If home gardening was subjected to a cost/benefit analysis, it likely would show a slim monetary gain. It would, however, show a benefit to most wildlife species. As many of us have learned, plump fruits and vegetables are a desired meal for many wild animals.
While many people enjoy seeing and living near wildlife, there are times when wild animals get too close and create a nuisance, cause property damage or inflict injury on livestock, pets people.
Rabies is one of the oldest diseases known to man. Aristotle in 300 B.C. described this disease as being caused by the bite or tooth scratch of an infected animal. He further stated that once the symptoms of the disease appeared in man or animal, death occurred in a few days. This is as true today as it was in ancient times.
Turtles are generally harmless. Those that live in water eat plants, crayfish, snails, insects, and carrion. They are an important part of the life in any body of water, and only the common snapping turtle may become a nuisance requiring a limited amount of control.
The Wildlife Damage Management Program was established by the Missouri Department of conservation to help minimize conflicts between wildlife and landowners. The program depends on a veriety of methods to reduce wildlife damage, including habitat management, animal husbandry, repellents, traps and scare tactics.
Wildlife Services (WS), a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, provides Federal leadership and expertise to resolve these conflicts and create a balance that allows people and wildlife to coexist peacefully.
