The Role of New York State\u27s Division of Fish and Wildlife in Deer Damage Control

The Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) spells out the responsibilities and authorities of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Section 1-0101, subdivision 3 of the ECL declares a State policy which includes the fostering, promoting, creating and maintaining of conditions under which humans and nature can thrive in harmony. Section 11-0303, subdivision 1 of the ECL vests in the department the efficient management of the wildlife resources of the State. The department is further directed by subdivision 2 of this section to include regard to the compatibility of production and harvesting of wildlife crops with other necessary or desirable land uses in its management of the wildlife resources

Developing a Curriculum for the Nuisance Wildlife Control Industry in New York

The nuisance wildlife control industry continues to expand in New York State. Each year during the past 5 years, approximately 1,200-1 ,400 private Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs) were given authority to handle wildlife conflicts by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). These NWCOs were required to complete a trapper education course, and a personal interview or exam prior to obtaining a permit. The education and experience requirements for NWCOs varied by region in New York. The goals of this project were to: (1) develop a core curriculum for individuals who desired to handle nuisance wildlife and charge a fee for service, (2) standardize license requirements across the state, (3) enhance professionalism and training of individuals involved in the NWCO industry, and (4) develop a test bank of questions for administration of an examination. Existing educational programs from throughout the United States were reviewed for content and suitability in New York State. A core educational manual was developed by staff with Cornell University and a DEC review team. The curriculum will be piloted during 2003 in conjunction with legislative changes that mandate training for NWCOs in New York State

IMPACTS OF URBAN COYOTES ON PEOPLE AND PETS IN NEW YORK STATE

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are currently common in most of New York State with an apparent increase of coyotes in urban areas. Coyotes can potentially cause a variety of effects and impacts. Urban coyotes can impact the general public by causing safety concerns for children and pets and by causing feelings of grief for attacked and missing pets. Politicians and government agencies can be impacted by calls from constituents to “do something”. Licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators can be positively impacted by significant business opportunities. Pets are impacted by coyote diseases and by being chased and consumed by coyotes. Efforts to identify and measure the effects and impacts of coyotes include a Standardized Coyote Incident Reporting System and human dimension studies. New York is also cooperating with two other studies researching urban coyotes and coyote foraging ecology and statewide population status

Enhancing Private Sector Wildlife Damage Management with a Comprehensive Curriculum

Wildlife agencies face the complex, often difficult, challenge of managing nuisance wildlife complaints. State agencies are under increasing pressure to provide better training for individuals in the private sector who provide such services. In July 2002, New York State (NYS) passed a law that mandated both training and documented proficiency for all nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCOs) who charge a fee for service. A team of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) staff was organized to produce a curriculum and certification exams. The goals were to enhance the skills and professionalism of both current NWCOs and new license applicants, while maintaining a diverse array of operators that could provide the many levels of service required by various publics. Additionally, the training manual was designed to be a reference for DEC and CCE staff and others who are interested in nuisance wildlife control. The central philosophy of the manual was integrated wildlife damage management (IWDM), referred to as “best practices” in the manual. A best practice was defined as an effective method for solving a nuisance wildlife problem that minimizes risks to the environment and promotes human safety and well-being. Development of the curriculum (both hard copy and electronic versions) and the associated electronic test bank involved extensive and comprehensive research, reviews, and pilot testing. The curriculum and licensing examinations have been implemented in NYS, and the curriculum has won three different awards from state wildlife, extension, and stakeholder associations. Currently, a NWCO curriculum for the eastern United States is being developed, and it will provide a comprehensive, science-based, peer-reviewed training that satisfies stakeholder-identified needs. This regional curriculum fills an important gap that would otherwise likely be addressed by each state individually. The credibility of the training manual and certification exam will likely prove beneficial to NWCOs as the public becomes aware of this new process. The emphasis on best practices and the responsible treatment of wildlife will also resonate with the public