Publications

Biology and control of skunks

Description

People generally relate skunks to the foul-smelling, defensive spray they discharge when scared or threatened. Generally, people avoid skunks and have little tolerance for their presence. In many... More ≫

Description

People generally relate skunks to the foul-smelling, defensive spray they discharge when scared or threatened. Generally, people avoid skunks and have little tolerance for their presence. In many parts of North America, skunks are also a major carrier of rabies. Rabies has been present in the skunk population of southern Alberta, at fluctuating levels, since the late 1970s. This information sheet includes a brief look at the biology, behaviour and reproduction of skunks, and then focuses on non-lethal and lethal methods of skunk control.

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Starlings and their control

Description

Starlings were brought to North America from Europe in the late 1890’s. Since that time, they have greatly increased in number and have spread across most of the North American continent. In... More ≫

Description

Starlings were brought to North America from Europe in the late 1890’s. Since that time, they have greatly increased in number and have spread across most of the North American continent. In Alberta, starlings can be a nuisance to livestock producers. They consume and contaminate livestock feed and water. They also “whitewash” buildings, facilities and animals with their droppings. In winter, flocks of up to 2,000 birds can consume 1 to 2 tonnes of feed in a month and can contaminate or spoil an additional 500 to 1,000 kg of feed. Worse still, starlings may selectively eat the high-protein portion of protein-supplemented livestock feed.

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House sparrows and their control

Description

The house sparrow, like many pest birds, was introduced to North America in the mid-1800s. Since then, the house or English sparrow (not a true sparrow but a European finch), has become one of the... More ≫

Description

The house sparrow, like many pest birds, was introduced to North America in the mid-1800s. Since then, the house or English sparrow (not a true sparrow but a European finch), has become one of the most widespread and adaptive birds found on this continent.

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Managing Richardson's ground squirrels

Description

This fact sheet presents summary of information about how to manage Richardson's ground squirrels

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Prevention of predator damage in poultry flocks

Description

This publication is designed to help poultry producers reduce or prevent predation by improving or extending care and management of their flocks.

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Control of pocket gophers and ground squirrels

Description

Pocket gophers, commonly called moles, are a problem in pastures and hayland throughout much of Alberta. They also eat garden crops and kill woody plants and shrubs by feeding on the roots. Pocket... More ≫

Description

Pocket gophers, commonly called moles, are a problem in pastures and hayland throughout much of Alberta. They also eat garden crops and kill woody plants and shrubs by feeding on the roots. Pocket gophers tend to feed above ground in late spring and early summer, when stems and leaves are most nutritious. As the nutritional quality of stems and leaves declines, pocket gophers turn to feeding below ground on roots and other plant parts. These gophers create extensive burrow systems in search of food.

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Control of rabbits and hares

Description

Orchards, nurseries, shelterbelts and gardens can suffer economic losses and aesthetic damage because of gnawing animals. Most damage occurs from late fall until early spring when extreme weather... More ≫

Description

Orchards, nurseries, shelterbelts and gardens can suffer economic losses and aesthetic damage because of gnawing animals. Most damage occurs from late fall until early spring when extreme weather conditions limit the available food supply. Plant damage can also be extensive during periods of drought or when rabbit and hare populations are high.

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Protecting livestock from predation with electric fences

Description

Electric fences are an important tool for protecting livestock in Alberta. Such fences have been used in the province to protect livestock from predators for more than two decades. Predators such... More ≫

Description

Electric fences are an important tool for protecting livestock in Alberta. Such fences have been used in the province to protect livestock from predators for more than two decades. Predators such as coyotes, wolves, bears and domestic dogs are shocked when they try to penetrate an electric fence. For the most part, electric fences have been used to protect pastured sheep; however, these fences do have other applications. They can be used around birthing yards to protect newborn calves or lambs, or they can serve to protect poultry and farmed deer.

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An improved magpie trap

Description

It seems a paradox that one of the most clever and most beautiful members of the bird family Corvidae (also includes jays, crows and ravens) could also be a serious pest. Unfortunately, the... More ≫

Description

It seems a paradox that one of the most clever and most beautiful members of the bird family Corvidae (also includes jays, crows and ravens) could also be a serious pest. Unfortunately, the magpies’ carnivorous habit presents a problem when it preys on beneficial wildlife, inflicts injury on young livestock and spreads livestock disease. Ultimately, there may be a need for some type of control. The beneficial aspects of the magpie must also be considered when control programs are designed and employed. The role of magpies as scavengers and consumers of insects is well documented by several studies, and these beneficial aspects must always be taken into account.

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Control of porcupine damage

Description

The porcupine is Alberta’s second largest rodent, measuring up to 90 cm in length and weighing as much as 12 kg (Figure 1). They live throughout the province, usually near stands of woody... More ≫

Description

The porcupine is Alberta’s second largest rodent, measuring up to 90 cm in length and weighing as much as 12 kg (Figure 1). They live throughout the province, usually near stands of woody vegetation. The porcupine has a unique defence mechanism of up to 30,000 hardened barbed quills built into its coat. The porcupine is an interesting animal that has an important place in the environment. Porcupines are edible and have been used by humans as an emergency food. The quills are used for decoration, especially by native Canadians. The hair is very popular among fly fisherman. Porcupines may need to be controlled but should not be totally eradicated.

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