National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC)

Predator attacks on livestock cost the industry millions of dollars annually. As a result, efficient, socially acceptable tools are needed to minimize livestock depredations. Scientific studies are underway to identify predator traits that can be exploited to create more effective means to capture problem animals or to exclude them from areas with livestock. Research will target development and evaluation of innovative nonlethal techniques. Efficacy of existing frightening devices or aversive stimuli to deter predators will also be studied. Some tools, already available on the market, will be evaluated for effectiveness, practicality, and comparability as time and funding permit.

Other research activities will focus on the following:

• Evaluation of capture devices for their practicality and specificity to determine whether modifications would enhance their efficacy.
• Improvement in methods of attaching radio transmitters to predators.
• Development and assessment of real-time and remote trap monitoring systems.
• Development of approaches to resolve problems associated with bears residing near people in parks or in urban and suburban areas.

Because no one management technique exists that can be 100% successful in all situations, scientists in this project will employ advanced engineering and thorough knowledge of animal behavior to research all possible avenues for producing state-of-the-art nonlethal predator management tools.

Project Leader: Dr. John Shivik
(john.shivik@aphis.usda.gov)
USDA/APHIS/WS/NWRC
Utah Field Station
Predator Ecology & Behavior Project
Room 163, BNR Building.
Utah State University
(435) 797-1348
Millville Site (435) 245-6091

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Logan, UT, Field Station