Wildlife Services (WS)

Responding to requests by the public and agencies needing help in limiting wildlife damage

Wild animals contribute to our enjoyment of nature and outdoor recreation, but they can also damage property, agriculture, and natural resources, and threaten human health and safety. A USDA program that shares costs with cooperators, WS has the authority to assist in solving problems that are created when wildlife cause damage.

Most of WS's efforts are conducted on private land in response to specific requests for assistance. After developing agreements with governmental and private-sector cooperators, WS provides help to prevent or reduce wildlife damage through two approaches: technical assistance and direct control.

WS acts as a protective buffer, guarding not only resources, but also wildlife and the environment when conflicts between humans and wildlife occur. When formulating control strategies, WS specialists consider protected or endangered animals, environmental impacts, the cost effectiveness of control methods, and social and legal concerns. Control strategies may include the application of one or more techniques, and consideration is first given to non-lethal methods when practical and effective. WS professionals provide biologically sound, effective, and accountable solutions to wildlife problems.

In all instances, WS programs are conducted to ensure no lasting negative impact on wildlife populations. WS professionals strive to educate the public and producers about the importance of using responsible strategies for living with wildlife.

WS helps to reduce damage caused by wildlife to crops and livestock, natural resources, public and private property, and public health and safety. WS helps resolve bird hazards to aircraft; starling and blackbird contamination at feedlots; bird damage to aquaculture; urban starling and blackbird roosts; nuisance Canada geese; perdition of waterfowl and livestock; beaver flooding roads and damaging timber; deer damaging orchards, crops, and ornamental landscaping; bear destroying timber and beehives; wildlife-borne diseases, such as rabies and plague; and wildlife threats to endangered species.

WS professionals recommend and use an integrated wildlife damage management approach to reduce wildlife damage. This approach employs methods to prevent damage from occurring and to stop damage once it begins.

All techniques used meet strict guidelines for safety, selectivity, and effectiveness. These methods may involve changing management practices, modifying habitat, dispersing animals, or removing wildlife. A combination of these approaches is generally used.

WS's National Wildlife Research Center improves techniques available to WS and develops new methods for managing wildlife damage.

Contact
For more information about the services available from WS, call (866) 4US-DAWS.

William H. Clay, Deputy Administrator
National Program Office
Wildlife Services Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Ag Box 3402
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250-3402
Phone: (202) 720-2054; Fax: (202) 690-0053

Internet
www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/

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