XXVI 



THE CONTROL AND DESTRUCTION OF 

 INJURIOUS MAMMALS 



As many species of mammals are exceedingly destructive, it is not 

 surprising to find an extensive literature concerning methods of de- 

 stroying them and otherwise preventing their depredations. Methods 

 of destruction mostly in use are by firearms, traps, poisons and fumi- 

 gants. Protecting property from damage by mammals without destroy- 

 ing them is accomplished chiefly by proper construction of buildings 

 and the erection of woven-wire fences. Formulae for poisons and direc- 

 tions for fence and building construction, trapping and otherwise 

 fighting the pests are contained in many of the publications cited in 

 the footnotes, but cannot be set forth in detail here. The bounty sys- 

 tem of controlling mammalian pests, which has not proved very ef- 

 fective, is discussed in the chapter on legislation. Better results could 

 probably be obtained by using the money appropriated for the pay- 

 ment of bounties in financing sustained, systematic campaigns in large 

 areas. Especially is this true of the smaller pests. 



One thing that should be emphasized in all campaigns for the con- 

 trol of noxious mammals is the need of cooperation of landowners 

 over large areas. This may be accomplished by volunteer organization, 

 but if some refuse to join in the organized effort they reap the benefit 

 of the expenditure of time and money by their neighbors, without 

 contributing their share toward the campaign. This may be obviated 

 by laws permitting the organization of pest districts, with power to 

 compel contribution from all within the district, as provided, for ex- 

 ample, by the Colorado pest law. 1 Unless the campaign covers a reason- 

 ably large area, the lands where the pests are uncontrolled remain breed- 

 ing grounds from which surplus animals overflow upon the lands from 

 which the campaign has eliminated them. Furthermore, such cam- 

 paigns should be under the direction of experts w r ho are perfectly 

 familiar with the habits of the animals and methods of attacking them. 

 Small local organizations cannot, of course, afford to maintain such 

 experts, but fortunately the United States Biological Survey has them 



1 Burnett, Office Colorado State Entom. Circular No. 8, p. 13, 1913. 



159 



