Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conferences
Date of this Version
October 1993
Abstract
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (COE) requested that USDA, APHIS, Animal Damage Control (ADC) investigate methods of yellowbelly marmot (Marmota flaviventris) removal along a parkway and levee system in Lewiston, Idaho. COE biologists determined that burrowing marmots had penetrated and were compromising the integrity of the levee core. In addition to protecting downtown Lewiston from flooding, the levee is used as a popular bicycle and foot path. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and other groups and individuals became involved at meetings held to discuss potential methods of resolving the problem. ADC in cooperation with HSUS proposed cage trapping and humane euthanasia with carbon-monoxide gas. Forty-eight marmots were removed during three days of trapping. This represented approximately 90% of the population on the levee system. The news media took an interest in the project and provided favorable coverage. This project demonstrated that groups with traditionally differing viewpoints on wildlife damage management can achieve a balance of the needs of society through teamwork and cooperation.