Environmental Health and Protection Commons^™

The Human Side Of Invasive Species, Ben C. West

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) are one of the most visible, troublesome, and interesting invasive species in North America. They have existed in North America probably since 1493 when Christopher Columbus purportedly released some hogs in the West Indies. Since then, hogs have spread across the continent and increased substantially in number. Today, feral hogs are both numerous and widespread throughout North America (Gipson et al. 1998, Adkins and Harveson 2007, Fogarty 2007, Mersinger and Silvy 2007), and published estimates suggested a U.S. population of between 1 and 2 million feral hogs (Mayer and Brisbin 1991).

If ever there …

Estimating Deer Abundance In Suburban Areas With Infrared-Triggered Cameras, Paul D. Curtis, Bazartseren Boldgiv, Peter M. Mattison, Jason R. Boulanger

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Interactions between humans and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have become common, often resulting in management actions to mitigate negative impacts. Changes in population size are generally used to judge management actions. We examined deer population estimation techniques during 2 mark-resighting experiments in a woodland-grassland habitat in central New York State and in a suburban area. We compared program NOREMARK, Lincoln-Peterson estimates, and Jacobson’s (1997) buck:doe ratios (BDR) for estimating deer abundance. In the first field trial, we sought to validate the camera survey methods and computer applications. We used infrared-triggered cameras (IRCs) to survey a white-tailed deer population …

Human–Wildlife Conflicts: Emerging Challenges And Opportunities, Terry A. Messmer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Wildlife management has been defined as the art and science of applying scientific knowledge and ecological principles to manage wildlife populations for human objectives. Historically, wildlife managers have sought to maintain or increase desirable wildlife species (e.g., game fish, birds, and mammals) to meet human food and recreational needs by directly manipulating their habitats or the populations themselves. However, many contemporary rural and urban environments are inhabited by much larger populations of wildlife than were present a century ago. As local wildlife populations increase, so can the damage caused by them. Additionally, because many rare species inhabit private lands, the …

Factors Contributing To The Success Of A Single-Shot, Multiyear Pzp Immunocontraceptive Vaccine For White-Tailed Deer, Lowell A. Miller, Kathleen A. Fagerstone, Donald C. Wagner, Gary J. Killian

Human–Wildlife Interactions

We evaluated 6 different porcine zona pellucida (PZP) preparations used as a single-shot vaccine for multiyear contraception of captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The study compared 2 PZP preparation technologies from ImmunoVaccine Technologies ™ (IVT) and National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) over a 7-year period. The study compared both the use of oil in an emulsion and in suspension delivery, as well as replacement of the oil with an alum adjuvant. The study demonstrated that the oil emulsion adjuvant provided the longest lasting response. PZP isolated by the IVT provides a longer-lasting response than the preparation used by …

Changes In Producer Attitudes Towards Windbreaks In Eastern Nebraska, 1983 To 2009, Kim Tomczak

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Abstract Windbreaks are rows of trees or shrubs arranged on the landscape to reduce wind speed. In agricultural landscapes we find them as farmstead windbreaks, livestock windbreaks and field windbreaks. While farmstead and livestock windbreaks are well accepted by the agricultural community, field windbreaks are often viewed differently. A 1982 study of the attitudes of farmers in Eastern Nebraska indicated that many of the producers were around the age of 50 and that they used different types of windbreaks. This study repeated that survey in the same. When compared to data from 1982, farmers today are not educated about the …

Water Quality Variability In A Bioswell And Concrete Drainage Pipe, Southwest Lincoln, Nebraska, Jessica Shortino

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Abstract The goal of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of bioswells in protecting water quality from urban runoff. The hypothesis tested in this project is that water in bioswells improves water quality. Water quality in both a bioswell and an underground concrete lined ditch, both containing ground and surface water, were tested for certain water quality parameters. These parameters consisted of: Dissolved Oxygen, pH, water temperature, weather temperature, Total Dissolved Solids, Specific Conductivity, Alkalinity, Total Dissolved Carbon, Chemical Oxygen Demand, and depth and width of the sampling site. An additional contaminant that was looked at was motor oil. …

A Survey Of Western United States Instream Flow Programs And The Policies That Protect A River's Ecosystem, Kyle Jackson

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

The Western United States can best be described as a vast, varying land, with the high plains to the east and the jagged horizons of Rockies to the west. However there is one common trait shared by these states: the lack of water resources. With the continued development of this land, the fact that water is scarce is becoming more real. This issue became more difficult to handle as the public became more aware that many competing uses existed for the finite resource, and those different uses were degrading the natural environments of the surface waters. With this realization instream …

A Device To Record The Specific Time An Artificial Nest Is Depredated, Jennifer S. Borgo, Michael R. Conover

Human–Wildlife Interactions

We designed a timing device that records the calendar date and time of a depredation event on an artificial nest. The clock was simple to construct and successful in field trials, with only 6% failure (3 of 48 clocks). The average difference between actual and estimated depredation time was 4.6 minutes. Use of this clock improves daily survival estimates, provides insight into predator activity patterns, and allows the evaluation of investigator-induced depredation.

Strengthening Relationships Between State University Extension Systems And Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators, Lynn Braband

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The land-grant university extension system is an American success story. The general mission of extension is to be a research-based information broker between the university and public stakeholders. Examples of successful long-term partnerships between extension and industry include agriculture, structural pest control, and the green industry (turfgrass and landscape management). There is, however, the potential for the development of another partnership with the relatively new industry of private sector nuisance wildlife control.

To help inform my thinking on the current status and potential of such relationships, I queried 12 wildlife extension specialists (most with extension positions at land-grant universities), 17 …

Home Range And Habitat Use Of Feral Hogs In Congaree National Park, South Carolina, Brad A. Friebel, Patrick G. R. Jodice

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) are a widespread exotic species that currently occur in most states within the United States and are common throughout the southeastern United States. We radio-collared and tracked feral hogs from April 2005 to November 2006 in Congaree National Park (CNP), South Carolina, USA. The CNP is one of the largest and most intact tracts of old-growth, bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. We measured home range size and determined habitat use for male and female hogs. The mean (± SE) home range sizes for male hogs (n = 7) and female hogs …

Development Of Wildlife Damage Management: A Personal Perspective, Walter E. Howard

Human–Wildlife Interactions

During my professional career, many changes have occurred in the management of wildlife damage and human–wildlife conflicts, including some dramatic changes in people’s attitudes. ... Vertebrate pest control has now become a sophisticated scientific field. It is recognized that the factors responsible for some species of birds and mammals becoming pests are many. A species can overpopulate due to changes in habitat, lessening of predation, lack of competition with other species, or by transmitting disease. Additionally, the National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council Agricultural Board recognized that wildlife and other competitors of agriculture are important to the economy of …

Translocation Of Nine-Banded Armadillos, Daniel J. Gammons, Michael T. Mengak, L. Mike Conner

Human–Wildlife Interactions

During the last 150 years, nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) have increased their range and abundance in the southeastern United States. When foraging, armadillos cause damage to agricultural crops, as well as structural damage to driveways and foundations. Homeowners frequently use translocation to reduce local armadillo abundance. Despite its popularity with the general public, however, the appropriateness of nuisance wildlife translocation presents concerns for biologists. Our objective was to address some of these concerns by examining survival and movements of translocated armadillos. We translocated 12 armadillos (9 male, 3 female) equipped with radio-transmitters and compared their survival and movements …

A Review Of The Potential Of Fertility Control To Manage Brushtail Possums In New Zealand, Weihong Ji

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) were introduced into New Zealand from Australia in the mid-1800s and became a major invasive pest. They damage native biodiversity by browsing and predation, and they are a disease risk to the livestock industry by acting as vectors of bovine tuberculosis (TB). Management of possums includes their eradication from some offshore islands and control by trapping, shooting, and poisoning on the mainland. Possums have been eradicated successfully from some islands and greatly reduced in abundance in other areas of high conservation value or where they are infected with TB. However, possums are still at …

Deer Guards And Bump Gates For Excluding White-Tailed Deer From Fenced Resources, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Nathan W. Seward, Michael J. Lavelle, Justin W. Fischer, Gregaory E. Phillips

Human–Wildlife Interactions

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) causing damage is a reoccurring theme in the realm of wildlife damage management, especially regarding human safety, disease transmission, and agricultural losses. Fences often are the only reliable long-term nonlethal means of controlling deer damage. The efficacy of fences, however, relies on their weakest link: human-operated gates. Although not overly time-consuming, the act of closing a gate appears to be a burden to individuals, resulting in open-access to an otherwise protected resource. We examined the efficacy of 2 alternatives to traditional gates to evaluate their potential to be used for excluding or containing deer. …

Historical Review Of Elk–Agriculture Conflicts In And Around Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Canada, Ryan K. Brook

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Conflicts between elk (Cervus elaphus) and farmers have been occurring since the 1880s when agriculture began around what is now Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP). Initially, the conflicts were related to low elk numbers caused primarily by unregulated harvest of elk. The creation of RMNP in 1930 and the associated ban on hunting allowed elk numbers to reach critically high levels. Since farming began, elk have been associated with considerable damage to fences and crops around RMNP, with annual damage often >$240,000. Hunting on agricultural lands has been the most common approach to mitigating elk impacts, despite its limited success. …

White-Tailed Deer Attacking Humans During The Fawning Season: A Unique Human–Wildlife Conflict On A University Campus, Ryan D. Hubbard, Clayton K. Nielsen

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Human–wildlife conflicts associated with suburban white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations have increased in the last 20 years. Primary threats to human health and safety associated with overabundant deer populations include deer–vehicle collisions, attacks on humans, disease, and damage to native and ornamental vegetation. During the fawning seasons (May–June) of 2005 and 2006, 13 confirmed incidences of white-tailed deer attacking humans occurred on the campus of Southern Illinois University–Carbondale. To our knowledge, no report exists that documents free-ranging does attacking humans during the fawning season. The attacks occurred at multiple locations on campus, with injuries to humans, including minor …

Refuge Update – March/April 2009, Volume 6, Number 2

RefugeUpdate (USFWS-NWRS)

Table of Contents:
America’s Birds: In an Alarming State
Snakes Alive!
Title Sub Title East Coast Wetlands Are Disappearing
Chief’s Corner: What We Do Now
Extreme Makeover for Bird Sightings by Mike Carlo
Taking Care of Our World War II Legacy by Lisa Matlock
Whatever Happened to . . . . San Francisco Bay Wetland Restoration Projects
Recalling the Battle of Long Island Sound by David Klinger
Bold Approaches for Climate Change
How Alligator River Refuge Is Planning and Adapting by Mike Bryant
Rapid Climate Change Is Transforming the Arctic by David Payer
Tracking Change on Wildlife Refuges by Kathy …

Could Avian Radar Have Prevented Us Airways Flight 1549’S Bird Strike?, Tim Nohara

Bird Strike Committee-USA/Canada Joint Annual Meeting: 11th (2009)

The heroic ditching in the Hudsn River of US Airay’s Flight 1549 following multiple bird strikes with Canada geese has increased public awareness of bird aircraft strike hazards (BASH); and has focused attention on new tools such as avian radar to help further improve aviation safety. Reports in the media have suggested that had avian radars been deployed at LaGuardia, this bird strike could have been avoided. Indeed, there is mounting evidence supporting existing avian radar’s ability to provide wildlife control and air operations personnel with greatly improved bird situational awareness which can be used to reduce bird hazards around …

Agroforestry: Working Trees For Sequestering Carbon On Agricultural Lands, Michele M. Schoeneberger

Working Trees (USDA-NAC)

No abstract provided.

Scwds Briefs: Volume 24, Number 4 (January 2009), Gary L. Doster , Editor, Scwds Briefs, Michael J. Yabsley

Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study: Publications

Table of Contents:

HD in 2007: A Year to Remember

Ecology of AIV in Shorebirds

New USDA Brucellosis Proposal

TWS Seeks Comments on Draft Lead Policy

Unusual Eagle Death

New SCWDS Grad Students

Tennessee Director Retiring

3rd International CWD Symposium

Another SCWDS Student Award

Mitigation Under Section 404 Of The Clean Water Act: Where It Comes From, What It Means, Palmer Hough, Morgan Robertson

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

The requirement to mitigate impacts to wetlands and streams is a frequently misunderstood policy with a long and complicated history. We narrate the history of mitigation since the inception of the Clean Water Act Section 404 permit program in 1972, through struggles between the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Army Corps of Engineers, through the emerging importance of wetland conservation on the American political landscape, and through the rise of market-based approaches to environmental policy. Mitigation, as it is understood today, was not initially foreseen as a component of the Section 404 permitting program, but was adapted from …

Interactions: Newsletter Of The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group, Interactions: Volume 15 Issue 4 Fall 2009

TWS Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Newsletter

Letters From Gary Get Involved With The Standing Committees Of The Wdmwg; Take Action To Influence Wildlife Policy; Conference Announcement 2010 Wild Pig Conference; Conference Announcement 24th Vertebrate Pest Conference; Human-Wildlife Conflicts Journal To Become Human wildlife Interactions; Notes From The Field Catching The Skunk Is The Easy Part….; New Video Netted Cage Traps For Deer: Tips And Techniques; The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group; Upcoming Meetings, Conferences, And Events; Congratulations To New Board Members

Newsletter Of The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Interactions: Volume 15 Issue 3 Summer 2009

TWS Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Newsletter

And Now…A Word From The Editor Letters from Joe; Conference Announcement 2010 Wild Pig Conference; Conference Announcement 24th Vertebrate Pest Conference; Latest and Next Issue Of Human Wildlife Conflicts; Conference Announcement Bird Strike North American Conference; Candidate for Board Member David Drake, Mike Mengak, Scott C. Barras, Jay Boulanger, Jason Sukow; How Do I Vote?!?; WDM Working Group Meeting; Conference Announcement TWS Conference Preliminary Program; The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group; Upcoming Meetings, Conferences, And Events;

Newsletter Of The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Interactions: Volume 15 Issue 1 Winter 2009

TWS Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Newsletter

See You In Saratoga! Letters from Gary; A Brief Report from The WDMWG Meeting and the 2008 TWS Annual Conference; New Product Announcement Backyard Wildlife: Vole Control And Ground Squirrel Management Dvd; Publication Announcement Latest Issue of Human Wildlife Conflicts Is Now Available; Conference Announcement Bird Strike North American Conference; Conference Announcement TWS Conference Preliminary Program; New Publication Available 23rd Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings; Calls from the Field (Or A House, Or A Farm, or A…); 2009 Wildlife Damage Management Conference Preliminary Schedule; 2009 Wildlife Damage Management Conference Registration Information; The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group; Upcoming Meetings, …

Successful Strategies For Aviation Wildlife Mitigation, Paul Eschenfelder

Bird Strike Committee-USA/Canada Joint Annual Meeting: 11th (2009)

Between October, 2007 and January, 2009 there were four catastrophic aircraft accidents in the United States caused by collisions between birds and aircraft. Four aircraft were destroyed and 15 people killed in these accidents. In North America we place great importance on airport wildlife control, however none of these accidents would have been prevented by improved airport wildlife control. This reveals a gap in our safety management plan for preventing/reducing wildlife hazards to aircraft. This paper explains, using case studies, successful aviation mitigation methodologies used in the past to mitigate other aviation hazards such as wind shear, volcanic ash, winter …

Integrating Avian Radar Into The Aviation Operating Environment, Richard Sowden, Paul Eschenfelder

Bird Strike Committee-USA/Canada Joint Annual Meeting: 11th (2009)

Avian radar technology has matured to the point where robust data and analysis tools are now able to provide the aviation industry with high quality information to support bird strike risk mitigation activities. The aviation operating environment is dynamic and challenging with complex interactions between the primary bird strike risk mitigation stakeholders; airport operators, air traffic service providers and flight crews. The transfer of this proof of concept technology into a suite of tools that is integrated into the aviation industry requires the engagement and support of the user community in the next critical evolutionary step of this emerging technology. …

Raptors, Rodents And Rare Weather: Managing Increased Migratory Raptor Populations At Mcconnell Afb, Kansas, Lauren Caister

Bird Strike Committee-USA/Canada Joint Annual Meeting: 11th (2009)

Migratory raptor populations at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, increased dramatically in the 2008-2009 winter season, with more than a 200% increase in the number of large hawks observed on the airfield, compared to equivalent seasons in the past 3 years. This increase resulted in frequent interruptions and/or cessations of flying operations.

The primary cause was determined to be a local explosion of both Hispid Cotton Rats (Sigmodon hispidus) and Prairie Voles (Microtus ochrogaster). The cotton rat explosion was a result of record-breaking rainfall in 2008, while the explosion of voles followed the natural 3-5 …

Refuge Update – January/February 2009, Volume 6, Number 1

RefugeUpdate (USFWS-NWRS)

Table of Contents:
Fresh Thinking About Climate Change, page 3
Meet the New Refuge Chief, page 5
Focus on . . . Research on Refuges, pages 8-13
Drive. Dial. Discover., page 14

Florida Bash: An Integrated Management Approach From The Ground Up, Marty Daniel, Charles Kara, John Fontenot, Jerry Hairston, Bernice Constantin, Anthony Duffiney, John Dunlop

Bird Strike Committee-USA/Canada Joint Annual Meeting: 10th (2008)

Florida harbors numerous bird and mammal species because of its rich diversity of both natural and man-made habitats that provide ample food, water, and cover throughout the year. This diversity has led to numerous wildlife/aircraft strikes resulting in significant monetary losses for the U.S. Air Force (USAF). Despite diminishing budgets, recurrent turnover of base personnel,, and shifting priorities, Wildlife Services has worked successfully with USAF personnel to develop a heightened awareness of BASH issues and effective, proactive BASH programs at three air bases in Florida. Emphasizing the use of accurate data along with proper analysis to form science-based recommendations facilitates …

2009 Bird Strike North America Conference Program

Bird Strike Committee-USA/Canada Joint Annual Meeting: 11th (2009)

Bird Strike Committee Canada and Bird Strike Committee USA are very pleased to welcome you to the 2009 Bird Strike North America Conference in Victoria, British Columbia. This is the eleventh combined meeting of Bird Strike Committee USA and Bird Strike Committee Canada. This year there are over 41 papers in 9 technical sessions, as well as exhibitor displays and posters. There will also be lots of time to reconnect with old friends and colleagues and to meet new ones. We hope you enjoy the conference sessions, the special events and your stay in the beautiful city of Victoria.