamias are found in North America. The eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) and the least chipmunk (Eutamias minimas), discussed here, are the two most widely distributed and notable species. Behavior and damage is similar among all species of native chipmunks. Therefore, damage control recommendations are similar for all species.
The eastern chipmunk is a small, brownish, ground-dwelling squirrel. It is typically 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm) long and weighs about 3 ounces (90 g). It has two tan and five blackish longitudinal stripes on …
Mountain Beavers, Dan L. Campbell
Mountain Beavers, Dan L. Campbell
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa) is a medium-sized rodent in the family Aplodontiadae. There are no other species in the family. Average adults weigh 2.3 pounds (1,050 g) and range from 1.8 to 3.5 pounds (800 to 1,600 g). Average overall length is 13.5 inches (34 cm), including a rudimentary tail about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The body is stout and compact. The head is relatively large and wide and blends into a large neck with no depression where it joins the shoulders. The eyes and ears are relatively small and the cheeks have long silver “whiskers.” The hind …
Porcupines, Sanford D. Schemnitz
Porcupines, Sanford D. Schemnitz
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum), sometimes called “porkies” or “quill pigs,” are heavy-bodied, shortlegged, slow, and awkward rodents, with a waddling gait. Adults are typically 25 to 30 inches (64 to 76 cm) long and weigh 10 to 30 pounds (4.5 to 13.5 kg). They rely on their sharp, barbed quills (up to 30,000 per individual) for defense.
The porcupine is a common resident of the coniferous forests of western and northern North America. It wanders widely and is found from cottonwood stands along prairie river bottoms and deserts to alpine tundra.
Exclusion: Fences (small areas). Tree trunk guards.
Cultural Methods: Encourage …
Prairie Dogs, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Dallas R. Virchow
Prairie Dogs, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Dallas R. Virchow
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Prairie dogs are stocky burrowing rodents that live in colonies called “towns.” French explorers called them “little dogs” because of the barking noise they make. Their legs are short and muscular, adapted for digging. The tail and other extremities are short. Their hair is rather coarse with little underfur, and is sandy brown to cinnamon in color with grizzled black and buff-colored tips. The belly is light cream to white.
Five species of prairie dogs are found in North America: the black-tailed (Cynomys ludovicianus), Mexican (C. mexicanus), white-tailed (C. leucurus), Gunnison’s (C. gunnisoni), and Utah prairie dog (C. parvidens). The …
Voles, John M. O’Brien
Voles, John M. O’Brien
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Voles, also called meadow mice or field mice, belong to the genus Microtus. Voles are compact rodents with stocky bodies, short legs, and short tails. Their eyes are small and their ears partially hidden. Their underfur is generally dense and covered with thicker, longer guard hairs. They usually are brown or gray, though many color variations exist. There are 23 vole species in the United States. This chapter provides range maps, descriptions, and habitat characteristics for seven species that are widespread or cause significant economic damage. Tentative identification of a particular animal may be made using this information. For positive …
Kangaroo Rats, Volney W. Howard Jr.
Kangaroo Rats, Volney W. Howard Jr.
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
There are 23 species of kangaroo rats (genus Dipodomys) in North America. Fourteen species occur in the lower 48 states. The Ord’s kangaroo rat (D. ordi) occurs in 17 US states, Canada, and Mexico. Other widespread species include the Merriam kangaroo rat (D. merriami), bannertail kangaroo rat (D. spectabilis), desert kangaroo rat (D. deserti), and Great Basin kangaroo rat (D. microps). Kangaroo rats are distinctive rodents with small forelegs; long, powerful hind legs; long, tufted tails; and a pair of external, fur-lined cheek pouches similar to those of pocket gophers. They vary from pale cinnamon buff to a dark gray …
Franklin, Richardson, Columbian, Washington, And Townsend Ground Squirrels, Leonard R. Askham
Franklin, Richardson, Columbian, Washington, And Townsend Ground Squirrels, Leonard R. Askham
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The Franklin ground squirrel (Spermophilus franklinii) is a rather drab grayish brown. Black speckling gives a spotted or barred effect. Head and body average 10 inches (25.4 cm) with a 5- to 6-inch (12.7- to 15.2-cm) tail. Adults weigh from 10 to 25 ounces (280 to 700 g).
The Richardson ground squirrel (S. richardson) is smaller and lighter colored than the Franklin. Some are dappled on the back. The squirrel’s body measures about 8 inches (20.3 cm) with a tail of from 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm). Adults weigh from 11 to 18 ounces (308 to 504 …
Belding's, California, And Rock Ground Squirrels, Rex E. Marsh
Belding's, California, And Rock Ground Squirrels, Rex E. Marsh
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Twenty-three species and 119 subspecies of ground squirrels exist in the United States (Hall 1981). At least 10 species can be of considerable economic importance to agriculture or have a significant impact on public health. This chapter covers the three species found in the far west and southwest. All three species range over extensive regions. While the California (Spermophilus beecheyi) and the Belding’s (S. beldingi) ground squirrels are considered pests over large agricultural areas, they are not pests throughout their entire range. The rock ground squirrel (S. variegatus) is not a major pest but is important because of its involvement …
House Mice, Robert M. Timm
House Mice, Robert M. Timm
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a small, slender rodent that has a slightly pointed nose; small, black, somewhat protruding eyes; large, sparsely haired ears; and a nearly hairless tail with obvious scale rings. House mice are considered among the most troublesome and economically important rodents in the United States.
Effective prevention and control of house mouse damage involves three aspects: rodent-proof construction, sanitation, and population reduction by means of traps, toxicants, or fumigants. The first two are useful as preventive measures, but when a house mouse infestation already exists, some form of population reduction is almost always …
Roof Rats, Rex E. Marsh
Roof Rats, Rex E. Marsh
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Rattus rattus is commonly known as the roof rat, black rat, and ship rat. Roof rats were common on early sailing ships and apparently arrived in North America by that route. This rat has a long history as a carrier of plague. Roof rats range along the lower half of the East Coast and throughout the Gulf States upward into Arkansas. They also exist all along the Pacific Coast and are found on the Hawaiian Islands.
Frightening: Ultrasonic devices have not been proven to provide rat control. Lights and other sounds are of limited value. Visual devices such as model …
White-Footed And Deer Mice, Robert M. Timm, Walter E. Howard
White-Footed And Deer Mice, Robert M. Timm, Walter E. Howard
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Fifteen species of native mice of the genus Peromyscus may be found in the United States. The two most common and widely distributed species are the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus, Fig. 1) and the white-footed mouse (P. leucopus). This chapter will deal primarily with these species. Collectively, all species of Peromyscus are often referred to as “white-footed mice” or “deer mice.” Other species include the brush mouse (P. boylei), cactus mouse (P. eremicus), canyon mouse (P. crinitus), cotton mouse (P. gossypinus), golden mouse (P. nuttalli), piñon mouse (P. truei), rock mouse (P. difficilis), white-ankled mouse (P. pectoralis), Merriam mouse (P. …
Woodchucks, Rene M. Bollengier Jr.
Woodchucks, Rene M. Bollengier Jr.
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The woodchuck (Marmota monax), a member of the squirrel family, is also known as the “ground hog” or “whistle pig.” It is closely related to other species of North American marmots. It is usually grizzled brownish gray, but white (albino) and black (melanistic) individuals can occasionally be found. The woodchuck’s compact, chunky body is supported by short strong legs. Its forefeet have long, curved claws that are well adapted for digging burrows. Its tail is short, well furred, and dark brown.
Exclusion: Buried welded or woven wire fences. Single-strand electric fences.
Frightening Devices: Scarecrows and other effigies.
Repellents: …