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Identifying Problems Caused by
Wildlife
Next Generation Wildlife/Common Core Standards Addressed!
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HS‐LS2‐6. Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex
interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of
organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new
ecosystem. [Clarification Statement: Examples of changes in ecosystem
conditions could include modest biological or physical changes, such as
moderate hunting or a seasonal flood; and extreme changes, such as volcanic
eruption or sea level rise.
HS‐LS2‐7.
Evaluate the evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’
chances to, survive and reproduce. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on:
(1) distinguishing between group and individual behavior, (2) identifying
evidence supporting the outcomes of group behavior, and (3) developing
logical and reasonable arguments based on evidence. Examples of group
behaviors could include flocking, schooling, herding, and cooperative behaviors
such as hunting, migrating, and swarming.
Agriculture, Food, and Natural
Resource Standards Addressed
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NRS.04.02. Diagnose plant and wildlife diseases
and follow protocols to prevent their spread
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NRS.04.02.02.a. Classify causes of diseases in wildlife and aquatic
species and determine the correct authorities to whom some
diseases should be reported.
Bell Work/Learning Objectives
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Describe human health problems
associated with wildlife.
Explain other problems related to
wildlife.
Identify laws related to wildlife
control.
Terms
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Brucellosis
Bubonic Plague
Chronic Wasting Disease
Disease
Lyme Disease
Rabies
Wildlife
Zoonosis
Can big problems come in small
packages?
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Take a look at pictures of
mosquitos and black-legged ticks.
Take a look at pictures of vehicle,
crop and other property damages
caused by wildlife.
Discuss this problems.
Crop Depredation by Livestock!
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Wildlife depredation creates millions of dollars of loss for
American Agriculture producers.
In eastern and central portions of the country White Tailed
Deer are the major problem for producers.
In western regions of the country Mule Deer, Elk and
Pronghorn Antelope all contribute to crop loss.
The range of the coyote has expanded to all parts of the
country. Coyotes prey upon domestic livestock. Sheep
and goats are especially susceptible to predation by
coyotes.
Western states also experience predation form Mountain
Lions and Wolves. The reintroduction of the wolf into New
Mexico has been especially problematic for livestock
producers in the western potion of our state.
What human health problems are
associated with wildlife?
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Many diseases that cause illness and
death in humans are carried and
transmitted by wildlife.
Some diseases are carried by animals
but cause no symptoms.
Zoonosis are diseases transmissible
from animals to man. There are over
200 such diseases.
What human health problems are
associated with wildlife?
Lyme disease
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Caused by bacteria and is transmitted by different
species of black legged ticks.
The highest risk area for this disease is along the
Mid Atlantic and northern U.S.
Wear protective clothing when outside.
Cover all exposed skin.
Lyme disease is not common to NM but has been
reported on occasion.
What human health problems are
associated with wildlife?
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West Nile Virus
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Caused by mosquito bites
Affects people, horses, and birds most
commonly.
Symptoms include low-grade fever, rash or
death.
WNV was first diagnosed in the U.S. in 1999.
WNV has been increasing in New Mexico each
year. All ages are susceptible but the young
and especially are impacted by the disease.
What human health problems are
associated with wildlife?
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Lyme Disease
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Mosquitoes feed on infected birds
The infected mosquitoes then bite
humans and animals.
Even if bitten by an infected
mosquito, you have less than a 1%
chance of infection.
What human health problems are
associated with wildlife?
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Bubonic Plague
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A disease that is transmitted by fleas that are
infected by their host rodent.
Symptoms include swollen and very tender
lymph gland, accompanied by pain, fever, chills,
and headache.
The average occurrence has been 10-20 cases
per year.
Most of the plague occurrences that occur take
place in New Mexico. Most cases are found in
northern NM especially in the four corners area.
What human health problems are
associated with wildlife?
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Rabies
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Transmitted by contact with the
saliva of an infected animal (bite or
scratch).
Although humans can get rabies from
wild animals, the most common way
to get it is from infected domestic
dogs.
What other problems are related to
wildlife?
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Bats
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Use high frequency sound waves to
navigate and find food.
They are nocturnal
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Something that sleeps during the day
and is active at night.
They scratch and crawl through attics
and walls damaging the walls and
leaving droppings behind.
What other problems are related to
wildlife?
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Deer and smaller mammals
consume tree seedlings and other
crops.
Birds can decimate grain and
sunflower fields.
Predators attack livestock and
other domestic animals.
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What other problems are related to
wildlife?
Economic Problems
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In 1999, sheep and goat producers lost
an estimated $19.9 million due to
predation.
In 2000, cattle producers’ losses to
predators were worth $51.6 million.
Wildlife damages to U.S. agriculture was
estimated at $944 million during 2001.
Corn alone accounts for more than $90
million annually in crop damages from
wildlife.
What other problems are related to
wildlife?
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Overall bird populations cause an
estimated annual lose to U.S.
agriculture of $100 million.
Sunflower and rice crops are a favorite
of blackbirds, leading to $4 to 11 million
worth of losses annually.
Apples, blueberries and grapes have
been estimated at more than $40
million in damages.
What other problems are related to
wildlife?
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During one year in Pennsylvania, white
tailed deer cause crop losses totaling
$30 million.
An estimated $100 million in damage
each year to private and public property
is due to beavers.
Mississippi catfish farmers lose nearly
$6 million worth of fingerlings to fish
eating birds.
Problem Wildlife in NM!
What Can Be Done about nuisance
wildlife
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Livestock producers and home owners may
contact the New Mexico Game and Fish
Department for assistance with nuisance wildlife.
The Game and Fish dept. provides assistance with
fencing, trapping and relocation of nuisance
wildlife.
The state and federal government have trappers
available for the capture, transplanting and
disposal of dangerous predators.
Assistance is also available for controlling large
numbers of rodents such as prairie dogs.
The End!