Copyright (c) 2007 University of Nebraska - Lincoln All rights reserved. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7 Recent documents in Seventh Eastern Wildlife Damage Management Conference, 1995 en-us Thu, 08 Feb 2007 01:55:15 PST 3600 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/29 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/29 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 11:03:27 PST The surfactant PA-14, registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1973 by the federal Animal Damage Control (ADC) program, was used for 19 years (1974-1992) for lethal control of roosting blackbirds (Icterinae) and European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in the United States. In 1992, the ADC program withdrew the registration of PA-14 because of costs required to provide additional EPA-requested data. There were 83 roosts encompassing 178 ha treated with 33,300 L of PA-14 from 1974-1992. An estimated 38.2 million birds (48% common grackles [Quiscalus quiscula], 30% European starlings, 13% red-winged blackbirds [Agelaius phoeniceus], and 9% brownheaded cowbirds [Molothrus ater] were killed, an average of 2.0 million/year. The annual kill represented &#8804; 1.3% of the national winter population of blackbirds and starlings. We found no evidence using North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data that PA-14 applications caused declines in regional breeding populations. Furthermore, there was no evidence of secondary poisoning or other adverse environmental effects from PA-14 applications. If regional population management of blackbirds and starlings is to be implemented to reduce agricultural damage or conflicts with native songbirds, new approaches, such as reproductive control, are needed because PA-14 alone will not be adequate. However, PA-14 could have a role in such regional programs in addition to solving localized roost problems. PA-14 was a useful management tool safely applied in human-populated areas (where most roost problems occur); its reregistration should be considered as part of an integrated management program for blackbirds and starlings. Richard A. Dolbeer http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/28 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/28 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:58:36 PST Black bears (Ursus americanus) foraging on trees can be extremely detrimental to the health and economic value of a timber stand. A supplemental feeding program to reduce bear damage is coordinated by the Washington Forest Protection Association's Animal Damage Control Program (ADCP). A brief overview of the ADCP is provided along with a description of bear damage and the supplemental feeding program. Success of the feeding program is demonstrated by an increasing participation and its general acceptance by the public. Timber producers placed over 400 thousand pounds of pellets in 700 feeding stations this past year. Georg J. Ziegltrum http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/27 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/27 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:54:58 PST We surveyed 62 hunting clubs in the batture of the Mississippi River in Arkansas and Mississippi to determine the extent and severity of black bear (Ursus americanus) damage. Bear damage was more prevalent in Arkansas (70.6%) than in Mississippi (11.8%). Damage to deer- stands was most common (43.8%), followed by damage to buildings (22.9%), getting in garbage (12.5%) and damage to wildlife food plots (10.4%). Cost estimates of bear damage averaged approximately $40 per incident over the past 5 years. Most (90.9%) clubs rated bear damage as either a slight nuisance or not important at this time, and half have taken no preventive measures to reduce such damage. However, only 18.5% of clubs experiencing frequent damage favored increasing local bear populations, whereas 66.7% of clubs with little or no damage were in favor of increasing local populations. Future management strategies for black bears in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley should include effective public relations and education programs to help minimize potentially negative public opinion of bears in the region. Thomas H. White Jr. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/26 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/26 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:51:31 PST We contrasted nest success for control areas and experimental areas in eastern North Dakota where we employed professionals to trap mammalian nest predators from late March to late July. In 1995, dabbling ducks averaged 53% nest success on four treatment blocks of 4,150 ha each; whereas on four control areas upland nesting ducks averaged 24% success. Diving duck nest success averaged 57% on experimental areas and 29% on control areas. American coot (Fulica americana) nest success also improved on experimental areas, but blackbird nesting and fledging success were not affected by the treatment. In 1994, nest success of upland cresting ducks was 52%, which was a striking contrast with upland nest success of 6% on the control area. In 1994 and 1995, brood counts were much higher on the experimental areas than on the control areas. Track counts revealed lower estimates of predator activity on experimental sites compared to control sites. This study provides the first strong experimental documentation that trapping, without the use of poisons, can effectively reduce nest predation and substantially improve waterfowl recruitment. Frank C. Rohwer http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/25 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/25 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:48:10 PST Most feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are descendants of domestic swine that have gone wild and their reproduction is uncontrolled by man. A few populations may be descendants of European wild boar or crosses between wild boar and domestic swine. Disease control officials report that 23 states have established populations of feral pigs and the total feral pig population in the United States is probably in excess of 2 million animals. A population of feral pigs was documented in the fall of 1993 on the Fort Riley Military Installation in northeastern Kansas. Biologists from the Fort Riley Natural Resources Division and the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit assessed the situation and recommended that the pig population be eradicated because of the potential for disease, crop damage, erosion, competition for food with native wildlife and depredation on native wildlife. The goal of this management plan is to eradicate feral pigs on Fort Riley. We have integrated a variety of control techniques emphasizing the use of cage traps, snares, and possibly radio telemetry and aerial hunting. Chad D. Richardson http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/24 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/24 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:44:19 PST Production of aquaculture species, especially catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in the Mississippi Delta, is a relatively new and expanding industry. Catfish production represents the largest dollar value of the aquaculture industry, accounting for approximately 50% of the entire industry. Mississippi is responsible for 82% of the total U.S. catfish production. Fish-eating bird populations have capitalized on this new food source. Double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax sauritus), great blue herons (Ardea herodias) , and great egrets (Casmerodius albus) are the primary predators on catfish. Cormorant caused losses in excess of $2 million per year have been reported in Mississippi. U.S. Department of Agriculture research and operational assistance programs have been established in the southeast to determine the economic impact that birds have on the aquaculture industry, and to develop and implement technology that can be used in integrated strategies to solve bird predation. Donald F. Mott http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/23 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/23 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:40:50 PST Initially, I want to begin these brief closing remarks by expressing appreciation to Dean Stewart, Phil Mastrangelo, Jim Armstrong, Greg Yarrow, other members of the Program Committee, all of the sponsors, exhibitors, contributors, speakers, and session moderators, and to all of you as participants who helped make this conference successful. As most of you who have ever had the privilege of putting together a conference such as this are well aware, there are always a number of people that are key to the success of the conference who work diligently behind the scenes but are not always recognized. We want to be sure to extend our appreciation to some of these folks including: Judy Coats, Rachal Josey, Jennifer Passons, and Dave Smith for their contributions. Please join me in a round of applause to recognize all of these folks who worked so hard and so long to make this conference a great success. At the risk of sounding impartial, I want to express our special appreciation to two groups, first to Dr. Sam Polles, Executive Director, Randy Spencer and Bill Thomason and all the personnel of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks who supported, cooperated and attended the conference. I expand this as well to all other State Fish and Wildlife Agency participants. Professional continuing education conferences such as this benefit significantly from your participation and over the year's, I have observed growing interest and involvement by State Fish and Wildlife Agency, administrators, biologists and enforcement personnel. Please let us know how we can continue this cooperative effort. James E. Miller http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/22 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/22 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:39:21 PST The terns -- wildlife damage management, in lieu of animal damage control, vertebrate pest control, or nuisance animal control -- has become the currently recognized term for an area of wildlife management that a growing number of professionals spend a significant part of their time and/or career working in. The acceptance of this terminology is, however, a part of the continuing evolution of the profession and not simply a name change for political correctness. Admittedly, my purpose is not to validate or beg acceptance of this terminology. Rather, what I hope to do is to justify the underlying premise of the title, and applaud those (mostly unnamed) within our profession who have contributed to this evolution I will close with some challenges that must be addressed to ensure that the field of wildlife damage management continues to evolve. James E. Miller http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/21 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/21 Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:37:40 PST Responding to landowner requests, the 1989 Mississippi Legislature created the Beaver Control Advisory Hoard and mandated it to develop a program which would ensure the control of beaver damage throughout Mississippi. The Advisory Board is comprised of the administrative heads of five state agencies: the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (chairperson), the Department of Transportation, the Cooperative Extension Service, the Forestry Commission, and the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. In cooperation with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control (ADC) program, the Advisory Board developed the Beaver Control Assistance Program (BCAP). BCAP is designed to provide assistance with the management of beaver damage on private, county, and state-owned lands and is funded through a combination of federal, state, county, and landowner funds. Actual administrative authority of BCAP rests with the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, however, the enabling state legislation allows the program administration to be transferred to a federal agency. As a result, ADC administers BCAP under the guidance of the Advisory Board. Through a combination of technical assistance and direct control, ADC works in cooperation with the BCAP Advisory Board to alleviate beaver-caused damages throughout Mississippi. County enrollment in BCAP has gown from 22 participants in 1989 to 50 in 1994 and cooperative funding has increased by 44%. With increasing beaver populations and predicted decreases in the commercial fur harvest, the demand for BCAP services is likely to increase. Philip Mastrangelo http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/20 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/20 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 14:05:46 PST The private industry in wildlife damage control is expanding into territory predominantly occupied by public agencies in the past. There is a potential for overlap and competition in services provided by the public and private sectors in Kansas. We examined wildlife damage control activity reports from the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (IDWP), and private nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCO) to determine the most common species controlled by each and their overlap in services across Kansas. The CES predominantly controlled coyotes (Canis latrans). KDWP primarily controlled beavers (Castor canadensis), deer (Odocoileus spp.), and raccoons. NWCO predominantly controlled squirrels (Sciurus spp.), followed by beavers and raccoons. CES operated predominantly in rural and urban/rural mixed counties, while KDWP operated in urban and urban/rural mixed counties, and NWCO operated primarily in urban counties. KDWP and NWCO overlapped extensively within Kansas when managing beaver and raccoon damage complaints. We recommend more intensive research to determine the extent of competition between KDWP and NWCO in wildlife damage control management in Kansas. L. Andrew Madison http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/19 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/19 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:59:53 PST Reduced trapping and hunting of predators has led to concerns that increased predator densities may aged game species populations. Therefore, we investigated effects of predation on the wild turkey population on Tallahala Wildlife Management Area (TWMA), Mississippi, from 1984-94. We also determined trends in raccoon trapping and hunter harvest in Mississippi. Predation of nests (eggs), nesting hens, and points caused a population decline on TWMA. Most (88°!0) nest failures were caused by predation from 1984-94; raccoons were the dominant predator. Declining raccoon hunter harvest from 1980-94 was correlated with declining hunter effort. Trapping license sales and trapping harvest also declined. On TWMA, declining hunter effort was correlated with declining raccoon harvest, reflecting the statewide trend. Further reduction of predator harvest, particularly of raccoons, may negatively impact wild turkey populations in Mississippi. Future research should investigate wild turkey/predator dynamics, effects of natural controls (e.g., disease) on predator densities, and possible trapping incentives to reduce predator densities. Charles D. Lovell http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/18 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/18 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:58:28 PST This publication is intended to serve as a review of currently accepted methods of bat exclusion. Inappropriate house bat control methods are destructive to our decreasing bat populations and often cause additional problems for the building's owner or occupant. These problems include odor from dead bats, infestations of carrion-feeding flies, and increasing human and pet exposure to bats. Appropriate exclusion methods like winter structure modification for cave hibernating bats or one-way excluders using hardware cloth, plastic sheeting, or plastic bird netting are the best ways to protect these beneficial wildlife species and correct situations where humans and bats come into conflict. William H. Kern Jr. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/17 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/17 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:57:10 PST Montgomery County, Maryland, a 495 square-mile area adjacent to Washington, D.C., is a rapidly developing, highly educated suburban community with one of the highest per capita incomes in the nation. There is increasing concern for the growth and impact of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations by agricultural interests, resource professionals and residential landowners. The Montgomery County Council assembled a task force of stakeholders to examine relevant information and propose deer management options. The task force report provided detailed information on the county deer situation, 11 management alternatives, and 9 final recommendations. The county parks administrator appointed a staff member to develop a comprehensive management plan to implement the task force recommendations. Public meetings were held to elicit the views of county residents on the comprehensive management plan using a nominal group process. Implementation of recommendations that included direct herd reduction methods met with favorable response except from animal rights activists. Managed hunts are planned for fall of 1996 while education and improved information-collection efforts continue. The success of the process can be attributed to some key factors including: (1) support of the county government by resolution that provided human, fiscal resources and political resolve; (2) support for a solution by agriculturalists, residential owners and natural resource professionals; (3) an effective task force process with a diversity of stakeholders; (4) an effective education and information program to counter dissemination of inaccurate information; and (5) a structured public meeting process utilizing small-group discussions that allowed for the registration of values, opinions, and attitudes of all stakeholders. Jonathan S. Kays http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/16 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/16 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:54:53 PST Black bear (Ursus americanus) depredation in agriculture has become an increasing concern in Massachusetts. Complaints from apiarists, corn growers, and livestock producers have increased 167% during the period 1980 to 1990, but whether this increase truly represents more depredation, response of bears to other factors, or simply better reporting/record keeping has not been determined. The bear population in Massachusetts from 1984 to 1989 increased 50°/a to approximately 700-750 animals statewide. Subsequent estimates (1995) have placed the bear population around 1,200 animals. Concurrent encroachment of human development into prime bear habitat also increased contact between bears and humans. During years when natural foods (primarily hard and soft mast) are limited, bears search for alternate foods in nearby agricultural and suburban areas and may damage hives, crops, or livestock. All these factors enhance the potential for conflicts that could jeopardize human-bear co-existence. Sandra A. Jonker http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/15 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/15 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:53:33 PST The efficacy of out-of-season shooting permits for deer damage abatement in Wisconsin has not been critically evaluated. We used deer damage shooting permits to remove 21 antlerless deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from 7 heavily damaged alfalfa fields to evaluate subsequent impact on crop damage. Volunteer shooters, using permits issued to the landowners, hunted a minimum of 3 nights/week throughout the growth of the third alfalfa crop (Aug. 1 - late Sept.). We calculated the difference between the assessed damage to the second crop (untreated) and the third crop (treated) on treatment and control farms. We found no significant difference between treatment and control. There was no evidence that deer adjusted their feeding times to avoid shooting pressure. There were no detectable relationships between the change in crop damage and field size or number of deer killed. This suggests that shooting permits do little to reduce crop damage when used during the gnawing season. These results should assist managers involved with, or contemplating, out-of-season deer damage abatement programs. Rick R. Norton http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/14 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/14 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:51:24 PST In recent years the primary cause of reduced plant stands in no-till crops planted into heavy residue has been small eared rodents called voles (Microtus spp.). Past research has indicated that severe stand reductions (80 to 100 percent) can occur if vole populations in the field exceed 75 per hectare (30 per acre) at planting time. This vole population should be considered intense. If field scouting about 30 days prior to planting reveals at least 12 active vole colonies per hectare (five per acre) an intense population can develop, and damage control measures should be planned. Of all the legal techniques currently available for vole damage control in no-till, utilizing a combination of "habitat modification" techniques may be the most effective, lowest cost, easiest to complete, and safest on the environment. Second in all of these categories would be use of pre-emergence herbicides and broadcast alternative food such as corn or soybean. Ron Hikes http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/13 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/13 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:50:05 PST Examples of wildlife-human conflicts include deer-automobile collisions, disease transmission concerns, and damage to various commodities (e. g. agricultural crops, timber production). The extent of these problems is increasing at a time when American's attitudes are shifting emphasis from commodity production to concern for the environment. Ecosystem management has been proposed as a strategy to balance concerns for commodity production and the environment. Ecosystem management, unlike traditional natural resource management, will require management over large areas for long periods of time. This new philosophy of land management requires that the natural resource base be viewed in its entirety, and not as separate and independent parts. Ecosystem management will require cooperative decision making by all stakeholders. The public wants to be involved in the definition of a healthy ecosystem as well as determining management strategies that maintain and enhance the integrity of ecosystems. Social, economic and ecological factors must be considered if ecosystem management is to be embraced by the public. Ecosystem function over the landscape has been altered by many factors including habitat modification, elimination of large predators, and introduction of exotic species. Examination of these factors suggests that wildlife damage management will need to be an integral part of practical ecosystem. David C. Guynn Jr. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/12 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/12 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:47:53 PST During the last 20 years several states have seen dramatic changes in the size of their white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations and also more frequent debates about how the deer resource should be managed. One central area of conflict between stakeholders involved in deer management is the issue of the lethal control of depredating deer, and how and when programs involving lethal control should be implemented. In the last decade, both Michigan farmers and deer hunters have organized special interest groups to express their dissatisfaction with deer population numbers, deer-caused crop losses, and/or the state's crop depredation control program. In April - June 1995, we surveyed agricultural producers (n= 596) and deer hunters (n= 792) in 7 Michigan counties about their attitudes and behaviors regarding deer and deer management. We identified several factors that appear to influence farmer and deer hunter attitudes about the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' use of Block and Shooting Permits in their management approach to deer-crop depredation. Perceptions of program administration are an important factor impacting on both farmer and deer hunter approval of Shooting and Block Permits. Deer hunter approval of Shooting and Block Permits also appears to be influenced by the perceived fairness of the permit system and the proximity of the hunter's place of residence to the area in which they hunt. Peter A. Fritzell Jr. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/11 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/11 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:45:02 PST This paper reports an approach to educating today's youth concerning the importance of regulating numbers of wildlife species that threaten property, products and health. The emphases are on preparing teachers to integrate principles and concepts into the existing curricular materials, justifying control measures with ecological understandings and economic is information and dealing effectively with sensitive animal rights issues. Opportunities for integration of specific wildlife damage control topics are suggested for lessons in the life sciences, social sciences, health, language arts and mathematics. Examples of conflict between groups of different opinions about the seriousness of a pest's activities or appropriateness of control are given with rationale for resolution of the problem. Evaluation by the classroom teachers of the applicability and effectiveness of the strategy was generally enthusiastic. Thomas A. Eddy http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/10 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/10 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:43:14 PST A new product containing 65% castor oil with the trade name Mole-Med was evaluated for its effectiveness in repelling eastern moles (Scalopus aquaticus) from lawns. Seven lawns in southern Michigan during September, 1993 was selected as preliminary test sites, and the ridges over mole tunnels in the lawns were flattened each day for 3 days. If some existing and new ridges were raised each day, the site was classified as having mole activity and continuing damage. The repellent was then applied according to label directions, and ridges above mole tunnels were flattened as described previously. If no tunnels were raised on the test lawn after one week, the repellent was considered to be effective. The repellent was classified as effective on all 7 test lawns. In May-July, 1994, 17 additional lawns were selected in the same way as preliminary test sites and classified as having or not having mole damage. Eleven received repellent treatment, while 6 were considered control, 3 adjacent to a treated area, 3 not adjacent to treated areas. Raised mole produced ridges were flatted on all test sites. On any site where ridges remained flattened and no new ridges were created for one week, moles were considered repelled. Mole activity as indicated by raised ridges ceased on eleven treated sites but continued on 5 of 6 control sites. The effectiveness of the repellent as indicated by the lack of new ridges continued for 65 days on one treatment site and for 30 days on the remaining treatment sites. Glenn R. Dudderar http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/9 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/9 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:38:27 PST General Motors and the A C. Rochester Company, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), has found that the robber diaphragms on automatic speed control mechanisms (servos) were gnawed by unknown rodents. House mice (Mus musculus), Peromyscus spp., and eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) were used to test gnawing behavior on 4 kinds of diaphragms. Diaphragms with or without a rodent proof cure formula, which are used by GM, did not influence the gnawing of all test rodent species. Diaphragms with a lubricant (Paricin) were more attractive to gnawing by house mice than diaphragms without a lubricant. Five objects with different texture were used to detect gnawing preference of house mice and 3 objects were used on Peromyscus. The textures of diaphragms and nylon discs were not significantly preferred by house mice compared to the textures of corks and wood blocks. Rubber stoppers were gnawed less than wood blocks and corks by house mice and Peromyscus, but the differences were not significant. Results indicate that the presence of a rigid and protective edge on the diaphragms was a critical factor in attracting rodent gnawing. To test this possibility, diaphragms on servos supported by aluminum piston heads with 3 different beveled edges were presented to captive Peromyscus. The amount of gnawing was not significantly different among the diaphragms supported by the different piston heads. Once the gnawing was initiated, continued gnawing was thought to be dependent on the texture of objects. Glenn R. Dudderar http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/8 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/8 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:34:16 PST This study addresses several aspects of the ecology and control of wildlife damage to electric substations because the amount of existing research is not sufficient to make informed decisions about how best to minimize that damage. Records of 121 incidents of animal-caused faults showed that 78°I° of the faults were caused by squirrels and raccoons and an average of 2,511 customers lost service doting the outage caused by such a fault. Animal damage control measures were evaluated by observing challenges to cool measures by raccoons and squirrels at a substation. The control measures were breached twice because they had not been properly applied. In 1994, 301 transmission and distribution substations in Michigan were sampled and categorized based on various structural and habitat characteristics. Significant relationships (p < 0.10) were found between faulted substations and the number of nests in the substation, the distance of water from the substation, and the beam type used in the substation. Glenn R. Dudderar http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/7 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/7 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:28:06 PST Even though beavers (Castor canadensis carolinensis) occur over most of the southeastern United States, the impacts of increasing beaver populations on riparian forests within the southern Appalachian mountains are. not been well documented. Long-tenor browsing and inundation by beaver may alter the composition and structure of riparian forests. A survey of 62 streams (74 mi) within the Chauga River drainage in the mountains of South Carolina was conducted during 1991-1992 to determine the level of beaver activity within the drainage and the amount of timber damaged by beaver activities. Thirty-six streams had evidence of significant beaver activity with a total of 5.3 mi (7.2%) affected by beaver. Twenty-six streams (17.3 mi), primarily those with steep gradients and no flood plains, had no evidence of beaver activity. On beaver impacted areas, values of beaver damaged timber averaged $781.27/ac for sawtimber and $36.01/ac for pulpwood While high in terms of volume/acre within impacted riparian areas, timber damage was relatively minor for the entire drainage because of the small area (49.2 ac) affected. J. Rickie Dams http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/6 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/6 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:23:56 PST Ultrasonic devices are marketed for pest control because some manufacturers believe they possess properties aversive to animals. However, there is little evidence that ultrasound is more aversive to animals than is audible sound. In this study, we examined the efficacy of the Yard Gard ultrasonic device for deterring deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from feeding on apples. Four deer feeding stations were established at private residential properties with a history of deer damage to ornamental plants, so that control (A I and B 1) and experimental (A2 and 132) stations existed at each site. Apples were placed at each feeding station and restocked daily from mid-February to mid-March 1995. Yard Gard devices were set up at one station at each site, and we monitored daily deer activity by counting: (1) apples remaining, (2) deer tracks, and (3) deer fecal pellet groups at all feeding stations. Of the 360 total apples offered at site A while the devices were on, 175.0 (97.2%) and 179.5 (99.7%) apples were consumed at control (Al) and experimental (A2) stations, respectively. Of the 400 total apples offered at site B while the devices were on, 188 (94.0%) and 196.5 (98.3%) apples were consumed at control (B 1) and experimental (B2) stations, respectively. Apple consumption at feeding stations proved to be the only quantitative data which provided a consistent measure of deer activity. Behavioral observations made at each site revealed that several deer visited the control and experimental feeding stations while Yard Gard devices were on, Apparently, the deer were alerted by the ultrasonic emissions but were not deterred from consuming apples. In conclusion, this study produced no evidence that the Yard Gard ultrasonic device protected the area from deer activity, or preferred foods from deer damage. Paul D. Curtis http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/5 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/5 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:21:48 PST Prey selection by mountain lions (Felis concolor) in the Aravaipa-Klondyke area (2,000 km) in southeastern Arizona was studied from February 1991 through September 1993. Overall diet from frequency of occurrence as determined from 370 scats was: 48% deer (white-tailed and mule deer combined), 34% cattle, 17% javelinas, 6% rabbit (cottontail and jackrabbit), 4% rodent, and 2% desert bighorn. Using a correction factor developed by Ackerman et al. (1984), we also estimated percent biomass and proportion of individuals killed. With respect to biomass consumed, cattle was 44%, deer 40%, javelinas 10.9%, rabbits 2.9%, and rodents 0.02%. Based on weights of prey consumed, proportion of individuals eaten changed to rabbits 52.7%, deer 16.3%, rodents 12%, javelinas 10% cattle 8%, and desert bighorn 0.5% Comparisons with availability as determined from four separate four-day double-count helicopter surveys found that lions selected calves (ate more than expected based on availability alone), killed and ate less deer than expected, and javelinas as would be expected. Stan C. Cunning http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/4 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/4 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:17:38 PST ADC personnel use many wildlife damage control methods including pesticide products. This paper presents a national overview of the kinds and amounts of chemical pesticides used by ADC in direct control activities during Fiscal Years (FY) 1988-1991. The pesticides used by ADC included aluminum phosphide, 4-aminopyridine, bone tar oil, brodifacoum, carbon, alpha-chloralose, cholecalciferol, DRC-1339, fenthion, glyphosate, immobilizing & euthanizing drugs, mineral oil, PA-14, phosphorus, polybutene, sodium cyanide, sodium fluoroacetate, sodium nitrate, strychnine, sulfur, and zinc phosphide. This summary shows that ADC personnel used remarkably small amounts of chemicals during FY 19881991. Overall amounts of pesticides used by ADC have changed little since that time period, although uses of some pesticide products have decreased (PA-14 and strychnine) while others increased (repellents, glyphosate, alpha-chloralose, and the Compound 1080 LPC). Pesticide uses by ADC program personnel are increasingly limited, selective, and environmentally safe if not environmentally benign. Guy Connolly http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/3 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/3 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:14:32 PST Meadow voles (Crotus pennsylvanicus) and pine voles (Crotus inetorum) cause extensive damage to apple trees by gnawing and girdling trunk and root systems. In 1991, approximately 70% of Vermont's 90 commercial apple producers were using zinc phosphide (ZP) treated cracked corn to manage vole damage. From November 1991 throughout January 1992, 36 confirmed wild turkey deaths were attributed to the broadcast application of ZP treated cracked coin in Vermont orchards. As a result of public concern regarding impacts to nontarget wild turkeys, a working group was formed with representation of various state and federal agencies as well as the apple industry to address this issue and review current vole damage management strategies. Since 1992, statewide voluntary compliance with working group recommendations that included shifting to ZP treated rolled oats have reduced the risk of wild turkey exposure to ZP. In this paper we discuss the effectiveness of the working group recommendations as measured by a mail survey of apple producers as well as a preliminary 4-year analysis of statewide rodenticide sales. Richard B. Chipman http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/2 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/2 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:09:26 PST Because of increases in predator populations, concern has arisen about effects on wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo ) populations. We examined differences in predation of adult hens between 2 forested areas in Mississippi. Twin Oaks Wildlife Management Area (OAKS), located in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, is a 2,302 ha tract of mature bottomland hardwood forest surrounded on 3 sides by soybean fields. Tallahala Wildlife Management Area (TWMA) is a 14,410 ha mixed forest in central Mississippi and is part of a large, forested ecosystem. Hens were captured, fitted with transmitters, and monitored by telemetry, 1990-1994 on TWMA (n = 86) and on OAKS (n=23) during 1994. Mortality rate from canids (Canis spp.) and bobcats (felis rufus was higher (0.43) on OAKS than on TWMA (0.16). Higher predation rate on OAKS may have been caused by the fragmented nature of OAKS, a lack of a ground story vegetation layer, and poor nest habitat conditions. A higher prey base (i.e., small mammals) on OAKS may have contributed to higher canid/felid populations. Managers may need to reconsider predator control measures on fragmented forests when attempting to manage for high wild turkey densities. Michael J. Chamberlain http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/1 http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ewdcc7/1 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:02:24 PST Table of Contents James B. Armstrong - Editor