Hello Wild Side Readers,

I’ve been delving into several new topics (for me at least). The previous post was about managing wildlife damage on grape farms, and this one addresses issues with predation on livestock. I’m specifically focusing on coyotes and black vultures. While livestock producers have been mitigating issues with coyotes for many years now, black vulture predation has come onto the map in the past few decades. Below are resources for preventing loss due to black vultures and coyotes. Recently, I gave a presentation to the Jackson County Farmer’s Club, and the slide set from that program is also included below. I hope this information is useful!

Marne Titchenell

Wildlife Program Specialist

Dealing with Conflict: Black Vultures and Coyote – slide set from Jackson Co. program

Fact sheets:

• Vultures – USDA, Wildlife Services
• Coyotes – USDA, Wildlife Services
• Preventing and Controlling Coyote Problems – OSU Extension Fact Sheet
• Livestock Indemnity Program – USDA, Farm Service Agency
• Predators of Poultry – OSU Extension
• Best Management Practices: Trapping Coyotes in the Eastern United States

Additional Resources

• Nusiance Vultures – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Acoustic Scare Devices Tech Sheet – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Laser Scare Devices Tech Sheet – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• OSU Sheep Team Blog – OSU Extension (search ‘predators’)
  • The Basics of Coyote Trapping
  • Electric Fencing for Sheep
  • Smart Removal of Problem Coyotes
• How to Deter Vultures – University of Kentucky Extension
  • Black Vulture Effigy Direction – University of Kentucky Extension
• OSU Poultry Team Blog – OSU Extension

If you see black vultures with a red wing band, please report to – www.reportband.gov 

Hello Wild Side Readers,

Vineyards provide habitat resources such as food and shelter to wildlife. Species such as deer, birds, and raccoons can cause damage through loss of fruit and foraging on new and existing shoots. The extent of damage varies by region in relation to climate, terrain, and wildlife species present. Often, an integrated approach using one or more management options can be effectively used to lessen and prevent damage from wildlife. Management options include exclusion such as netting and fencing, harassment such as acoustic and visual deterrents, use of chemical repellents, lethal techniques (trapping, hunting), and habitat modification. Habitat modification requires modifying the attractant, usually, food or shelter, within or nearby the vineyard. For example, eliminating tall grass or shrubby cover within and around the vineyard

I was recently invited to give a presentation at the 2023 Ohio Grape and Wine Conference. I discussed management options for preventing and mitigating conference from birds, deer, and raccoons in vineyards. Below are the slides that were presented, as well as several additional resources. I very much appreciated the invitation to present and hope the below information is useful!

Marne Titchenell

Wildlife Program Specialist

Managing and Preventing Damage from Deer, Raccooons, and Birds – PowerPoint slide set

Fact Sheets and Online Resources:

• Midwest Grape Production Guide (updated version coming soon!)
• North Carolina Winegrape Grower’s Guide
• University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources, Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program
• Nonlethal Bird Deterrent Strategies: Methods for reducing fruit crop losses in Oregon, Oregon State University Extension Service
•  An IPM Counting Guide for Common Problems of Grape in Kentucky, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service
• Acoustic Scare Devices Tech Sheet – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Dealing with Nuisance Deer (info on fences) – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Apply for a Deer Damage Control Permit – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Attracting Predators to Vineyards (Remember: The habitat surrounding your vineyard should also fit the needs of the raptor you are trying to attract.)
  • American Kestrel Nest Boxes
  • Barn Owls Boxes
  • Perching Poles
  • Attracting Wildlife for Pest Control on Farmland – Natural Resources Conservation Service

References Research:

Hello Wild Side Readers,

If you are new to this blog, I share information on Ohio’s wildlife, but as an educator, I also create posts related to education events I present at. Recently, I presented at the 2022 Ohio Turf Foundation and Green Industry Short Course annual conference. My topic was the title of this post – how to deal with conflict caused by raccoons, skunks, moles, voles, and squirrels. This was a lot to cover in a mere 45 minutes, so be sure to check out my other posts on conflict wildlife for more information. Below is the slide set for the presentation, resources referenced during the presentation, as well as a few others. Enjoy!

Marne Titchenell

Wildlife Program Specialist

Managing Wildlife Conflict in Turf Areas: Raccoons, Skunks, Moles, Voles, & Squirrels – Slide set from 2022 OTF/GISC Conference

Trailcampro.com – one of the best resources for information on a variety of trail cameras

White Grub Management – Buckeye Yard and Garden Online article

List of Nuisance Wild Animal Control Operators – ODNR, Division of Wildlife

Goose Damage Permit online application – ODNR, Divison of Wildlife

Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife – Nuisance Wildlife Resources

Vole and Mole Publications:

• Managing Voles in New Hampshire Orchards and Highbush Blueberries – NH Extension
• Controlling Voles – University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
• Attracting Wildlife for Pest Control on Farmland – USU Extension
• Vole Control in Lawns and Landscapes – Kansas State Extension
• Managing Voles in Colorado – Colorado Extension
• Voles [Microtus sp.] – Utah State University Extension
• Living with Wildlife: Moles – Washington U Extension

Squirrel Publications:

• Ecology and Management of the Groundhog – Rutgers, New Jersey Agricultural Experimental Station
• Animal Damage Management: Groundhogs – Purdue Extension

Geese Publications:

• Canada Geese Management Methods in Indian Lake, MS
• Geese, Ducks, and Coots – USDA Wildlife Services Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series
• ODNR Division of Wildlife Canada Geese Resources
• Coping with Canada Geese – OSU Extension Fact Sheet

Hello Wild Side Readers,

Disclaimer: There is a risk of uninduced itching, tickles, and shivers of disgust when reading this article. The author apologizes for any discomfort upfront. 

Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let’s talk ticks. In this post, I’d like to share some information from my friend and colleague, Tim McDermot. Tim is an Assistant Professor and Extension Educator for the Ohio State University Extension, within the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Studies. He was also a veterinarian for some time. Now, we at OSU Extension are lucky to have him and his expertise! The following is a video update on Ohio ticks that Tim recently shared.

From Tim McDermot:

“Ticks and tick-vectored disease are major concerns to humans, companion animals, and livestock in Ohio.  We have gone from one medically important tick twenty years ago to five, adding two in the past couple of years.  I recently recorded a webinar presentation for EAB University in partnership with Purdue, Michigan State, and the USDA to update where we are with Ticks in Ohio in 2022.”

Update on Ticks 2022

Additional Resources:

• New fact sheet on Asian Longhored ticks – OSU Extension
• Vectorborne Disease Surveillance Updates – Ohio Department of Health
• Tickborne Diseases in Ohio and How to Protect Yourself– Ohio Department of Health
• Find Data on Tickborne Disease in your County – Companion Animal Parasite Council
• How to Safely Remove a Tick – short video

As the temperatures slowly get warmer and the grass gets greener, we will be venturing outside more and more. Now is the time to be tick-aware and take action to protect yourself, your family, and your pets.

Be safe out there and thanks for reading!

Marne Titchenell

Wildlife Program Specialist

Hello Wild Side Readers,

I had the pleasure of recently being a part of the Lakeside Chautauqua Lecture Series. I was asked to present on managing moles, voles, and other critters that leave small holes in yards and landscapes. Below are the slides to my presentation, as well as additional resources on dealing with moles and voles in your backyard. I hope you find them helpful!

Powerpoint Slides – Moles, Voles, and Other Holes – What’s Digging in My Yard?

Publications:

• Managing Voles in New Hampshire Orchards and Highbush Blueberries – NH Extension
• Controlling Voles – University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
• Attracting Wildlife for Pest Control on Farmland – USU Extension
• Vole Control in Lawns and Landscapes – Kansas State Extension
• Managing Voles in Colorado – Colorado Extension
• Voles [Microtus sp.] – Utah State University Extension

Online Resources

• Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife – Nuisance Wildlife Resources
• Living with Wildlife: Moles – Washington U Extension

Marne Titchenell

Wildlife Program Specialist

Hello Wild Side Readers,

This evening I had the pleasure of speaking with some residents of Butler County about managing deer in urban and rural areas. There is no question that deer are one of the species that I get the most questions about. White-tailed deer are very comfortable living among us, whether we live in rural or urban Ohio. The webinar I gave is posted here, if you would like to watch it.

In the presentation, I discussed a number of management options from repellents to scare tactics to modifying the attractant (usually food) to hunting. Throughout the presentation, I referenced several publications and sources of additional information. You can find them all below. Enjoy and good luck with all your Bambi encounters!

Info on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD):

• Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife – Chronic Wasting Disease
• Center for Disease Control – Chronic Wasting Disease

Wildlife Crop Damage Publications:

• Wildlife Crop Damage Manual – ODNR, Division of Wildlife
• Identification of Wildlife Crop Depredation
• Corn and Soybean Crop Depredation by Wildlife

Managing Deer Conflict:

• Deer Resistant Plants List – by Garden Sites and Conditions
• Deer Resistant Landscape Plants  – Rutgers (invasive plants are highlighted – I don’t recommend planting these as they can be aggressive and/or escape to natural areas)
• Bird & Pollinator Friendly, Deer Resistant Trees and Shrubs
• An Overview and Cost Analysis of Deer Repellents for Homeowners and Landowners
• How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence – Purdue Extension Fact Sheet
• Deer Damage Control Permits
• Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2020-2021

Resources for Community leaders:

• Community Deer Advisor – Decision Support for Communities Managing Deer
• Ohio Community Wildlife Cooperative – webinars on deer management in communities
  • White-tailed Deer Damage Management: Does Your Community Have a Deer Problem??
    Caleb Wellman, USDA Ohio Wildlife Services Program 
  • Urban deer population management — is the patchwork approach sustainable?
    Brad Bonham and Lynn Tetley, City of Wyoming
  • City of Mentor’s Urban Deer Program
    Sam O’Connell, City of Mentor 
  • History and Process – New Albany Deer Management Program
    Brett Hall, New Albany Police 

For help managing your woods for deer:

• Webinar: Management: Deer and Habitat
• Ohio Bird Conservation Bird Guides – yes, managing for birds also benefits deer!
• The Young Forest Project – managing for young forests provides food and cover for deer
• Professionals to contact for help:
  • ODNR, Division of Wildlife – Private Lands Biologist
  • ODNR, Division of Forestry – State Foresters
  • Consulting Foresters – these professionals provide forest management recommendations and advice to landowners for a fee.
  • Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), Wildlife Specialists
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
  • US Fish & Wildlife Service, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program

For more webinars and learning opportunities on managing woodlands and wildlife:

• • Ohio Woodland Stewards Program
  • A Day in the Woods Program

Hello Wild Side Readers,

Did your dog or cat get a little too curious about that black and white critter visiting the backyard? Now you have a pet that reeks to high heaven and you are looking for the best way to de-stink-ify your beloved furry friend. If a cat, dog, or even a house has been unfortunate enough to receive a dose of skunk spray, here is a good recipe to use:

• 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of liquid soap

Mix this solution together and use immediately. Do not mix it in advance and place it in a closed container, as the released oxygen may cause the container to explode. Scrub the pet with the solution, wait roughly 5 minutes, and then rinse.  Avoid contact with your pet’s eyes and other sensitive areas. Feel free to scrub, rinse, and repeat if needed. This solution can also be used to remove skunk spray from hard surfaces. Good luck and here’s hoping your dog learned its lesson this time….

For more information on skunk odor removal, check out this fact sheet from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Marne Titchenell

Wildlife Program Specialist