The Problem and the Solution 



No wild animal is undesirable. Yet 

 almost any wild animal can cause 

 damage to crops, be a hazard to 

 aviation, or become a threat to hu- 

 man safety. Deer and smaller mam- 

 mals can consume newly planted 

 tree seedlings and other crops. 

 Birds in large flocks can decimate 

 grain and sunflower fields. Preda- 

 tors attack livestock and domestic 

 animals. Wild animals can spread 

 diseases such as rabies, West Nile 

 virus, chronic wasting disease, and 

 bovine tuberculosis. Invasive wildlife 

 species can decimate endangered 

 or threatened native species. 



NWRC evaluates damage situations 

 and develops methods and tools 

 to reduce or eliminate damage and 

 resolve conflicts. NWRC scientists 

 study birds, mammals, rodents, 

 invasive species, and other wildlife 

 that cause serious but localized 

 damage problems. The Center 

 designs studies to ensure that the 

 methods developed to alleviate wild- 

 life damage are biologically sound, 

 effective, safe, economical, and 

 acceptable to the public. NWRC 

 scientists produce scientific informa- 

 tion, appropriate methods, technol- 



ogy and materials for reducing dam- 

 age caused by animals. Through 

 the publication of results and the 

 exchange of technical information, 

 the Center provides valuable data 

 and expertise to the public and the 

 scientific community, as well as to 

 APHIS' WS program. 



Research on reproductive control of overabundant animal populations, 

 particularly those inhabiting urban or suburban settings such as Canada 

 geese and deer, is a high priority within the WS program. (APHIS photo by 

 John Cummings.) 



