Turf Talk
ns Photo by James Horton, Birmingham Botanical Garde
Managing Nuisance Wildlife By James Horton, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Al ab ama Tu rf Tim e s > >> Spri ng 2012
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past 50 years have seen a period of major change in the relationship of man and wildlife in Alabama. As human developments pushed forward, natural wildlife habitat has been converted to roads, industry, malls, housing, churches, schools, parks, golf courses and more. Wildlife species, some rarely seen years ago, began coming in contact with human activity while looking for food and shelter. The reasons for these increased encounters can to be traced to several changes: (1) human population shifts to suburban homes, (2) the natural conversion of abandoned farmland to wildlife habitat, (3) landowner decisions to prevent hunting, (4) restrictions on the use of firearms in suburban regions and (5) enforcement of leash laws. These changes, coupled with the fact that many wildlife species can adapt to fragmented habitat, have caused the population of several species to explode to the point that many are now considered a huge nuisance. Several species of wildlife cause daily problems for mankind and, therefore, could be listed as nuisance wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, coyotes, etc. However, turfgrass and landscape managers are mainly concerned with the species that cause damage to turfgrass and landscape plants. Some people say that whether or not a species becomes a nuisance can be directly correlated to the degree to which humans can tolerate that animal. Most turfgrass and landscape managers have a very low tolerance for damage caused to their grounds and therefore go to great expense to manage such damage. The primary objective of any management program should be to reduce damage in a practical, humane and environmentally acceptable manner. Managers should
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base control methods on the habits and biology of the wildlife causing the damage, so that their efforts will be more effective and will serve to maximize safety to the environment, humans and other animals. A key to managing wildlife damage is prompt and accurate determination of which species is causing the damage. Even someone with no training or experience can often identify the pest by thoroughly examining the damaged area. Because feeding indications of many wildlife species are similar, other signs — such as droppings, tracks, burrows, nests or food caches — are usually needed to make a positive species identification if the animal is not caught in the act.
Four-step program for successful nuisance wildlife management
• Correctly identify the species causing the problem. • Alter the habitat to make the area less attractive or accessible to the wildlife pest. • Use a management method appropriate to the location, time of year and other environmental conditions. • Monitor the site for new damage to determine if additional methods are necessary.
At right, management methods for three of the more common wildlife nuisance species for turf managers in Alabama will be discussed: deer, Canada geese and armadillo. Before initiating any nuisance wildlife management methods, however, become familiar with local, state and federal laws by contacting city and county officials, along with Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Alabama Department of Fish and Wildlife specialists. v