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:
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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
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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
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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 11 th
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.
Appendix 2.
Appendix 3.
Appendix 4.
Appendix 5.
Appendix 6.
2012 Midwest Furbearer Workshop Attendees…………………… 5
Midwest Furbearer Biologists – Contact Information..…………… 6
2012 Midwest Furbearer Workshop - Agenda…………………… 9
2012 Midwest Furbearer Workshop – Abstracts……….…………. 11
Resolutions...…………..………………………………………….. 17
Host States of Midwest Furbearer Workshops…………….……… 19
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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
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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
bob.bluett@illinois.gov
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
vince.evelsizer@dnr.iowa.gov
Kansas
Matt Peek, Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks
PO Box 1525, Emporia, KS 66801
Office Phone: 620-342-0658 & 620-340-3017
mattp@wp.state.ks.us
Kentucky
Laura Patton, KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
1 Sportsmen’s Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601
Office Phone: 800-858-1549 ext. 4528
laura.patton@ky.gov
Michigan
Adam Bump, Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources
Mason Building, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909-7944
Office Phone: 517-373-9336
bumpa@michigan.gov
Dwayne Etter, Michigan Dept. Of Natural Resources
8562 E. Stoll Road, East Lansing, MI 48823
Office Phone: 517-373-9358 ext. 256
etterd@michigan.gov
6
Minnesota
John Erb, Minn. Dept. of Natural Resources
1201 East Hwy 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Office Phone: 218-999-7930
john.erb@dnr.state.mn.us
Missouri
Jeff Beringer, Missouri Dept. Of Conservation
3500 East Gans Road, Columbia, MO 65201
Office Phone: 573-815-7900
jeff.beringer@mdc.mo.gov
Nebraska
Sam Wilson, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
2200 North 33rd Street, Lincoln, NE 68503
Office Phone: 402-471-5177
sam.wilson@nebraska.gov
North Dakota
Stephanie Tucker, North Dakota Game and Fish
100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501
Office Phone: 701-328-6302
satucker@nd.gov
Ohio
Suzanne Prange, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources
360 East State Street, Athens, OH 45701
Office Phone: 740-589-9924
suzie.prange@dnr.state.oh.us
Oklahoma
Erik Bartholomew
Biologist
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Office Phone: 405/385-1791
embartholomew@hotmail.com
South Dakota
Keith Fisk, South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
523 East Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501
Office Phone: 605-773-7595
keith.fisk@state.sd.us
Andy Lindbloom, South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
20641 SD Hwy 1806, Fort Pierre, SD 57532
7
Office Phone: 605-223-7709
andy.lindbloom@state.sd.us
Wisconsin
John Olson, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
2501 Golf Course Road, Ashland, WI 54806
Office Phone: 715-685-2934
johnf.olson@wi.gov
Dave MacFarland, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
107 Sutliff Avenue, Rhinelander, WI 54501
Office Phone: 715-365-8917
david.macfarland@wi.gov
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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
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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
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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
otter increased with otter pelt price until pelt prices reached $60–70 US (R27 = 0.95).
Otter survival was affected by the proportion of successful trappers whose success was
11
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
Lehner3, Damian Satterthwaite-Phillips1, Robert D. Bluett4, Nelda A.Rivera1, and Jan
Novakofski5
1
Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
3
Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University
4
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
5
Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
2
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
gompperm@missouri.edu
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
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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
Abstract: Many chemicals and combinations of chemicals have been described to
immobilize and anesthetize aquatic rodents; however, poor muscle relaxation, induced
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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
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
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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 largescale 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
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
15
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.
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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
1979
1983
1984
1985
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
State
Kansas
Wisconsin
Illinois
Iowa
Minnesota
Indiana
Missouri
Nebraska
South Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
North Dakota
West Virginia
Michigan
Illinois
Kansas
Wisconsin
Missouri
Ohio
Iowa
Minnesota
Illinois
North Dakota
Michigan
Nebraska
Kansas
Kentucky
South Dakota
Wisconsin
2012
Missouri
19