Ch 5: Step two: Choose management options
Option: Remove the culprit.
Onsite release |
Trap and Transfer |
Killing the captured animal
Killing the captured animal
| Goose roundups are an example of a special culling operation.
They're most effective when the geese are molting and can't fly. Top: If
the birds are on the water, people in boats drive them onto the land. Then
others walk behind the geese to direct them towards the pen. Bottom: These
temporary enclosures usually have a funnel-shaped entrance that guides the
birds inside. |
 |
 |
You may choose to avoid relocating animals by refusing to offer that service,
but as a NWCO, if you handle mammals, you must be prepared to kill wildlife,
in case a rabies test is needed. You are legally required to follow the directions
of the DEC and the Department of Health. Most people understand and support
measures taken to protect public health and safety. What about other circumstances?
Like relocation, this technique is also controversial. Here's how it stacks
up as a best practice.
- Is
it safe?
- Care and skill are required when using
a lethal technique, even one that's commonly used by the general public,
such as setting a mouse trap. Consider the risks to people—including
yourself—and those to other wildlife, pets, and livestock. The risks
vary depending on the technique. For example, a carbon dioxide chamber
doesn't pose a risk to other species because you control which animal
is placed inside it. Killing methods are described later in this chapter,
with details about safety.
- What
are the likely ecological consequences of this action?
- Most of the species described in this
manual are thriving in New York. Their populations are rising, which is
one of the reasons why they're more likely to come into conflict with
people. In most cases, you would be removing a small number of animals
and wouldn't significantly affect local populations. However, if you're
faced with a large bat colony or a snake hibernacula, this is an important
concern. In those cases, if possible, choose a combination of nonlethal
methods.
- Some lethal tools, such as pesticides
and lethal traps, may pose risks to other species. That's why they must
be used carefully and are not appropriate in all cases. For example, if
there are endangered or threatened species in the area that might be accidentally
captured, a nonlethal capture method may be better. Yet, some lethal methods
are so selective that they wouldn't threaten some endangered species.
For example, some snap-back traps don't pose a threat to bald eagles.
Consider the circumstances.
-
Is it practical?
- If you've correctly diagnosed the situation,
killing the nuisance animals will stop the problem—at least for
a while. If the customer opted for removal without exclusion, chances
are good that a new animal will take advantage of the situation. On the
other hand, if the customer opts for removal using lethal techniques and
exclusion, then you've provided a long-term solution without the risk
of passing the problem on.
- Is
it humane?
- This is an important topic that will
be discussed in much greater detail later in this chapter. In each species
account, we've described preferred and acceptable killing methods for
that species. Use a preferred method whenever you can. You must match
the technique to the species. For example, the use of a carbon dioxide
chamber is not recommended for beaver, diving birds, or reptiles, because
those animals can hold their breaths for a long time, so that method wouldn't
kill them quickly enough.
- Is
it legal?
- Can you legally take that species? (Points
2–6 under the "is it legal?" discussion for trap and transfer
also apply to the use of lethal techniques. Those points describe species
that you cannot take.)
- Check local laws. Some lethal techniques,
such as shooting, for example, may be restricted in some areas.
- How
would your actions play on the evening news?
- Think about this question long and hard—especially when you're
using lethal techniques. The best practices approach provides a solid
framework for making decisions about nuisance wildlife situations. Don't
just give it lip service. Think before you act. Imagine that video camera
is recording at all times. (Smile.)
- Be sensitive and savvy. Work in private. Some of the killing methods
described in this manual look gentler than others. If you have to kill
an animal in front of observers—which you should avoid doing whenever
possible—take a moment to explain what you're about to do, and why
you've chosen this method for this species in this situation.
Next
Section (Reduce the local breeding operation)
