Robert H. Schmidt

Social and cognitive correlates of Utah residents' acceptance of the lethal control of wolves.

The objectives of this study were to: (a) determine the acceptability of several methods of lethal and non-lethal wolf control, (b) identify factors that explain acceptability of lethal control, and (c) test a model for predicting acceptability of lethal control. Data were obtained from a mail survey of Utah residents (n = 709). Non-lethal forms of control were more acceptable than lethal forms control. Acceptability of lethal controls varied among stakeholder groups. No such variation existed for non-lethal methods, suggesting these methods are less controversial. Stakeholder group identification (i.e., agricultural, environmental, hunting, wildlife advocacy) impacted acceptability of lethal control. These effects, however, were reduced when beliefs about wolf impacts and attitude toward wolves were controlled. These two factors explained 42% of the variance in the acceptability of lethal wolf control. Path analysis supported the proposed model, suggesting effects of stakeholder identification on acceptability of lethal control are mediated by cognitive factors.

DIETARY OVERLAP OF AN ALIEN AND NATIVE CARNIVORE ON SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND, CALIFORNIA

Abstract Predation by feral cats (Felis catus) is recognized as a major threat to native fauna worldwide, but the competitive effects of cats on native species have not been extensively studied. Cats occur on San Clemente Island, California, in sympatry with endemic island foxes (Urocyon littoralis clementae). We examined diets of cats and island foxes between years, seasons, and habitats to assess the potential for resource competition between the 2 species. Analysis of 602 cat and 958 fox feces revealed a high level of dietary overlap (O = 0.93) and relatively narrow niche breadths for both species (Bstandard Fox = 0.37; Bstandard Cat = 0.49). Despite the overlap in diet, cats and foxes appear to partition prey resources. Cats consume approximately equal proportions of arthropod (47.9%) and vertebrate (44.2%) prey, the latter primarily rodents (29.2%) and lizards (12.9%). In contrast, foxes appear to rely more on arthropods (57.7%), with plants (20.5%) and vertebrates (21.6%) occurring in lower, but roughly equal frequencies. Season appeared to have little effect on diet; however, diet did vary between habitats and years for both species. Diets of cats on San Clemente Island are consistent with those from other studies. We found no evidence of a dietary shift by foxes that were in sympatry with cats.

Perceived damage and areas of needed research for wildlife pests of California agriculture.

Many wildlife species cause extensive damage to a variety of agricultural commodities in California, with estimates of damage in the hundreds of millions annually. Given the limited availability of resources to solve all human-wildlife conflicts, we should focus management efforts on issues that provide the greatest benefit to agricultural commodities in California. This survey provides quantitative data on research needs to better guide future efforts in developing more effective, practical and appropriate methods for managing these species. We found that ground squirrels, pocket gophers, birds, wild pigs, coyotes and voles were the most common agricultural wildlife pest species in California. The damage caused by these species could be quite high, but varied by agricultural commodity. For most species, common forms of damage included loss of crop production and direct death of the plant, although livestock depredation was the greatest concern for coyotes. Control methods used most frequently and those deemed most effective varied by pest species, although greater advancements in control methods were listed as a top research priority for all species. Collectively, the use of toxicants, biocontrol and trapping were the most preferred methods for control, but this varied by species. In general, integrated pest management practices were used to control wildlife pests, with a special preference for those approaches that were efficacious and quick and inexpensive to apply. This information and survey design should be useful in establishing research and management priorities for wildlife pest species in California and other similar regions.

Repeated Exposure of Coyotes to the Coyote Lure Operative Device

Abstract The coyote lure operative device (CLOD) is a substance delivery system for coyotes (Canis latrans). Field testing has demonstrated that free-ranging coyotes will activate CLODs, but whether individual animals or mated pairs will do so repeatedly has not been examined. We conducted 2 experiments with captive coyotes to determine whether individual animals or mated pairs would approach and activate CLODs repeatedly when exposed to them in a familiar environment over 4 consecutive days. The second experiment allowed us to determine whether a bias existed toward either member of a pair when CLODs were activated. We concluded that individuals and mated pairs approach and activate CLODs with decreased latency over a 4-day testing period. Both sexes activated CLODs when encountered as individuals, but males activated more CLODs than females when mated pairs were exposed to the device. These results imply that an end user of the CLOD can wait until regular “take” occurs before introducing an active ingredient and, thus, have more control over delivery time.

Flavor avoidance learning and its implications in reducing strychnine baiting hazards to nontarget animals

In reforested areas, underground strychnine baiting to control pocket gophers (Thomomys mazama) poses a hazard to golden mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis) and yellow pine chipmunks (Eutamias amoenus). We designed this study to assess whether: 1) chemical insensitivity to bitter tastes might explain the ingestion of strychnine; 2) pocket gophers would avoid four bitter-tasting compounds: quebracho (QUEB), sucrose octaacetate (SOA), quinine hydrochloride (QHCl), and denatonium benzoate (DB); and 3) nontarget species could be trained to avoid strychnine paired with the most aversive compound. Our results showed that while all species readily consumed strychnine, the nontarget species could be conditioned to avoid it. Moreover, while high (0.1%) concentrations of DB, quinine hydrochloride, and quebracho reduced consumption by pocket gophers, 0.05% DB was inoffensive. Nontarget animals readily avoided 0.05% DB, and avoidance was stronger after conditioning. Together, our results suggest that all of the rodents tested are insensitive to strychnine, high concentrations of some bitter tastes may be effective pocket gopher repellents, and lower concentrations of DB may selectively repel nontarget animals from strychnine baits.

Gray Wolves Not Out of the Woods Yet

In April 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) removed the northern Rocky Mountain population of gray wolves ( Canis lupus ) from all protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Following the ESAs mandate to base listing determinations “solely on the…best scientific and

Dynamics in Utah stakeholdersʼrepresentation, interest in wildlife, and evaluation of wildlife-related experiences, 1986-1998

Abstract A 1998 statewide study was compared to a study conducted in 1986 to determine whether the representation of selected stakeholder groups and public attitudes regarding selected wildlife management issues in Utah have changed over time. Specifically, the following constructs were examined: stakeholder group representation, overall hunting satisfaction across three groups of hunters, overall satisfaction among nonconsumptive users, and overall interest in wildlife. Results showed that, although satisfaction and interest levels have not changed much in the last 12 years, the representation of certain stakeholder groups has changed. This research provides insight regarding resource managers’ ability to understand public attitudes and preferences by identifying possible shifts in attitudes over time.