Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for

 

Date of this Version

October 1973

Abstract

Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) in agricultural crops likely create the worst possible images in the minds of various segments of our society today. To some there is only repulsion, which results in desire for total annihilation of Red-wings (by many agriculturists); while to others there is only attraction, which results in desire to leave the situation absolutely alone (by conservancy minded purists). The great middle ground includes those who vascillate back and forth, between these extremes, those who are not cognizant of the problems, and those that do not care. This picture apparently is a common problem for our wildlife resources in America today when they come into conflict with man’s interests. The problem often erupts in several different ways, but often pits the two most extreme sides against one another and squeezes governmental agencies given the responsibility of solving the problem into a nearly helpless position. However, these agencies are also partially responsible for the overall situation by not having obtained sufficient amounts of the right kind of information. The end result is a constant spiral of activities in time without solutions of the problem. In modern jargon, the entire situation is an endless “DØ LØØP” This is the best simile that I can provide at this time.

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