November 2013 - Parks & Recreation - 47
in Parks
Coping with the headaches
of nuisance wildlife
By Richard J. Dolesh
P
Illustration by Jeff Byrd
eople love wildlife, and wildlife love parks. But what happens when natural systems in parks become unbalanced and wildlife becomes a problem for humans?
Wildlife can cause problems for humans that range from minor annoyances to truly dangerous situations for human health and safety. Species that become a
" nuisance " are just what the term implies: They cause inconveniences or problems
to humans, but they don't rise to the level of significant economic damage or dangers to human health. Because of their adaptability, nuisance species can flourish in
a wide variety of habitats and thrive on many food sources. When they live in close
proximity to man, their behavior can cause major aggravation for humans.
For example, native wildlife in parks that are fed by humans, such as resident Canada geese or mallard ducks, can become totally dependent on the handouts and will
congregate in numbers far beyond what their habitat will support. Other adaptable
animal species, such as white-tailed deer, can eat a wide variety of foods and can
exploit new habitat niches even in close proximity to humans. Some species that
have high reproductive rates and few population controls from predators can quickly
reproduce beyond the ability of natural habitats to support them.
Deer, wild pigs and other species can succeed precisely because new habitats and
new food sources have been created by man's activities. Other wildlife species, like
beavers, can become harmful to humans when their activity impacts roads, bridges
and developed infrastructure. Finally, some species, such as Canada geese, become
a nuisance or even a health hazard from the waste they deposit, or because they
can be a vector for diseases that are harmful to humans.
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November 2013 - Parks & Recreation
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