The Capture, Handling, and Immobilization of Wildlife Flashcards
When is handling wildlife necessary?
Management decisions
Mitigate human-wildlife conflicts
Tracking and health assessments
Zoo, disease, or endangered species monitoring
When is handling wildlife not necessary?
Tourism or profit
Self-fulfillment
Unnecessary testing
What are the 6 important questions to ask before capturing, handling, or disposing of wildlife?
Is it safe?
What are the key ecological consequences to this action?
Is it practical?
Is it humane?
Is it legal?
How would the public react to media portrayal of the event?
What is identified as this highest priority in safety?
Human safety
How can you determine if a situation is safe?
What is the condition of the animal?
Do you have the right equipment/medical supplies
How controlled is the situation?
Are weather conditions conducive to handling
How can you determine the ecological consequences?
Will populations be affected?
Will human-wildlife conflicts increase/decrease
Translocation feasibility
Could disease be spread by translocated wildlife?
Can an area support indivduals?
How can you determine if it is practical?
Cost Skill level Available supplies Timing Short or long-term solution Accessibility Will you ultimately make things worse?
How can you determine if it is humane?
What is the skill-level and knowledge of the handler?
Will the handler adopt alternative methods in different situations?
Lethal or non-lethal techniques?
Trapping/capture method
What will likely happen after you leave?
How can you determine if it is legal?
Are you allowed to handle wildlife or do you need permits/licenses?
If you are on private property, have you gained owners permission?
Do you know the laws for handling or transporting wildlife?
Do local restrictions affect your handling techniques?
How can you determine how your actions will be viewed by the public?
Communication skills are important
Handle/euthanize animals away from public, but do not be secretive
Explain management techniques and be open to public involvement and suggestions
What are considerations when handling wildlife?
Physical restraint/capture* Drugs and drug delivery* Assessing animal health (TPR)* Animal ID Blood and data collection/documentation Legal responsibilities Pen design considerations Preparing for planned capture and handling Managing unplanned disasters
What rae the types of physical restraint/capture?
Nets Noose poles Y-stick Squeeze cage/crate Bags Muzzles/eye cover Thick gloves
What should you do when restraining the animal?
If conscious or unconscious, the animal needs sufficient oxygen
The animal should be restrained enough to prevent it from twisting, biting, kicking, or scratching, but not too tightly as to injure it
The animal should be allowed adequate time for anesthetic to take effect before any surgical procedures commence
Minimal observes and noise should be present while restraining the animal
The animal should be release with minimal stress, or after effects
Blood collection and injection sites, and surgical incisions should be checked and free of bleeding wounds before release
Recovery after surgical procedures should take place in a dark, temperate area away from people
Check TPR every 5 minutes
What should be used to determine if chemical restraints or anesthetics will be used?
What needs to be done to the animal?
Will the procedure be painful?
Will handlers be at more risk without drug administration?
Which drugs are the most appropriate for the procedure/animal?
Is there sufficient time/space for recovery?
How will the drugs impact the animal?
What is used for remote drug administration?
Pole syringe
Blowpipe
Dart pistol
Dart rifle
