Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 31 - 60 of 82
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Polynesian Rats, Mark E. Tobin
Polynesian Rats, Mark E. Tobin
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The Polynesian rat (Rattus exulans) is smaller than either the Norway rat (R. norvegicus) or the roof rat (R. rattus). Polynesian rats have slender bodies, pointed snouts, large ears, and relatively small, delicate feet. A ruddy brown back contrasts with a whitish belly. Mature individuals are 4.5 to 6 inches long (11.5 to 15.0 cm) from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and weigh 1.5 to 3 ounces (40 to 80 g). The tail has prominent fine scaly rings and is about the same length as the head and …
Norway Rats, Robert M. Timm
Norway Rats, Robert M. Timm
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) is a stocky burrowing rodent, unintentionally introduced into North America by settlers who arrived on ships from Europe. Also called the brown rat, house rat, barn rat, sewer rat, gray rat, or wharf rat, it is a slightly larger animal than the roof rat (Fig. 2). Adult Norway rats weigh an average of 1 pound (454 g). Their fur is coarse and usually brownish or reddish gray above and whitish gray on the belly. Blackish individuals occur in some locations.
Among the diseases rats may transmit to humans or livestock are murine typhus, …
Woodrats, Terrell P. Salmon, W. Paul Gorenzel
Woodrats, Terrell P. Salmon, W. Paul Gorenzel
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Eight species of woodrats (genus Neotoma) occur in North America. Locally known as pack rats or trade rats, these rodents are about the size of the common Norway rat. They are distinguishable from Norway rats by their hairy rather than scaly tail, soft, fine fur, and large ears. They usually have light-colored feet and bellies.
The Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli) was federally listed as endangered in 1991.
Exclusion: Woodrats can be permanently excluded from buildings.
Cultural Methods: Not generally useful. Trim lower branches of citrus trees.
Repellents: None are registered or considered effective at this time.
Toxicants: Anticoagulants …
Tree Squirrels, Jeffrey J. Jackson
Tree Squirrels, Jeffrey J. Jackson
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
In this chapter tree squirrels are divided into three groups: large tree squirrels, pine squirrels, and flying squirrels. Large tree squirrels include fox (Sciurus niger), eastern gray (Sciurus carolinensis), western gray (Sciurus griseus), and tassel-eared (Sciurus aberti) squirrels. Fox squirrels (Fig. 1) measure 18 to 27 inches (46 to 69 cm) from nose to tip of tail. They weigh about 1 3/4 pounds (787 g) to 2 1/4 pounds (1,012 g). Color varies greatly, from all black in Florida to silver gray with a white belly in Maryland. Georgia fox squirrels usually have a black face. Ohio and Michigan fox …
Preface And Table Of Contents
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
This handbook is a comprehensive reference of North American vertebrate species that can cause economic damage to resources or become a nuisance at various times and places. It is intended for use by extension agents and specialists, wildlife biologists, animal control officers, public health personnel, pest control operators, teachers and students of wildlife biology, and others who deal with wildlife damage problems.
Wildlife damage management is an essential part of contemporary wildlife management. During the past decade there has been significant research and development in this field. This publication is a condensation of current, research-based information on wildlife that cause …
Identification And Assessment Of Wildlife Damage: An Overview, Richard A. Dolbeer, Nicholas R. Holler, Donald W. Hawthorne
Identification And Assessment Of Wildlife Damage: An Overview, Richard A. Dolbeer, Nicholas R. Holler, Donald W. Hawthorne
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Wildlife management is often thought of in terms of protecting, enhancing, and nurturing wildlife populations and the habitat needed for their wellbeing. However, many species at one time or another require management actions to reduce conflicts with people or with other wildlife species. Examples include an airport manager modifying habitats to reduce gull activity near runways, a forester poisoning pocket gophers to increase tree seedling survival in a reforestation project, or a biologist trapping an abundant predator or competing species to enhance survival of an endangered species.
Wildlife damage control is an increasingly important part of the wildlife management profession …
Armadillo (Dasypus Novemcinctus), Donald W. Hawthorne
Armadillo (Dasypus Novemcinctus), Donald W. Hawthorne
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is a rather interesting and unusual animal that has a protective armor of “horny” material on its head, body, and tail. The armadillo ranges from south Texas to the southeastern tip of New Mexico, through Oklahoma, the southeastern corner of Kansas and the southwestern corner of Missouri, most of Arkansas, and southwestern Mississippi. The armadillo prefers dense, shady cover such as brush, woodlands, forests, and areas adjacent to creeks and rivers. More than 90% of the armadillo’s diet is made up of insects and their larvae. The armadillo is active primarily from twilight through …
River Otters (Lutra Canadensis), Edward P. Hill
River Otters (Lutra Canadensis), Edward P. Hill
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
River otters (Lutra canadensis) are best known for their continuous and playful behavior, their aesthetic value, and the value of their durable, high-quality fur. River otters occur throughout North America except the arctic slopes, the arid portions of the Southwest, and the intensive agricultural and industrialized areas of the midwestern United States. The diet of the river otter throughout its range is primarily fish. The reproductive biology of river otters and all other weasels is complex because of a characteristic known as delayed implantation. The presence of river otter(s) around or in a fish hatchery, aquaculture, or fish …
Deer, Scott R. Craven, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Deer, Scott R. Craven, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are probably the most widely distributed and best-recognized large mammals in North America. Deer are even-toed ungulates of the family Cervidae. The white-tailed deer is found in every state in the United States except perhaps Alaska and Utah. Deer are creatures of the forest edge rather than the dense, old-growth forest. Browse (leaves, stems, and buds of woody plants) is generally available all year and is a staple food for deer. Breeding occurs from October to January depending on latitude. Deer damage a wide variety of row crops, forage crops, vegetables, fruit trees, nursery stock, …
Elk, David S. Decalesta, Gary W. Witmer
Elk, David S. Decalesta, Gary W. Witmer
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The elk is a large, powerful animal with an adult weight averaging over 400 pounds (180 kg). The Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) is found in the Rocky Mountain states and in scattered locations in the Midwest and East. Although elk once roamed freely into lower elevation grasslands, they are now found primarily close to heavily forested areas that are dotted with natural or human-made (clear-cut) openings. Elk graze on grasses and forbs, and browse on shrubs, tree seedlings, and saplings. Weather and human activities influence elk activity. Elk commonly impact agricultural resources by competing with domestic …
Moles, F. Robert Henderson
Moles, F. Robert Henderson
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Yates and Pedersen (1982) list seven North American species of moles. They are the eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), hairy-tailed mole (Parascalops breweri), star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata), broad-footed mole (Scapanus latimanus), Townsend’s mole (Scapanus townsendii), coast mole (Scapanus orarius), and shrew mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii). Out of the seven species that occur in North America, three inhabit lands east of the Rocky Mountains (Yates and Pedersen 1982). The mole lives in the seclusion of underground burrows, coming to the surface only rarely, and then often by accident. The …
Pronghorn Antelope (Antilocapra Americana), Sanford D. Schemnitz
Pronghorn Antelope (Antilocapra Americana), Sanford D. Schemnitz
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is not a true antelope but in a family by itself (Antilocapridae). It is native only to North America. Pronghorns currently have a scattered but widespread distribution throughout western North America. Pronghorns thrive in short and mixed grasslands and sagebrush grasslands. Pronghorns eat a variety of plants, mostly forbs and browse. Pronghorns depend on their eyesight and speed to escape enemies. Pronghorns sometimes cause damage to grain fields, alfalfa, and haystacks during the winter. Pronghorns have game-animal status in all of the western states.
Cottontail Rabbits, Scott R. Craven
Cottontail Rabbits, Scott R. Craven
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) usually can be accepted as interesting additions to the backyard or rural landscape if control techniques are applied correctly. Under some unusual circumstances, control of damage may be difficult. There are 13 species of cottontail rabbits (genus Sylvilagus), nine of which are found in various sections of North America north of Mexico. The eastern cottontail’s range includes the entire United States east of the Rocky Mountains and introductions further west. Cottontails do not distribute themselves evenly across the landscape. Rabbits live only 12 to 15 months, and probably only one rabbit in 100 lives …
Jackrabbits And Other Hares, James E. Knight
Jackrabbits And Other Hares, James E. Knight
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Three major species of jackrabbits occur in North America: Blacktail jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), whitetail jackrabbits (L. townsendii), and showshoe hare (L. americanus). The whitetail jackrabbit is found mainly in the north central and northwestern United States and no further south than the extreme north central part of New Mexico and southern Kansas. Members of the genus Lepus are born well-furred and able to move about. Hares consume 1/2 to 1 pound (1.1 to 2.2 kg) of green vegetation each day. Jackrabbits are considered nongame animals in most states and are not protected by state …
Shrews, Robert H. Schmidt
Shrews, Robert H. Schmidt
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The shrew (Sorex cinereus) is a small, mouse-sized mammal with an elongated snout, a dense fur of uniform color, small eyes, and five clawed toes on each foot. Shrews are broadly distributed throughout the world and North America. Shrews vary widely in habitat preferences throughout North America. Shrews are in the taxonomic order Insectivora. Shrews are among the world’s smallest mammals. Most species of shrews do not have significant negative impacts and are not abundant enough to be considered pests (Schmidt 1984).
Bird Damage At Aquaculture Facilities, W. Paul Gorenzel, Fred S. Conte, Terrell P. Salmon
Bird Damage At Aquaculture Facilities, W. Paul Gorenzel, Fred S. Conte, Terrell P. Salmon
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Reduction of the damage caused by fish-eating birds requires accurate bird identification and some knowledge of avian biology and habits. The open-water areas and large concentrations of aquatic livestock at aquaculture facilities are natural attractants to many birds. Birds can have a significant economic impact on the culture of aquatic products including fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. For our purpose here, we will refer to these birds as fish-eating birds, and the aquatic products as fish.
Horned Larks, Jerry P. Clark, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Horned Larks, Jerry P. Clark, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Horned larks (Eremophila alpestris) are ground-dwelling birds that are slightly larger than house sparrows. They are brown, with a yellowish face, black breast, black “whiskers,” and two small black “horns.” Horned larks breed widely throughout North America, from northern Alaska to southern Mexico. In certain parts of California the horned lark is a serious crop pest. The food of the horned lark consists largely of seeds picked up from the ground. Vegetable crops damaged by horned larks include beets, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peas, spinach, and tomatoes. Other field and truck crops damaged are alfalfa, grain, sugar beets, cantaloupes, …
American Crows, Ron J. Johnson
American Crows, Ron J. Johnson
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is one of America’s best-known birds. American crows are widely distributed over much of North America. American crows do best in a mixture of open fields where food can be found and woodlots where there are trees for nesting and roosting. Crows are omnivorous, eating almost anything, and they readily adapt food habits to changing seasons and available food supply. Crows are among the most intelligent of birds. Experiments indicate that American crows can count to three or four, are good at solving puzzles, have good memories, employ a diverse and behaviorally complex …
Bird Dispersal Techniques, Thurman W. Booth
Bird Dispersal Techniques, Thurman W. Booth
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Birds, especially migratory birds, provide enjoyment and recreation for many and greatly enhance the quality of our lives. These colorful components of natural ecosystems are often studied, viewed, photographed, hunted, and otherwise enjoyed. Unfortunately, bird activities sometimes conflict with human interests. Birds may depredate agricultural crops, create health hazards, and compete for limited resources with other more favorable wildlife species. The management of bird populations or the manipulation of bird habitats to minimize such conflicts is an important aspect of wildlife management. Problems associated with large concentrations of birds can often be reduced through techniques of dispersal or relocation of …
House Finches (Linnets), Jerry P. Clark, Scott E. Hygnstrom
House Finches (Linnets), Jerry P. Clark, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
House finches (Carpodacus mexicanus), also known as linnets, are about the same size as house sparrows. House finches are abundant residents throughout the western United States and Mexico. The house finch is most abundant in the warm valleys of California near cultivated lands. House finches are primarily seed eaters, and before the introduction of cultivated fruits, they probably lived largely on weed seeds. House finches nest in a great variety of places. House finches peck and feed on practically all deciduous fruits, berries, grains, vegetable seed, and flower seed. House finches are classified as migratory nongame birds in …
Scrub (Or California) Jay, Jerry P. Clark, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Scrub (Or California) Jay, Jerry P. Clark, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The scrub (or California) jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is distinguished by its crestless head, olive-gray back, and white throat, outlined in blue. Scrub jays are found in the western United States, parts of Mexico, and in central Florida. Scrub jays commonly inhabit the oak and brush-covered foothills of the mountains, timbered canyons, river bottoms, oak-lined sloughs and creeks, as well as the shade trees and dense shrubbery of residential areas. Beal (1910) reported that the diet of the scrub jay consisted of 73% plant and 27% animal matter. The plant matter was about one-third fruits and berries, and two-thirds …
Crowned Sparrows, Jerry Clark, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Crowned Sparrows, Jerry Clark, Scott E. Hygnstrom
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
White-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) are distinguished by their pink or yellowish bill, erect posture, gray throat and breast, and prominent crown streaked with black and white. Geographic races, including the mountain (Z. l. oriantha), Gambel’s (Z. l. gambelii), Nuttall’s (Z. L. nuttalli), and Puget Sound white-crowned sparrow (Z. l. pugetensis) show minor differences in head pattern, bill color, and song. Their songs vary geographically, but consist primarily of clear whistles. White-crowned sparrows are abundant in the western United States. They breed primarily in Alaska and Canada and winter in the …
Pigeons (Rock Doves), David E. Williams, Robert M. Corrigan
Pigeons (Rock Doves), David E. Williams, Robert M. Corrigan
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Pigeons (Columbia livia) typically have a gray body with a whitish rump, two black bars on the secondary wing feathers, a broad black band on the tail, and red feet. Pigeons are found throughout the United States (including Hawaii), southern Canada, and Mexico. Pigeons are highly dependent on humans to provide them with food and sites for roosting, loafing, and nesting. Pigeons are primarily grain and seed eaters and will subsist on spilled or improperly stored grain. The common pigeon was introduced into the United States as a domesticated bird, but many escaped and formed feral populations. Pigeon …
Waterfowl, Edward C. Cleary
Waterfowl, Edward C. Cleary
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The term waterfowl is properly applied only to ducks, geese, and swans. In North America, most waterfowl are migratory, flying long distances in the spring and fall between the summer breeding grounds and wintering areas. Waterfowl, as their name implies, are most often found near water. The food of individual waterfowl species ranges from fish to insects to plants in various combinations, depending on availability. Waterfowl are normally monogamous and solitary nesters. Goose problems in urban and suburban areas are primarily caused by giant Canada geese, which are probably the most adaptable of all waterfowl. In the United States, migratory …
House Sparrows, William D. Fitzwater
House Sparrows, William D. Fitzwater
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The house or English sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a brown, chunky bird about 5 3/4 inches (15 cm) long, and very common in human-made habitats. The house sparrow was first introduced in Brooklyn, New York, from England in 1850 and has spread throughout the continent. The house sparrow is found in nearly every habitat except dense forest, alpine, and desert environments. House sparrows are primarily granivorous. Breeding can occur in any month but is most common from March through August. House sparrows consume grains in fields and in storage. The house sparrow is afforded no legal protection by …
Crayfish, James F. Fowler, Wendell Lorio, Greg Lutz
Crayfish, James F. Fowler, Wendell Lorio, Greg Lutz
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Crayfish, also called crawfish, crawcrab, crab, stonecrab, crawdad, creekcrab, and other local names, are native to fresh waters on all continents except Africa, where they have been widely introduced. Most damage associated with crayfish is the result of crayfish burrowing in home lawns. Crayfish may be protected by law in some states.
Frogs And Toads, Paul E. Moler
Frogs And Toads, Paul E. Moler
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Frogs and toads are amphibians with four legs and no tail. At least 85 species of frogs are native to the United States, and there are three well-established exotic species. Frogs occur in almost all nonmarine habitats. Most frogs have a two-phased life cycle, including an aquatic larval form (tadpole) and a terrestrial or semiaquatic adult form. Although some species spend most of their adult lives away from water, most frogs native to North America must return to water to lay eggs. The greatest potential for economic damage is at fish farms and hatcheries. Laws pertaining to frogs vary from …
Alligators (Alligator Mississippiensis), Allan R. Woodward, Dennis N. David
Alligators (Alligator Mississippiensis), Allan R. Woodward, Dennis N. David
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the most common of two crocodilians native to the United States and is one of 22 crocodilian species worldwide. The American alligator is found in wetlands throughout the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. Alligators can be found in almost any type of fresh water, but population densities are greatest in wetlands with an abundant food supply and adjacent marsh habitat for nesting. Alligators are exclusively carnivorous and prey upon whatever creatures are most available. Alligators are ectothermic — they rely on external sources of heat to maintain body temperature. Damage …
Salamanders , James L. Byford
Salamanders , James L. Byford
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinumare) are smooth-skinned amphibians with no skin covering such as scales, hair, or feathers. There are several dozen kinds of salamanders found in the United States, but most occur only in parts of one or several states. Salamanders depend on water and moisture for their existence. All salamanders are predators. Salamanders generally are active when there is no sunshine—at night or on cloudy, rainy days. Salamanders do not cause damage to people or property.
Turtles, James F. Fowler, Jimmy L. Avery
Turtles, James F. Fowler, Jimmy L. Avery
Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook
Turtles ( Terrapene carolina) occur on all continents except Antarctica. Any permanent body of water is a potential home for turtles. Turtles are seldom a pest to people. Most turtles are not protected by state laws.