MIDWEST FURBEARER GROUP ANNUAL REPORT MAY 2012
MEETING TIME AND PLACE
This year’s furbearer workshop was hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). The workshop was held at Trout Lodge in southeast Missouri from 1-4 May 2012.
ATTENDANCE
Thirty-six (36) participants attended this year’s workshop, including state furbearer biologists ( Figure 1) from 10 Midwest member states (North Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Wisconsin) and attendees from other organizations/agencies including: U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services and National Wildlife Research Center, University of Mississippi, University of Missouri, Fur Takers of America, Missouri Trappers Association, Illinois Natural History Survey, and wildlife and private lands biologists from Missouri Department of Conservation. A complete list of attendees and contact information for state furbearer biologists is available in Appendices 1 and 2.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Attendees of the 2012 Midwest Furbearer Workshop were welcomed by Dan Zekor, Resource Science Center Supervisor. Local historian Bob Priddy gave an enlightening and humorous plenary talk covering trapping and its role in early Midwestern states. Missouri Department of Natural Resources supervisor Ken McCarty spoke on the role of fire and fire ecology in shaping habitat communities in oak forests. Numerous speakers presented information on issues relative to furbearer research and management (Appendices 3 and 4). Professional presentations were given on the following topics:
The National Wildlife Research Center’s furbearer research program Statistical Population Reconstruction as a Tool to Model Furbearer Populations Using Hair Snares to Estimate Bobcat Populations Organohalogenated Compounds in Illinois River Otters
1 Effects of Climate and Trapper Success on River Otter Survival in Missouri Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States Insights from Long-Term Studies of Raccoon Disease Ecology Badger Sighting and Land Use in Missouri Telazol as a Field Immobilizing Agent for Beaver (Castor Canadensis) Tickborne Disease Overview Tularemia and Plague Surveillance in the Midwest Issues with Urban Black Bears and Coyotes
The somewhat isolated setting allowed for relaxed, group participation in numerous discussions throughout the course of the meeting, during meals at the Trout Lodge Center, and evening bonfires. Otter, raccoon, transient mountain lion movements, and disease issues in fox populations were a few of the highlights of these discussions. The multi-state decline in red and grey fox populations, mountain lion movements and similar issues with otter and bobcat management pointed to the need for collaboration among states in collecting and analyzing harvest and observational data. As a result of these discussions we are moving towards uniform data collection and analysis using statistical population reconstruction for a least 2 species. This approach would allow states to use harvest data collected from CITIES registration to build robust population models for otter and bobcat. Comparing harvest, trapper effort and sex and age composition between states would enable us to measure the impact of different regulations and trapper numbers on population structure and growth.
We tried something a little different this year – an idea exchange among biologists. The concept was for biologists to bring an idea or product that they found particularly useful in their jobs or vocation. During this forum we saw a couple of new ideas and designs for bear traps, were presented information on new trail cameras, discussed techniques for cable restraints, otter trap designs, and had presentations on 2 dog-proof modifications of 220 conibears. The exchange of ideas fit well into the concept of collaboration and working together as all furbearer biologists face similar issues in their home states.
Forums such as the Midwest Furbearer Workshop provide valuable opportunities for state furbearer biologists to become acquainted with emerging issues and exchange information and ideas related to furbearer research and management. The need for state fish and wildlife agencies to establish and maintain furbearer biologist positions and support travel of furbearer biologists to the annual Midwest Furbearer Resources Workshop is imperative for exchanging information to promote quality furbearer management and research in each state. It is more important than ever that state agencies are in the forefront of issues related to furbearer management and trapping in order to protect the heritage and recreational opportunities of hunting and trapping for future sportsmen and sportswomen.
2 DIRECTOR ACTION ITEMS
1. The Midwest Furbearer Working Group requests continued support and funding for Best Management Practices (BMPs) for trapping. The Furbearer Working Group would like to emphasize the need to maintain commitment to BMPs by AFWA and Directors. BMPs have been used by several states to defend trapping through science and even allow new types of traps which were previously prohibited.
2. The Midwest Furbearer Working Group supports a multi-state approach to collection and analysis of harvest data for bobcats and river otters using statistical population reconstruction methods. These methods will enable states to assess impacts of harvest regulations and trapper effort on these high profile species.
3. The Midwest Furbearer Working Group requests continued support and funding for furbearer management and research positions. Increased involvement by several components of today’s’ society has increased the need to carefully manage species and habitat in addition to sharing our knowledge and information with other organizations, agencies, and the public.
4. The Midwest Furbearer Group supports the creation of a trapper ethics DVD, with a national audience, through funding obtained from a multi-state conservation grant program.
DIRECTOR INFORMATION ITEMS
1. As a matter of procedure the group suggests that a representative of the Midwest Furbearer Group from the state that hosts the annual meeting be responsible for drafting the annual Midwest Furbearer Group report. A furbearer group member from the state hosting the Directors Meeting should attend that annual meeting to answer questions and record comments.
2. The group supports the procedure of using a web site to post and archive annual furbearer reports, power point presentations, and other pertinent information regarding the annual meeting. Host states will be responsible for updating and posting items to the web site annually. The web address for this year’s information is www.motws.org/MWFBWS
3. The Midwest Furbearer Working Group thanks state Directors for their continued support of travel of state furbearer biologists to the annual Midwest Furbearer Workshop. With tight budgets and restricted travel this annual workshop continues to be a critical component of sound resource
3 management in the Midwest. Annual meetings allow for an open, thorough exchange of information and knowledge resulting in efficient, effective, and science-based management of these unique species.
TIME AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will host the 2013 Midwest Furbearer Workshop; the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be the alternate site. During 2013 the Eastern Black Bear Workshop and the 11th Mountain Lion Workshop will be held in May, timing for the Midwest Furbearer Workshop will be dependent on these meetings to facilitate attendance of both, a complete list of past host states is available in Appendix 6.
APPENDICES
Appendix 1. 2012 Midwest Furbearer Workshop Attendees…………………… 5 Appendix 2. Midwest Furbearer Biologists – Contact Information..…………… 6 Appendix 3. 2012 Midwest Furbearer Workshop - Agenda…………………… 9 Appendix 4. 2012 Midwest Furbearer Workshop – Abstracts……….…………. 11 Appendix 5. Resolutions...…………..………………………………………….. 17 Appendix 6. Host States of Midwest Furbearer Workshops…………….……… 19
4 Appendix 1. 2012 Midwest Furbearer Workshop Attendees
Name Agency/Affiliation
Sarah Bevins, USDA-WS-National Wildlife Research Center CO Stewart Breck, USDA-WS-National Wildlife Research Center CO Bob Bluett, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Stan McTaggart, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Joe Kramer, Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Matt Peek, Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Jeff Prendergast, Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Laura Patton, KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources Adam Bump, Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Jeff Beringer, Missouri Department of Conservation Jim Braithwait, Missouri Department of Conservation Daryl Damron, Missouri Department of Conservation David Darrow, Missouri Department of Conservation James Dixon, Missouri Department of Conservation Rick Friedrich, Missouri Trappers Association Kyle Hedges, Missouri Department of Conservation Kevin Hedgpeth, Missouri Department of Conservation Brad Jump, Missouri Department of Conservation Tom Kulowiec, Missouri Department of Conservation Frank Loncarich, Missouri Department of Conservation Rex Martensen, Missouri Department of Conservation Tom Meister, Missouri Department of Conservation Rick Rath, Missouri Department of Conservation Tim Russel, Missouri Department of Conservation Jim Schultz, Missouri Department of Conservation Bryant White, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Stephanie, Tucker North Dakota Game and Fish Sam Wilson, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Erik Bartholomew, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation John Olson, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Seth Swafford, USDA APHIS Samantha Carpenter, University of Illinois - IL Natural History Survey Suzie Prange, Ohio Division of Wildlife Robert Waddell, Fur Takers
5 Appendix 2. Midwest Furbearer Biologists – Contact Information
Illinois Bob Bluett, Illinois Dept. Of Natural Resources 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702 Office phone: 217-782-7580 [email protected]
Indiana Shawn Rossler, Department of Natural Resources 553 East Miller Drive Bloomington IN 47401 Office phone: 812-334-1137
Iowa Vince Evelsizer, Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources Fish & Wildlife Research Station 1203 North Shore Dr Clear Lake, IA 50428 Office Phone: 641-357-3517 Cell Phone #: 319-530-1648 [email protected]
Kansas Matt Peek, Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks PO Box 1525, Emporia, KS 66801 Office Phone: 620-342-0658 & 620-340-3017 [email protected]
Kentucky Laura Patton, KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources 1 Sportsmen’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601 Office Phone: 800-858-1549 ext. 4528 [email protected]
Michigan Adam Bump, Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Mason Building, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909-7944 Office Phone: 517-373-9336 [email protected]
Dwayne Etter, Michigan Dept. Of Natural Resources 8562 E. Stoll Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 Office Phone: 517-373-9358 ext. 256 [email protected]
6 Minnesota John Erb, Minn. Dept. of Natural Resources 1201 East Hwy 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Office Phone: 218-999-7930 [email protected]
Missouri Jeff Beringer, Missouri Dept. Of Conservation 3500 East Gans Road, Columbia, MO 65201 Office Phone: 573-815-7900 [email protected]
Nebraska Sam Wilson, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2200 North 33rd Street, Lincoln, NE 68503 Office Phone: 402-471-5177 [email protected]
North Dakota Stephanie Tucker, North Dakota Game and Fish 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501 Office Phone: 701-328-6302 [email protected]
Ohio Suzanne Prange, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources 360 East State Street, Athens, OH 45701 Office Phone: 740-589-9924 [email protected]
Oklahoma Erik Bartholomew Biologist Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Office Phone: 405/385-1791 [email protected]
South Dakota Keith Fisk, South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks 523 East Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501 Office Phone: 605-773-7595 [email protected]
Andy Lindbloom, South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks 20641 SD Hwy 1806, Fort Pierre, SD 57532
7 Office Phone: 605-223-7709 [email protected]
Wisconsin John Olson, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources 2501 Golf Course Road, Ashland, WI 54806 Office Phone: 715-685-2934 [email protected]
Dave MacFarland, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources 107 Sutliff Avenue, Rhinelander, WI 54501 Office Phone: 715-365-8917 [email protected]
8 Appendix 3. 2012 Midwest Furbearer Workshop – Agenda
Midwest Furbearer Workshop
Location: Trout Lodge, Potosi, Missouri
Dates: May 1 through May 4
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
6:00-12:00 pm Registration and Evening Mixer
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
7:00-8:45 am Breakfast and Registration
9:00-9:05 am Welcome and Announcements - Jeff Beringer
9:05-9:15 am Welcome – Dan Zekor, Missouri Department of Conservation
9:15-9:45 am Trappers and Trapping in Early Missouri. Bob Priddy, Missouri Net
9:50-10:20 am Fire on the Mountain – How Fire Shapes Missouri Forests. Ken McCarty, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
10:20-10:45 Break
10:45 - 11:15 am Furbearer Research Overview. Julie Young, Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center
11:15 – 11:45 am Statistical Population Reconstruction as a Tool to Model Furbearer Populations. Josh Millspaugh, University of Missouri
11:45 – 1:00 pm Lunch at dining hall
1:00 – 1:30 pm Using Hair Snares to Estimate Bobcat Populations. Jerry Belant, Mississippi State University
1:30-2:00 pm The 20th Century Accumulation of Organohalogenated Compounds in Illinois River Otters. Samantha Carpenter, Illinois Natural History Survey Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla, Kuldeep Singh, Andreas Lehner, Damian Satterthwaite-Phillips, Robert D. Bluett, Nelda A.Rivera, and Jan Novakofski
2:00 -2:30 pm Effects of Climate and Trapper Success on River Otter Survival in Missouri. Jerry Belant, Mississippi State University and Jeff Beringer, Missouri Department of Conservation
2:30-3:00 pm Insights from Long-Term Studies of Raccoon Disease Ecology. Matthew Gompper, University of Missouri
3:00 – 5:00 pm Open Exchange on Gadgets and Ideas
5:00 – 6:00 pm Supper at Dining Hall
9 7:00 – 9:00 pm Lakeside Bonfire
Thursday, 3 May 2012
8:00 – 9:00am Breakfast at dining hall
9:00 – 9:30 am Badger Sighting and Land Use in Missouri. Justan Blair, Spencer Lynch, and Jeff Beringer, Missouri Department of Conservation
9:30 – 10:00 am Telazol as a Field Immobilizing Agent for Beaver (Castor canadensis). – Seth Swafford (Wildlife Services Missouri/Iowa Program), Karyl Buddington, Kris Godwin, Dale Nolte, and Jeanne Jones
10:00 – 10:30 Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States: An Overview and Update. Bryant White, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
10:30 – 10:45 am Break
10:45 – 11:15 am Tickborne Disease Overview – Greg Cummins, North Kansas City Hospital
11:15 – 11:45 am Tularemia and Plague Surveillance in the Midwest. Sarah Bevins, Wildlife Services National Wildlife Disease Program
11:45 – 1:00 pm Lunch at Dining Hall
1:00 – 1:30 pm Emerging Issues with Urban Black Bears and Coyotes, what is the roll for “traditional” and “non-traditional” forms of management for reducing conflict? Steward Breck, Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center
1:30 – 4:00 pm Open Discussion/State Reports
Non-resident trapping
Midwest furbearer website
Timing of Eastern black bear workshop
4:00 – 5:00 pm Otter Uterine Tracts. Matt Peek, Kansas Parks and Wildlife
5:00 – 6:00 pm Supper at Dining Hall
7:00 – 9:00 pm Lakeside Bonfire
Friday, 4 May 2012
9:00 am – Business Meeting for State Agencies
10 Appendix 4 – 2012 Midwest Furbearer Workshop – Abstracts
Managing to reduce human-carnivore conflict: current research and future directions Julie K. Young, USDA-WS-National Wildlife Research Center-Predator Research Facility, USU-BNR 163, Logan, UT 84322-5295
Factors that influence the behaviors of humans and carnivores often determine the type and severity of interactions between both. As the US human population increases, more people recreate or work on public lands and develop communities in former wildland areas, human-carnivore conflicts are likely to increase. Identifying the causes of conflict and ways to reduce occurrence are needed to enable wildlife and humans to coexist. Research conducted at the NWRC-Predator Research Facility is devoted to resolving problems caused by the interaction of carnivores and society. Research focuses on understanding and managing prey and population dynamics, intraguild interactions, urban carnivores, and reducing depredation. Here, I describe several examples of on-going and developing studies related to each of these topics and discuss issues that are likely to become increasingly important. By understanding how and why conflict occurs, we can better manage to reduce it.
Effects of climate and trapper success on river otter survival in Missouri
Jerrold L. Belant, Carnivore Ecology Laboratory, Mississippi State University Jeff Beringer, Resource Science Division, Missouri Department of Conservation Nathan S. Libal, Carnivore Ecology Laboratory, Mississippi State University Guiming Wang, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University
Abstract: Understanding factors that influence survival of harvested species is critical for effective wildlife management. Once historically abundant in Missouri, river otters (Lontra canadensis) were considered extirpated by the 1930s. Otters were reintroduced from 1982 to1992 and the population increased such that an annual trapping season beginning in 1996–1997 was authorized. We conducted a radio telemetry study during 2000–2008 to estimate river otter survival during trapping and non-trapping periods in relation to coarse-scale climate metrics and proportion of trappers successfully capturing otters (i.e., trapper success). We used dead recovery models in program MARK and information-theoretic techniques to estimate which factors influenced survival of 214 otters from two study areas. The most supported model affecting survival included otter sex and group effect of trapper success (ω = 0.37) with the competing model including group effect of trapper success only (ω = 0.36). Otter survival was greater for females than for males, was lower during trapping seasons, and overall survival increased as trapper success decreased. Proportion of trappers that were successful in harvesting >1
11 2 otter increased with otter pelt price until pelt prices reached $60–70 US (R 7 = 0.95). Otter survival was affected by the proportion of successful trappers whose success was influenced by pelt price. Climate may have a limited effect on otter survival but is overshadowed by trapper success.
The 20th century accumulation of Organohalogenated compounds in Illinois river otters
Authors: Samantha K Carpenter1, Nohra E. Mateus-Pinilla1, Kuldeep Singh2, Andreas 3 1 4 1 Lehner , Damian Satterthwaite-Phillips , Robert D. Bluett , Nelda A.Rivera , and Jan Novakofski5
1 Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 2College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 3 Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University 4Illinois Department of Natural Resources 5Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Abstract: Organohalogenated compounds (OHCs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), are of global concern because of their environmental persistence, bioaccumulative potential, and deleterious effects on wildlife and humans. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a top-trophic predator in the aquatic ecosystem of Illinois and therefore is vulnerable to the bioaccumulation of OHCs. We analyzed concentrations of OHCs in livers of 23 river otters salvaged by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources from 2009 to 2011. Our objectives were to: 1) determine the concentrations of 20 OHCs in livers of river otters collected in Illinois during 2009-2011, 2) determine sex and age-dependent distribution of OHCs, and 3) compare current results to reported concentrations in 1984-1989 of four OHCs in Illinois river otters. We anticipated lower OHC concentrations compared to those reported 20-25 years ago in Illinois. The highest concentrations of OHCs were PCBs, dieldrin, and 4,4'-DDE. Mean PCB concentrations were significantly higher in males than females (p = 0.04). Mean concentrations of dieldrin (653 µg kg¬-1 wet wt) were significantly greater than those detected from 1984 to 1989 (340 µg kg¬-1 wet wt; p < 0.05) and mean concentrations of HE (30 µg kg¬-1 wet wt) were lower (50 µg kg¬-1 wet wt; p < 0.05). Our results highlight the need for a more thorough understanding of contaminant accumulations by river otters across different watersheds of Illinois. Insights from Long-Term Studies of Raccoon Disease Ecology
Insights from Long-Term Studies of Raccoon Disease Ecology
Matthew Gompper, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO 65211 [email protected]
12 For over a decade we have been examining how raccoons and their micro-, macro-, and ecto-parasite communities respond to experimental alterations in food access and alterations in social contact. Work commenced in New York in the late 1990s and then expanded considerably in scope, ultimately involving data collection from over 700 individuals from 12 populations inhabiting rural forested habitats in central Missouri. Here I summarize some of the primary results gained from the work to date. These include insights on how raccoon home range use responds spatially to locally abundant resources, the rates of exposure to important parasites (including several of management interest such as Baylisascaris procyonis, canine distemper, and raccoon parvovirus), how contact rates and access to supplemental food influences the parasite communities of raccoon and influence viral exposure over short and long terms, and how environmental, demographic, and genetic factors intrinsic and extrinsic to the hosts influence the likelihood and extent of parasitism.
Land Use of the American Badger (Taxidea taxus) in Missouri Blair, Justan, Spencer Lynch, and Jeff Beringer. Missouri Department of Conservation, 3500 East Gans Road, Columbia, Missouri 65201, (573) 815-7900, The American Badger is a species of concern in Missouri. Trapping results have consistently been low, with the fifty year average being less than one hundred individuals a year, and observations are few, providing us with little data, resulting in an official rank of Unrankable (SU). Reports of observations and specimens collected during the Exploratory Assessment of Badger Demographics and Conservation Status in Missouri project were used in conjunction with land cover, soil type and elevation GIS maps to determine what habitat is most preferred by the American Badger in Missouri. Preferred habitat of badgers in Missouri was found to be in cropland and prairie land cover types consisting of alluvium and glacial till soils. Elevation played a key role in habitat selection as well, with the majority of badgers occurring within 200-300 meters in elevation. With this knowledge, habitat management efforts can be focused on conservation areas that are located within ideal American Badger habitat, increasing the efficient use of department resources and man hours.
TELAZOL® AS A FIELD IMMOBILING AGENT FOR BEAVER (Castor canadensis)
SETH SWAFFORD, USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services-Missouri/Iowa Program, 1714 Commerce Court, Suite C, Columbia, MO 65202 KARYL BUDDINGTON, The University of Memphis, Administration Building Room 315, Memphis, TN 38152 KRIS GODWIN, USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services-Mississippi Program, PO Drawer FW, Mississippi State, MS 39762 DALE NOLTE, USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services-National Wildlife Disease Program, 4101 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521 JEANNE JONES, Mississippi State University-Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Thompson Hall Room 201A, Mississippi State, MS 39762
13 Abstract: Many chemicals and combinations of chemicals have been described to immobilize and anesthetize aquatic rodents; however, poor muscle relaxation, induced excitement, and seizures are common. Approaches that produce safe and effective immobilization generally include intramuscular (IM) injection, rapid onset of the anesthetic with a high therapeutic index, and quick recovery. Telazol® (1:1 tiletamine hydrochloride (HCL) and zolazepam HCL) has been used successfully to immobilize a variety of mammalian species except beaver. Smooth induction and retention of reflexes supported the field evaluation of Telazol® as an immobilant for beaver. Beaver (n = 25) were immobilized with decreasing dosages of Telazol® in an effort to shorten immobilization time without lengthening induction time. Data are reported for application for field use, including a comparison between dosage and induction time (mean = 4.64 minutes) and between dosage and immobilization time (mean = 115.84 minutes). Induction and immobilization times between genders are also presented.
Use of Modified Snares to Estimate Bobcat Abundance
Jerrold L. Belant, Carnivore Ecology Laboratory, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA Heather K. Stricker, Carnivore Ecology Laboratory, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA. Dean E. Beyer, Jr., Wildlife Division, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Marquette, MI 49855, USA Jeanette Kanefsky, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI., 48824, USA Kim T. Scribner, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI., 48824, USA Dwayne R. Etter, Rose Lake Wildlife Research Station, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA . Abstract: Although genetic and analytical methods for estimating wildlife abundance have improved rapidly over the last decade, effective methods for collecting hair samples from terrestrial carnivores in a mark-recapture framework have lagged. Hair samples are generally collected using methods that permit sampling of multiple individuals during a single sampling period that can cause genotyping errors due to cross-contamination. We evaluated a modified body snare as a single-sample method to obtain bobcat hair samples suitable for individual identification using DNA analyses to estimate population size. We used a systematic grid (2.5 x 2.5 km) overlaid on a 278.5 km2 study area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to distribute sampling effort. In each of 44 grid cells, we placed 2–6 snares at established sampling stations and collected hair samples weekly for 8 weeks during January–March 2010. We collected 230 hair samples overall, with 91% of sampling stations obtaining at least 1 hair sample. Fifty-seven percent of samples had sufficient DNA for species identification which included bobcat (Lynx rufus, n =17); raccoon (Procyon lotor, n = 62); coyote, dog, or wolf (Canis spp., n = 29); fox (Vulpes vulpes or Urocyon cinereoargenteus, n = 4); and fisher (Martes pennanti, n = 1). We identified 8 individual bobcats and using Huggins closed capture population models with
14 a mean maximum distance moved buffer, estimated 10 individuals within the trapping area (95% confidence interval = 8–28) with a density of 3.0 bobcats/100 km2. Our method provides an effective, single-sample technique for detecting bobcats and estimating abundance.
Tularemia and Plague Surveillance in the Midwest
Sarah Bevins, Wildlife Services National Wildlife Disease Program Abstract: Tularemia and plague are zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from wildlife to people, either through direct contact or through an insect vector. Both diseases are now relatively rare in the U.S., but die-offs in wildlife, as well as human cases, still occur every year. The USDA/APHIS/WS National Wildlife Disease Program, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coordinates a large- scale plague and tularemia monitoring program in wildlife sampled from across the U.S. Samples are collected in collaboration with animal damage management activities, and have resulted in an unprecedented dataset of nearly 50,000 samples collected over a 7 year period. Data have shown substantial plague exposure, particularly in carnivores, and has also revealed clusters of disease that vary over time and region. Valuable plague and tularemia data are being gathered from wildlife and they offer a unique opportunity to better understand the ecology of the two pathogens.
Emerging Issues with Urban Black Bears and Coyotes, what is the roll for “traditional” and “non-traditional” forms of management for reducing conflict?
Stewart Breck, Research Wildlife Biologist, USDA-WS-National Wildlife Research Center,4101 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Human-wildlife conflict with carnivores in urban environments is an emerging issue in areas throughout North America. In this presentation I have three objectives. First, I will review ongoing research I am conducting on black bears and coyotes in Colorado. This will include highlighting data from 6 years of urban bear work that focused on movement and behavior of bears relative to urban environments and an introduction to the coyote issue associated with the Denver Metro Area and how I propose to address them. Second I will review some of the “non-traditional” strategies employed to reduce conflict, including education and non-lethal methods like hazing. Finally, I will speculate on the role of more “traditional” management strategies (i.e., hunting and trapping) for reducing conflict with carnivores in urban environments. I do not have data to address this third objective but my goal in discussing this is to engage members in the audience about their experience and what role traditional management methods might play on affecting behavior of urban carnivores.
Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States: An Overview and Update Bryant White, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, c/o Missouri Department of Conservation 3500 East Gans Road Columbia, MO 65201
15 Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States (BMP) have been under development since 1998. Research to develop trapping BMPs was undertaken by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) partly as a response to the European Union’s ban on the import of furs from countries continuing to use foothold traps. BMPs will identify and recommend the most humane, efficient, selective, safe, and practical trapping devices. BMPs will serve as a standard that can be voluntarily adopted and used by state and federal wildlife agencies, trapper organizations, and individuals to improve trapping, trapper education, and furbearer management programs. The AFWA Furbearer Resources Technical Work Group has identified and prioritized 23 species of furbearers for trap testing. Over 100 trap types have been tested through the assistance and participation of 41 state fish and wildlife agencies. Best Management Practices for Trapping beaver, bobcat, coyotes in the eastern U.S. (revised), coyotes in the western U.S. (revised), fisher, gray fox, American marten, mink, muskrat, nutria, raccoon, red fox, river otter, opossum, striped skunk, swift/kit fox, weasels and an Introduction BMP have been published. Completion of BMPs for ringtails and Canada lynx are expected in 2011. Other projects conducted during BMP development include the Trapping Matters Workshop, new Web-based Trapper Education Program, Train the Trainers Workshop, National Trapper Education Program, Ownership and Use of Traps by Trappers in the United States, National Furbearer Harvest Database and numerous other projects that support regulated trapping in the U.S.
16 Appendix 5. 2012 Midwest Furbearer Workshop Resolutions
Continued support for the development and funding for best management practices for regulated trapping in the United States
WHEREAS, a principle object of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is to encourage rational management of fish and wildlife resources using the best available scientific information; and
WHEREAS, modern regulated trapping in North America is consistent with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation; and
WHEREAS, modern regulated trapping of furbearers is a necessary and beneficial conservation activity, licensed and regulated by the states and provinces; and
WHEREAS, the trapping and utilization of furbearers in a sustainable manner is a sound basis for conserving furbearers as important natural resources; and
WHEREAS, Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States (BMPs) are being developed to help sustain regulated trapping through a science-based approach that evaluates animal welfare, efficiency, selectivity, safety and practicality to determine and advocate traps and trapping techniques that meet current international standards; and
WHEREAS, the association has previously endorsed the development and research of trapping BMP’s and the development of trapper education materials, and encourages the use of Best Practices in education; and
WHEREAS, BMP research and development has been funded primarily through a cooperative agreement between the AFWA and the USDA-APHIS-WS.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies advocates:
1) the continued development of Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States as a means of improving traps, trapping systems, and trapper education; and
2) the continued funding of the development of Best Management Practices for Trapping in the United States via a Cooperative Agreement between the AFWA and USDA-APHIS-WS at a level of $300,000-$500,000 annually.
17 Multi-state collaboration in collection and analysis of otter and bobcat harvest data
WHEREAS river otter and bobcat are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES),
WHEREAS international trade in species listed by CITES is regulated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
WHEREAS USFWS’ Office of Scientific Authority conducts an assessment of risks caused by international trade in species listed by CITES,
WHEREAS CITES data collected by states and provinces will allow risk assessments for river otter and bobcat that are comprehensive and authoritative,
WHEREAS data suggest that dynamics of river otter and bobcat populations are driven by factors that act at multiple spatial scales, including those that cross jurisdictional boundaries,
WHEREAS reliability and practicality of statistical methods for estimating abundance and forecasting growth of river otter and bobcat at large spatial scales have improved during recent times,
WHEREAS modern statistical methods enable regional cooperation to estimate abundance and evaluate impacts of state harvest regulations,
WHEREAS regional cooperation might improve both the individual and collective ability of states and provinces to monitor and manage populations of river otter and bobcat,
WHEREAS regional cooperation might improve efficiency, reveal appropriate harvest quotas, and reduce costs incurred by individual states or provinces,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that states and provinces represented by the Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies hereby agree to cooperate in an evaluation of the potential for regional monitoring programs for river otter and bobcat by contributing 1) expertise of their designated furbearer biologists, not to exceed 5 working days per jurisdiction per year, 2) philosophical support for pursuit of grants to obtain funding for this project, and, 3) if funding is obtained, access to historical datasets as needed to determine optimal sampling strategies for regional monitoring programs.
18 Appendix 6. Host States of Midwest Furbearer Workshops.
Year State 1979 Kansas 1983 Wisconsin 1984 Illinois 1985 Iowa 1987 Minnesota 1988 Indiana 1989 Missouri 1990 Nebraska 1991 South Dakota 1992 Ohio 1993 Oklahoma 1994 North Dakota 1995 West Virginia 1996 Michigan 1997 Illinois 1998 Kansas 1999 Wisconsin 2000 Missouri 2001 Ohio 2002 Iowa 2003 Minnesota 2004 Illinois 2005 North Dakota 2006 Michigan 2007 Nebraska 2008 Kansas 2009 Kentucky 2010 South Dakota 2011 Wisconsin 2012 Missouri
19