Wildlife Conflicts Brett Beatty ODNR Division of Wildlife

Wildlife Conflicts Brett Beatty ODNR, Division of Wildlife

Introduction “Wildlife management is often thought of in terms of protecting and enhancing wildlife populations and the habitat needed for their well-being. However, many species at one time or another require management actions to reduce conflicts. ”

History of Wildlife in Ohio n People of Ohio own wildlife n Div. of Wildlife manages wildlife n Loss of large keystone predators n Animals have adapted to changes in the environment n Rural & urban/suburban conflicts

Damage Prevention n Have a plan! n Do not feed wildlife! n Eliminate places where wildlife can enter the buildings n Keep the property cleaned up n Give permission to hunters and trappers

Problem Identification n Species and numbers of animals causing the problem n The amount of loss or damage n The nature of the conflict n Cost associated with alleviating the damage

Fix It Myself or Pay Someone? n Call the Div. of Wildlife for technical assistance n Purchase supplies and fix yourself n Call a licensed nuisance animal trapper

Animals & Control Options

Canada Geese - Prevention n Barriers or fences n Herding dogs n Pond grid - geese can’t land or swim n Pyrotechnics n Stop feeding Combine Tactics!

Ouch!

Canada Geese - Control n Hunting seasons (early & regular) n Egg addling or shaking (permit required) n Nest destruction (permit required) n Goose roundup/shooting (permit required)

How do I get a permit? n Contact your District Wildlife Office or n Go on-line and complete a Goose Damage Report n www. wildohio. com

Raccoons, Skunks & Opossums n Remove sources of food & water – Pet food, water dish, bird feeder, grub killer n Secure garbage cans n Exclusion – Electric fence, chimney cap n Live trap (with I. D. tag) and euthanize or release on site

Ground Squirrels n Prevention: – Store bird seed & pet food in rodentproof containers – Inspect building foundation annually for openings larger than 1/4” and seal n Removal or Capture: –Live trap and remove

Moles n Exclusion (buried fencing) for small seed beds n Trapping is the most successful and practical method of controlling moles

Groundhogs n Prevention: – Fencing with electric wire – Buried fencing n Removal or capture: – Capture with a live trap & relocate – Groundhogs can be hunted all year

What do coyotes look like? n Pointy ears n Narrow snout n Bushy tail in a down position n 25 -40 pounds n Typically reddish-gray but can vary from blonde to black

There’s a huge track in my yard!!

Where did coyotes come from?

Tell me more about coyotes!! n Peak mating in February n Litters born in April n Litter size 4 -7 average n They are a pack animal n Omnivores, opportunistic n Largest predator in Ohio

Co-existing VS Conflict n Coyotes are rarely seen and only during nighttime hours n Coyotes are occasionally seen during the day nighttime sightings more common, reports of missing house cats n Coyotes are seen frequently during the day. Pets are attacked in yards. n Coyotes are openly attacking pets, approaching people without fear, acting aggressive.

Coyote Conflict Prevention n DO NOT feed the coyotes (Direct or Indirect) n Scare tactics ( Motion lights, air horns) n Habitat Modification n Do not let pets run loose n Fencing n Trapping and hunting

Web sites & Phone Numbers n www. wildohio. com n www. urbancoyoteresearch. com n (937)372 -9261 D-5 Office n 1 -800 -Wildlife General Information n 1 -800 -Poacher Report a Violation

Summary Contact the wildlife district office in your area for further information on wildlife damage ODNR, Division of Wildlife