Environmental Health and Protection Commons^™

Use Of Drc-1339 To Eliminate Gulls And Re-Establish A Tern Nesting Colony In Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, Bradford G. Blodget, Laura Henze

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 5th (1991)

DRC-1339 was used in 1990 and 1991 to reverse gull (Laridae) domination at Ram Island in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, a site historically important to the endangered roseate tern (Sterna dougallii). Reduction of the very dense gull population at Ram Island and reclamation of the island for nesting terms is seen as a challenge, especially considering the site's proximity to New Bedford, the largest commercial fishery on the Atlantic Seaboard. During 1990 and 1991, gull productivity at Ram Island was completely suppressed Eight hundred twenty-three and 172 gulls were recovered dead following treatments in 1990 and 1991. Females predominated nearly …

Control Of Ring-Billed Gulls And Herring Gulls Nesting At Urban And Industrial Sites In Ontario, 1987-1990, Hans Blokpoel, Gaston D. Tessier

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 5th (1991)

Large numbers of ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) and much smaller numbers of herring gulls (L. argentatus) have begun to nest at several industrial and urban sites in the Canadian Great Lakes causing a flight safety problem (nesting at end of a runway), disrupting commercial operations (nesting on roads and storage yards), and creating nuisances (noise and smell of the colony and defecations on equipment). Gulls were prevented from nesting by scaring (using tethered birds of prey, moving vehicles, and foot patrols equipped with cracker shells) or by physically excluding them (by installing monofilament lines). At some …

Sheep And Goat Losses To Predators In The United States, Guy Connolly

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 5th (1991)

This paper analyzes and compares 3 recent estimates of the value of sheep, lambs, and goats killed by predators in the United States. The estimates, by Pearson (1986a,b), the General Accounting Office (GAO 1990), and the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS 1991), varied from $18 million to $59.7 million annually due to differences in scope, assumptions, data, and estimation methods of the 3 studies. Pearson's and NASS's estimates of the value of sheep and lambs lost to predators in 17 western states totaled $38.3 million and $18.3 million in 1984 and 1990, respectively. The difference between these estimates was attributed …

Reducing Nuisance Canada Goose Problems Through Habitat Manipulation, Michael R. Conover

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 5th (1991)

Urban populations of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) cause considerable problems when large numbers congregate in parks, playing fields, and backyards. In most cases, geese are drawn to these sites to feed on the lawns. I tested whether geese have feeding preferences for different grass species. Captive Canada geese preferred Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and disliked tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae) over colonial bentgrass (Agrostis tenuis cv. Highland), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and red fescue (Festuca rubra). They refused to eat some other ground covers such as pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis …

Synopsis Of A Course On The Principles Of Wildlife Damage Management, Michael R. Conover

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 5th (1991)

Five courses were offered by Utah State University's Program in Wildlife Damage Management (WDM) in 1991: (1) Principles of WDM, (2) WDM Techniques, (3) Wildlife Livestock Relationships, (4) WDM Policy, and (5) Urban Wildlife Management. Principles of WDM was the introductory course in this series. It was an upper-division course; most students were in the Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In this paper, I provide a synopsis of this course hoping such information will be useful to other people designing a course on this topic.

Rather than using a textbook for Principles of WDM, students were required to read …

An Avian/Airport Study For Standiford Airport, Louisville, Kentucky Results And Management Implications, Bernice U. Constantin, John K. Floyd

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 5th (1991)

An avian/airport study was conducted by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health h Service, Animal Damage Control (ADC) from 9 February 1989-18 March 1990 to evaluate near-tern bird control Standiford Field Airport (SDF), Louisville, Kentucky. Field surveys were performed on SDF and the Outer Loop Lands to gather data on both daily and seasonal trends in bird activity and effectiveness of management efforts employed by operator to control bird activity. Data for high-interest species groups were sorted according to site, time of day, and month. Raptors were present at the airport and landfill throughout the year. …

Pen Tests Of Methyl Anthranilate As A Bird Repellent In Water, Richard A. Dolbeer, Larry Clark, Paul P. Woronecki, Thomas W. Seamans

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 5th (1991)

Two commercial (ReJeX-iTR brand) formulations of methyl anthranilate (MA), at concentrations of 0.10 - 0.5096 (0 -0.32% active ingredient [a.i.]), were highly effective in repelling mallards (Anal plaryrhynchos), and ring-billed gulls (detawarensis) from pools of water in pen tests. For mallards, pool entries and bill contacts with water in MA-treated pools 1.4 and 4.0% of the levels in untreated pools during a 2-choice test, and 4.2 and 8.8% of the levels in untreated pools during 1-choice test. For gulls, the repellency levels were even higher, with activity levels in treated pools being < 1% of levels untreated pools during I- and 2-choice tests. We recommend further pen tests to determine minimum effective concentrate levels and a field test to determine responses of free-ranging birds.

Modification Of Raccoon Food Resources In Parks To Reduce Rabies Risks To Humans, Stephen C. Frantz

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 5th (1991)

In May 1990, the mid-Atlantic raccoon (Procyon lotor) rabies epizootic crossed New York State's southern border. By the end of the year, 84 rabid raccoons had been identified from a 400-km "front" in the State's southern tier of counties. By about mid-February 1991, the number of confirmed rabid raccoons increased to 134. Major metropolitan areas are threatened and predictions for the future indicate a pressing need for information and services by various government agencies. High-risk areas currently are park campgrounds, but will be extended as the outbreak progresses to include urban parks and those residential communities having large raccoon populations. …

Raptors And Racing Pigeons: An Analysis Of Avian Predation On Dome Pigeons, James B. Armstrong

Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference: 5th (1991)

Relationships among pigeons, raptors, and man are well documented. However, there has been little effort to study conflict between pigeon fanciers and raptors that prey upon racing pigeons. A questionnaire concerning the characteristics raptor predation on pigeons was distributed to members of the American Racing Pigeon Union (ARPU). Three hundred and sixty seven responses were received from ARPU members in 39 states. Cooper's hawks were the most often implicated raptor. Lots located at the edge of wooded areas experienced the most attacks (n =182). Most fanciers (n =154) indicated that raptor attacks were distributed throughout the day.

Alternative Usages Of Wetlands Other Than Conventional Farming In Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, And Nebraska, Ellen Leventhal, Hubert H. Humphrey

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

Conversion of wetlands in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska into agricultural dry lands in the past several decades has occurred as a means to obtain profit from what landowners would otherwise consider unprofitable land. This activity has resulted in substantial losses of wetlands valued for their unique ability to mitigate flood and storm damage, control erosion, discharge and recharge groundwater, improve water quality, and support a wide diversity of fish, wildlife, and vegetation.

Utilizing fish, wildlife, and vegetation from wetlands for profit is a way for wetland owners to recognize the value their wetlands add to their property. Landowners then …

Warfarin Resistance Of Rattus Tiomanicus In Oil Palms In Malaysia And The Associated Increase Of Rattus Diardii, B. J. Wood, G. F. Chung

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

Rattus tiomanicus is a serious pest of oil palm plantations in Peninsular Malaysia, feeding on the ripening fruit. R. diardii is a rat of human habitations and has been only an occasional field species, presumably because it cannot compete with better adapted species. A widely used control for R. tiomanicus of proven effectiveness uses maize-based baits containing warfarin at 0.05% in 2 cm³ (14.5 g) wax-bound cubes. These are applied in campaigns at one per palm, replaced on 4 daily rounds, until acceptance has declined to 20%. This "standard method" is applied at about 6-month intervals, and …

Politics And Economics Of Maintaining Pesticide Registrations, Kathleen A. Fagerstone, Roger W. Bullard, Craig A. Ramey

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) was amended in 1988 to require the reregistration of all pesticides registered before 1984 within 9 years. The FIFRA 88 required that all pesticide active ingredients must meet current registration standards, suspended the previous fee structure, and imposed a one-time registration fee and annual maintenance fees. New data generated because of FIFRA 88 must conform to EPA's Good Laboratory Practice Standards and animal studies must follow guidelines of the Animal Welfare Act. FIFRA 88 has significantly increased data requirements, data costs, and other pesticide registration and reregistration costs for most pesticides. The …

The Evolution Of Vertebrate Pest Management--The Species Versus Systems Approach, Scott E. Hygnstrom

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

Wildlife management has evolved through a series of stages, with early efforts directed toward individual species. Since the late 1800s, however, more wildlife applications have incorporated a systems approach, where communities are managed to promote the quality, quantity, and fitness of most associated species. Vertebrate pest management has followed a similar course of development, although it has lagged behind in addressing the concept of systems management. I propose that a systems approach to vertebrate pest management should include the consideration of all potential problem species of an area or situation and should integrate damage prevention and control strategies that minimize …

A Review Of Falconry As A Bird-Hazing Technique, William A. Erickson, Rex E. Marsh, Terrell P. Salmon

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

The use of trained falcons and hawks for dispersing pest birds has been mainly limited to airports in Europe and, to a lesser extent, in North America to prevent bird/aircraft strikes. The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and the goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) are the raptors used most often. These trained birds can effectively disperse gulls (Larus spp. ) and a variety of other pest bird species, although other bird-scaring methods are often equally or more effective and economical. Because of the scarcity of trained raptors and handlers, their use is limited to special situations such as …

Field Trial Of A Cpt-Avicide Aerial Spray, Jon F. Heisterberg, John L. Cummings, George M. Linz, Edward Knittle, Thomas W. Seamans, Paul P. Woronecki

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

A 2.2 ha-cedar and mixed deciduous tree woodlot in Crawford, Mississippi, harboring 330,000 blackbirds (Icterinae) and European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) was aerially sprayed by helicopter the night of 1 March 1989 with 1050 1 of a CPT-avicide formulation at a rate of 49 kg CPT/ha. Most mortality occurred within 36 h of treatment. Mortality in the roost was 3% of the pretreatment population. No reliable technique to estimate out-of-roost mortality was identified. Pilot misapplication and probable CPT volatilization of the spray formulation contributed to the low mortality. Only 1 of 37 radiotagged blackbirds using the roost the night …

How Animal Control Improves Animal Welfare, Walter E. Howard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

The balance of nature requires a balanced predator-prey relationship. In agriculture or urban areas the natural predator-prey balance is disrupted because the habitats have been altered and, for the protection of livestock (and for humans in case of grizzly bears, lions, and wolves), the large carnivores have usually been displaced. Consequently, in these altered environments to prevent crop depredations, to keep other vertebrate species in balance with their environment, and to protect some endangered species, people must manage the wildlife. This often means that for the welfare of animals people have to become predators to assist nature. Fortunately, from an …

Controlling Vertebrate Animal Damage In Southern Pines, Jeffrey J. Jackson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

Certain mammals and birds may damage or destroy southern pines, causing economic losses in intensively cultured areas such as seed orchards and nurseries. Mammal pests may eat seeds; tunnel, dislodging seedlings, or chew on roots; or girdle, debark, or sever stems or branches. Bird pests may eat seeds or excavate holes in the tree trunks. The first important step is to identify the pest(s) from the damage left behind. Thereafter, various control options-from using traps and repellents to altering habitat-are available.

Its A Fact! Its A Phact!, Harlan R. Shuhler

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

To reduce the costs of providing development assistance in agriculture to the people in the Developing Countries, an international "Post-Harvest Agriculture Computer Teleconference" has been available now for more than 15 months. Suitably supplemented with electronic computer communications networks and their E-mail, these tools allow relatively inexpensive assistance. This combination offers many advantages to the organizations offering assistance and those needing help.

Roaming, Stray, And Feral Domestic Cats And Dogs As Wildlife Problems, Bessel D. Van't Woudt

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

From several centers of domestication, cats and dogs have become the near-ubiquitous companion of man. Their dependence on man is such that when abandoned in a rural environment most succumb to malnutrition in combination with predation, diseases, parasites, and exposure. Where not subject to predation and where native or introduced prey is adequate, some survive to form feral populations. This applies on oceanic islands, in Australia and New Zealand. Elsewhere, as far as is known today, requirements for survival are met with in parts of the U.S. and Europe only, in remote wilderness areas in the case of dogs, and …

Closing Remarks For The Fourteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, John E. Borrecco

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

This concludes the 14th Vertebrate Pest Conference. Before my closing remarks, let us acknowledge the excellent job done by our session chairpersons and speakers.

For your information, we had 345 people registered at the conference, representing 37 states and 11 other countries.

I first attended the Vertebrate Pest Conference some 14 years ago at the 7th Conference. At that time I was impressed with the breadth of subjects presented, the international scope, the professional exchange of information, and the opportunity to meet noted experts in vertebrate pest control. Since that meeting, I have always looked forward to the next conference …

Predator Control For The Protection Of Endangered Species In California, Peter H. Butchko

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

In recent years, wildlife agencies in California have concluded that predators are limiting factors to the recovery of several endangered species, namely the San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica), California least tern (Sterna antillarum browni). and desert tortoise (Xerobates agassizii). As a result, separate control programs for the protection of these species have been undertaken by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control (ADC) in cooperation with State and Federal agencies. Aspects of control activities of avian and/or mammalian predators of each project are discussed.

Efficacy Of Compound 1080 Livestock Protection Collars For Killing Coyotes That Attack Sheep, Guy Connolly, Richard J. Burns

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

Efficacy of Compound 1080 LP Collars was studied under pen and field conditions. Coyotes poisoned themselves by attacking collared sheep and biting the collars. In 54 pen tests where 1 or 2 captive coyotes had opportunity to attack 1 collared lamb, 41 lambs were attacked and 26 collars were punctured. Of 25 different coyotes offered lambs with collars containing 5 or 10 mg sodium fluoroacetate (FAC)/ml, 23 coyotes attacked and 21 died after collars were punctured in their first (n = 17), second (n = 3), or fifth (n = 1) test. For 11 captive coyotes that punctured rubber collars, …

Lyme Disease, With Emphasis On The Western U.S., And Its Relationship To Wildlife (Abstract Only), Robert S. Lane

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

In the western United States, Lyme disease has been reported primarily from the three Pacific states, especially California, and sporadically or not at all from various mountain states. In California, surveillance for Lyme disease was initiated in 1983, but it was not made a reportable disease in this state until 1989. Nevertheless, approximately 400 human cases were reported by California State Health authorities between 1983 and 1987. In 1982, I began studying the ecology and epidemiology of Lyme disease in the far-western United States in collaboration with Dr. Willy Burgdorfer of the Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana, and others. The …

Survey Of Rodent And Rabbit Damage To Alfalfa Hay In Nevada, Steven R. Lewis, John M. O'Brien

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

A survey of alfalfa hay producers was conducted to characterize vertebrate pest problems in Nevada alfalfa hay and help attract research funding. Damage to alfalfa hay by pocket gophers (Thomomvs spp), ground squirrels (Spermophilus spp), black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus) and meadow voles (Microtus montanus) was assessed. Presence of vertebrate pests along with a ranking of cost-related problems they pose to alfalfa hay operations was determined. Pocket gophers were the most costly pest followed by ground squirrels, jackrabbits, and meadow voles. The number one problem caused by vertebrate pests was identified to be a decrease …

Bird Control On Containment Pond Sites, Lee R. Martin, Sam Hagar

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

Bird deaths resulting from toxic materials in containment ponds are causing authorities to insist that action be taken to eliminate this hazard to avian wildlife. Bird control at containment pond sites is achieved by two well-known but poorly understood aversion techniques: hazing systems (sound/visual) and stretch wire. The limiting condition of either approach is that resident birds rapidly habituate while some migrating species are totally unaffected. Consequently, one must be able to accept degrees of control with an understanding of the behavior of the species involved. Birdproofing is achieved by covering an entire pond with bird net. This presentation discusses …

Wild Hog Management Program At Great Smoky Mountains National Park, John D. Peine, Jane Allen Farmer

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

Over the last 30 years the wild hog population control program at Great Smoky Mountains National Park has experienced steady growth. The evolution has been relatively slow, and it was not until the latter part of the 1980s that sufficient funds were available to make a serious attempt at control measures. Over the years, the research program has focused on the biology of the wild hog; its reproductive rate; feeding and movement patterns; and its impact on the fauna, flora, and soils of the park. In addition, a major project was conducted to evaluate attractants and baits to increase the …

An Evaluation Of Breakaway Snares For Use In Coyote Control, Robert L. Phillips, F. Sherman Blom, Richard E. Johnson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

Seven types of breakaway snares were evaluated for breaking strength and variability using a universal testing machine. Maximum tension before breakage for individual snares ranged from 142 to 486 pounds. Sheet metal locks which ripped out, and S-hooks which straightened, provided the least variable results. Coyotes (Canis latrans), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), domestic calves and lambs were tested to determine the tension loads they applied to snares. Differences in tension loads among coyotes and nontarget species should allow for the development of snares that will consistently hold coyotes and release most larger nontarget animals.

Rodenticide Ecotoxicology: Systems Analysis And Simulation, R.H. Smith, Paula R. Cox, M. Rampaud

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

Exposure, as well as toxicity, determines whether rodenticides present real environmental hazards to nontarget animals. In order to combine exposure and toxicity, a compartment model is proposed which distinguishes transfer processes from accumulation of residues. The published literature relevant to the model is analyzed, and some important gaps in knowledge are highlighted. Simple sub-models of rat feeding behavior and mortality are combined into a simulation model which generates data on both efficacy of control and build-up of residues in live rats and carcasses. The roles of feeding parameters (e.g., palatability, availability of alternative food) as well as toxicity are emphasized …

Animal Damage Problems And Control Activities On National Forest System Lands, John E. Borrecco, Hugh C. Black

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

A questionnaire survey of the National Forests in 1988 indicated that animal damage control (ADC) was conducted on 208,000 acres of reforestation and older stands, nearly all in the West, at a cost of about $9 million. Sixty-two percent of the total acreage treated, or 128,600 acres, and 49 percent of the ADC costs, or $4.3 million, was in the Pacific Northwest Region (Oregon and Washington). Most of the forests in all regions of the Forest Service, except Alaska, rated animal damage to reforestation and older stands as very important or moderately important. One-third of the forests rated damage as …

Reducing Blackbird Damage To Newly Planted Rice With A Nontoxic Clay-Based Seed Coating, David G. Decker, Michael L. Avery, M. O. Way

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 14th (1990)

At 3 sites in Chambers County, Texas, the estimated sprout loss in 1-ac plots sown with clay-coated rice seed averaged 17.0% compared to 36.5% in adjacent 1-ac control plots. In one field, bird use of the control plot was 14 times that of the treated plot. Average feeding rates of red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were 1.5 seeds/min and 8.4 seeds/min in the treated and control plots, respectively. Roadside counts of territorial male redwings and evening flightline counts of birds going to roost indicated a depredating population consisting mainly of nonbreeding, roosting birds early in April with increasing proportions …