Environmental Health and Protection Commons^™

A Matter Of Perspective, Dale Rollins

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Abstract: One's views regarding the relative or absolute merits of predators are largely a matter of individual perspective. Surveys have documented that rural and urban residents differ greatly on the scope of predator problems and methods for predator management. In order to educate the urban public, a broadcast quality videotape was produced that outlines the controversy surrounding predator control in general, and coyote control in particular. This video examines the coyote from the perspective of a sheep rancher, an "environmentalist," and an ecologist. The intent of the program is to neither praise nor condemn the coyote, but to provide the …

An Update On The Revision Of The Handbook, "Prevention And Control Of Wildlife Damage", Scott E. Hygnstrom, Robert M. Timm, Gary A. Larson

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Wildlife species have an important role in our environment and they provide many recreational, economic, and aesthetic benefits. Management of these species is necessary, however, when they cause damage to agricultural, industrial, and natural resources, and threaten personal property, public health, and safety. Published estimates indicate that commensal rodents, field rodents, and predators combined, cause >$2 billion in damage in North America annually. Because of the social and economic impacts of wildlife damage, there is a need for up-to-date information on the prevention and control of wildlife damage for producers, resource managers, administrators, and the public. The book, "Prevention and …

Damage Due To Scent Marking By Eastern Gray And Fox Squirrels, John L. Koprowski

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

The stripping of bark by eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) is a serious problem in England with 50 to 100% of the trees damaged in some locations (Shorten 1957). The economic consequences of such damage have resulted in much research (Kenward 1982, 1983; Kenward and Parish 1986); squirrel-induced damage to trees also occurs in North America (Allen 1943, Brenneman 1954) but is rarely of the magnitude observed in England. At least 10 hypotheses (reviewed by Kenward 1983) have been suggested to account for bark-stripping damage including: 1) reduction of tooth wear; 2) uncontrolled gnawing reflex; 3) source of nesting material; …

The Denver Wildlife Research Center: An Update, Richard D. Curnow

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

The Denver Wildlife Research Center (DWRC) has progressed as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in its capability to support the APHIS Animal Damage Control (ADC) program and provide the agency and the public with expanded knowledge and new or alternative tools to reduce wildlife conflicts with agriculture and other human endeavors. As a result of this increased capability, the DWRC conducts research and provides data that conform to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Good Laboratory Practice Standards for pesticide registration and reregistration and to the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Act …

Tenth Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings: Contents And Frontmatter, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Ronald M. Case, Ron J. Johnson

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Workshop held in Lincoln, Nebraska, April 15-18, 1991.

These proceedings consist of 41 presented papers on a variety of subjects relative to the prevention and control of wildlife damage. Subject sessions included: Wildlife Damage Management and the Public, Predators, Rodents, Birds, Programs and Projects, USDA-APHIS-ADC Activities, Professionalism, and General.

Materials in this section include list of previous workshops, editors of the Proceedings, members of the Workshop Committee, Sponsors, Supporters, Acknowledgements, Commercial Exhinitors, Contributors, and Table of Contents.

The Handbook Of Wildlife Depredation Techniques: A Synopsis, Tim Fagan, John Demaree

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

In 1979, the Game Division Administration of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) appointed John Demaree and Tim Fagan to develop a handbook that would address the ever increasing problem of wildlife depredation. Field personnel were often times at a loss on how to deal with or evaluate the assorted types of damage situations they were encountering. Because Wyoming requires landowners to be reimbursed for damage done by big and trophy game and game birds to their crops and livestock, an evaluation and techniques handbook was desperately needed. The initial handbook, completed in January 1981, was 74 pages, and …

Seasonal And Site Differences In Food Consumed By Double-Crested Cormorants In Arkansas, Albert E. Bivings

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Double-crested cormorants (Phalacro-corax auritus) are a common migrant in Arkansas in the fall and spring. In most years, many linger until freeze-up prior to moving south. In south Arkansas, they may overwinter if climactic conditions are not too severe. Although they were formally year-round residents, there are no current reports of substantial breeding flocks in the state. According to band returns, most cormorants found in Arkansas come from North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba (James and Neal 1986).

Previous investigations by Bivings et al. (1989) and Campo et al. (1988) reported that gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) comprised the …

Relative Effectiveness Of Repellents For Reducing Damage By Elk, William F. Andelt, Dan L. Baker, Kenneth P. Burnham

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

We tested the repellency of chicken eggs, MGK' Big Game Repellent (BGR), coyote (Canis latrans) urine, thiram, Hinder', Hot Sauce Animal Repellent' (Hot Sauce), and Ropey on captive tame elk (Cervus elaphus) in Colorado from December 1990 to February 1991. Coyote urine and BGR performed better than the other repellents for deterring elk from feeding on cubed alfalfa rations. Consumption of cubed rations treated with odor repellents increased from Day 1 through Day 5 of the trial, but consumption of thiram-treated rations decreased. During the second phase of the study, hungry elk consumed significantly more apple twigs that were treated …

Burrow-Building Strategies And Habitat Use Of Voles In Pacific Northwest Orchards, Leonard R. Askham, James Sipes

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Seidel and Booth (1960) wrote that the "life histories of the genus Microtus are not numerous in the literature." In support of his observation he cited 6 publications, all dated between 1891 and 1953. Since then the literature has exploded with a proliferation of publications. An international literature review recently revealed over 3,500 citations for the genus. When Pitymys and Clethrionomys are included another 350 and 1,880, respectively, were found. Over the last 10 years approximately 3 new publications on voles appeared every 4 days; a significant output for what some would consider such an insignificant species. Most of the …

Keynote Address: The Ideal Realist: How Job Realities Shape Ideology And The Role Of Natural Resource Professionals In Today's Environment, Gary J. San Julian

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

I am now Vice President for Research and Education for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF)—the world's largest conservation organization. The Federation has 5.6 million members and supporters. In this position, I no longer have a small clientele of a few thousand people. In this position, hundreds of thousands of people watch NWF very closely. We have a real slice of American life in the Federation. Consequently, I have had the opportunity to see things in a broader perspective; I have been forced to broaden my horizons. What I see now causes me great concern. I see changes in the way …

The Future Of Extension Education Programs In Wildlife Damage Management, James E. Miller

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Almost 10 years ago in October 1981, at the Fifth Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop here in Lincoln, I presented the keynote address to those in attendance entitled, "Wildlife Damage Control and the Cooperative Extension Service" (Miller 1981a). Although a great deal of change has occurred within the Extension System and within other agencies responsible for animal damage control since 1981, the role and responsibility for Extension educational programs in the prevention and control of wildlife damage has not changed significantly. There have been some changes in the audiences requesting assistance and in the manner, delivery mechanisms, and methodologies …

Home Ranges And Movements Of Coyotes In The Northern Chihuahuan Desert, V. W. Howard Jr., Gino G. Delfrate

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

The coyote (Canis latrans) is among the most studied animals in North America. Because of its adaptability and success as a predator, the coyote has flourished and is still expanding its range. Coyotes can now be found throughout most of North America and south into Central America (Voight and Berg 1987). Studies in recent years have been extensive to understand the interrelationships of prey and coyotes (Shelton and Klindt 1974, Beckoff and Wells 1981), as well as demographic relationships (Davis et al. 1975, Knowlton and Stoddart 1978, Mitchell 1979, Bowen 1981) and feeding strategies (Todd and Keith 1976, Andelt et …

Using Livestock Protection Collars, Dale Rollins

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

The Livestock Protection (LP) Collar is the most selective, specific control technique available for removing problem coyotes that are actually attacking livestock. Since its registration several years ago, adoption of this tool has been fairly slow by ranchers in Texas. To facilitate the adoption of this control technology, a broadcast-quality educational videotape was produced to outline common mistakes made by users and to develop better methods for applying the collars. Collar inventor Roy McBride shares his expertise relative to common mistakes and hints for ensuring success with collars. Also, the rationale behind the development of "county collar pools" is discussed. …

Comparison Of Handmade And Molded Rubber Tranquilizer Tabs For Delivering Tranquilizing Materials To Coyotes Captured In Leg-Hold Traps, Doris E. Zemlicka, Kevin J. Bruce

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Leg-hold traps are an important tool in selectively capturing coyotes (Canis latrans) causing agricultural depredations. Because animals captured in leg-hold traps may incur injury and trauma to their feet and legs, there has been growing opposition to use of such traps. Each year, state or federal legislation is proposed to restrict the use of traps and considerable research effort has been devoted to the examination of trap improvements or alternatives. A variety of trap modifications have been suggested to reduce foot injuries and make the technique more generally acceptable, including use of padded jaws (Linhart et al. 1986, Olsen et …

Attitudes Of Nebraska Sheep Producers Toward Predators, Dale J. Hafer, Scott E. Hygnstrom

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

The economy of the State of Nebraska is highly dependent on the agricultural industry. When factors arise that complicate and threaten facets of the industry, those involved, particularly producers, often express a high degree of concern toward those threatening factors. The sheep producers of Nebraska experience this situation with predation. Predators can often cause economic and emotional losses for producers. In 1987, Johnson and Timm estimated that coyotes (Canis latrans) cause $630,000 in damage annually to the sheep industry in Nebraska. Nationally, losses of sheep and lambs to predation is estimated at $21.7 million with coyotes responsible for 63.7% of …

Consumption Of Zinc Phosphide-Treated, Bromethalin-Treated, And Untreated Oats By Prairie Dogs At Bait Stations, Dallas R. Virchow, Scott E. Hygnstrom

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Currently, zinc phosphide is the only toxicant registered in bait formulations for controlling prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.). Zinc phosphide-treated oats has been registered as a rodenticide for control of black-tailed prairie dogs (C. ludovicianus) for decades. However, its efficacy and weatherability have been questioned in recent years (Marsh 1987). In contrast, bromethalin is a relatively new acute rodenticide that has been used as an alternative method of control for anticoagulant-resistant commensal rodents (Spaulding and Jackson 1982). Its activity involves the uncoupling of the oxidative phosphorylation process in the central nervous system mitochondria (Van Lier and Ottosen 1981). Both acute and …

House Sparrow Response To Monofilament Lines At Nest Boxes, Patricia A. Pochop, Ron J. Johnson, Kent M. Eskridge

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

House sparrow (Passer domesti-cus) nesting activities cause problems in and around structures and in nest boxes intended for other species. Previous studies have shown that house sparrows are selectively repelled from feeding sites by monofilament lines spaced 30 or 60 cm apart. The purpose of this study was to determine house spar-row response to lines spaced about 37 cm apart around nest boxes. One hundred forty-six nest boxes were installed, with lines randomly assigned to 73 boxes. All nest boxes were checked approximately every 5 days for nest materials, eggs, nestlings, and fledglings. Successful clutches were record-ed for nests that …

Developing A Coordinated Statewide Wildlife Damage Management Research And Extension Education Program, Paul D. Curtis, Daniel J. Decker

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Dealing with the negative side of human-wildlife interactions has become an increasingly important part of wildlife man-agement. This situation is due to a combina-tion of factors: human population growth and urbanization, patterns of land use associ-ated with human activities, and the increase in abundance of some wildlife species that cause problems for people. A broad consen-sus exists among state wildlife agency staff, state agricultural department staff, wildlife extension specialists, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal Damage Control agents, and state Farm Bureau officials that wildlife damage on agricultural lands has increased during the past 30 years, and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) currently …

A Cultural Method Of Reducing Pocket Gopher Impact On Alfalfa Yield, Bruce A. Jasch, Ronald M. Case, James C. Luchsinger

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Low Input Sustainable Agriculture (LISA) strives to minimize input of agrichemicals for farmers while maintaining profits. Alfalfa fits into this scheme in 2 ways. First, the plains pocket gophers (Geomys bursarius) can reduce yield of alfalfa, thus an effective, economical means of control with minimal environmental impact would be desirable. Second, the increased use of alfalfa in rotation with row crops to increase soil nitrogen may increase pocket gopher problems by increasing their habitat. Our objective was to evaluate a cultural method to control pocket gopher damage, namely, by comparing 2 different varieties of alfalfa. One variety is tap-rooted (Wrangler) …

Movements Of Deer Mice And House Mice In A Sugarbeet Field In Western Nebraska, Dallas R. Virchow, Scott E. Hygnstrom

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

In fall, 1990 we became involved in a National Pesticide Clearance Inter-regional Research Program (NPCIRP) project to test the efficacy of zinc phosphide in controlling vole (Microtus spp.) damage in sugar beets in Western Nebraska. During the course of the project we observed some rather remark-able short-term movements by deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). Although mice have the physical capability of moving up to 300 m in 1 hr (Rawson 1964), typical observed-range lengths are much less. Farming practices that affect food availability and cover likely affect small mammal movements (Warburton and Klimstra 1984, Vessey 1987). Average daily movements of white-footed …

Current Cooperative Activities Between Aphis-Animal Damage Control And The Extension Service, Gary E. Larson

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

The basis of our cooperation is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was signed between the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Extension Service (ES), both agencies of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), on May 14, 1987. The purpose of the MOU is to "establish policies and administrative arrangements for a working relationship" between the two agencies and "to provide procedures for planning, coordinating, and developing cooperative vertebrate...programs." The MOU points out that APHIS-Animal Damage Control (ADC) has responsibilities in research, operational, and technical assistance programs, which are authorized by the Animal Damage Control Act …

Workshop Summary, Scott E. Hygnstrom

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

The Tenth Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop (GPWDCW) was held 15-18 April 1991 at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska. The goal was to provide a forum for individuals involved in the field of wildlife damage management to discuss new ideas and recent advances in ecology, technology, public education, and policy. The format allowed for interaction and exchange on damage control strategies, priority areas for research, and public information and extension activities. The GPWDCW is 1 of 3 national conferences (including the Vertebrate Pest Conference and the Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference) that deal specifically with wildlife damage management.

Animal Damage Control: Are We Prepared For The Next Century?, Bobby R. Acord

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

I am pleased to be here with you today to discuss Animal Damage Control (ADC). I am also very pleased to see the number of ADC people attending this conference. It is an important indication of our professionalism. During the past several months, I have spoken to many of our people in ADC to challenge them to think about the future of our program. I have also spoken to many of our cooperators such as livestock organizations and resource management agencies about the same thing. This has been done in an effort to broaden our thinking about animal damage control …

Welcome, Irvin T. Omtvedt

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

The University of Nebraska is pleased to serve as a co-host for this 10th Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop. We congratulate the planning committee for arranging an excellent program that covers a wide range of important issues and problems relative to wildlife damage management. During the past three years, the University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources has been actively involved in an intensive strategic planning process and this workshop is symbolic of several of our goals. First of all, we are relying on developing new linkages to better serve our clientele and fulfill our role and …

Opening Address:, Kenneth R. Bolen

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Nebraska is a major agricultural state. Nebraska ranks first in the nation in number of cattle on feed and fed cattle marketed, second in cash receipts from all livestock marketing, first in production of Great Northern beans, popcorn and alfalfa meal, and third in corn production. Agriculture is important to the state's economy. Some economists project that one-half of Nebraska workers depend on agriculture and the many related industries for their employment. The annual value of agricultural production in Nebraska is more than 8 billion dollars. Agriculture and wildlife damage problems often go hand-in-hand. We have problems in agricultural situations …

Laboratory Study On Bromadiolone: Effectiveness On Prairie Dogs And Secondary Hazards To Domestic Ferrets, Daryl D. Fisher, Robert M. Timm, Richard Poche, Scott E. Hygnstrom

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Bromadiolone is a second generation anticoagulant that is currently registered as a toxicant controlling commensal rodents. This laboratory study was conducted to provide us with preliminary information on the effectiveness and secondary hazards of bromadiolone as a prairie dog (Cynomys spp.) toxicant. We planned to use this information to decide on the appropriateness of pursuing field research projects using this compound. For an overview on bromadio-lone, see Poche (1986). This was the second laboratory study we conducted on alternative prairie dog toxicants. The first, on chlorophacinone, was reported earlier (Fisher and Timm 1988). Our desire was not to directly com-pare …

Implications Of The Animal Rights Movement For Wildlife Damage Management, Alice P. Wywialowski

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Animal rights advocates are a vocal and active segment of the public who are likely to protest the killing of animals to reduce wildlife-caused damage. Wildlife damage management frequently involves killing damage-causing animals. Most media portrayals of wildlife damage management programs emphasize the killing of wildlife, and so inherently evoke a negative response from the public. The goals of this paper are to help wildlife damage managers better understand animal rights advocates and to suggest possible means to reduce conflicts. To meet these goals, the animal rights movement is placed in a historical perspective with regard to the animal welfare …

Efficacy Of Strychnine Eggs For Controlling Franklin Ground Squirrels, George H. Matschke, Paul L. Hegdal, Keith J. Andrews, Richard N. Engeman

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

In February 1985, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established standards for reregistering strychnine for controlling ground squirrels. One standard required efficacy data on strychnine concentrations below those presently registered with the EPA. The 8.0 mg of strychnine per treated egg currently registered in North Dakota (ND820001) for controlling Franklin ground squirrels (Spermophilus franklinii) on waterfowl production areas (WPA's) was included in this standard. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) decided to maintain the strychnine egg registration because this is the only method available for controlling this species on WPA's. In 1986, the Denver Wildlife Research Center (DWRC) conducted laboratory …

Prairie Dog Control: A Computer Model For Prairie Dog Management On Rangelands, Mike K. Cox, Scott E. Hygnstrom

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) share rangeland with other wildlife and livestock. The use of public grasslands and private pastures continues to intensify because of multiple-use and economic concerns. Countless prairie dog control programs have been conducted to reduce potential conflicts between livestock grazing and black-tailed prairie dogs. There are many questions regarding prairie dog control on rangeland, such as how prairie dog complexes effect livestock grazing, how quickly or slowly complexes expand and contract, and the cost-effectiveness of prairie dog control when associated with livestock grazing. An interactive computer model was written in BASIC for IBM-compatible personal computers to …

Landscape Plants, Forest Trees, And Crops Most Resistant To Mammal Damage: An Overview, Rex E. Marsh

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

To capitalize on mammal-resistant plants, several approaches may be taken. The most common is to select crops not highly prone to mammal damage (i.e., resistant crops). If a generally susceptible crop is to be grown, the more resistant varieties or cultivars of that crop can be selected, if known. An approach that has not received the attention it warrants is the selection of parent stock with resistant characteristics and the selective breeding of useful species to develop strains, hybrids, or cultivars with improved mammal resistance. For several reasons, this latter approach shows the most promise for forest tree species. It …