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E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE |
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The Wildlife Society Releases Report On Baiting And Supplemental Feeding Of Wildlife |
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BETHESDA, MARYLAND, Aug. 9 -/E-Wire/--
The Wildlife Society (TWS) announced today that their latest technical review, "Baiting and Supplemental Feeding of Game Wildlife Species," is now available at www.wildlife.org. The 58-page report, prepared by a committee of experts, examines the biological and social impacts of these two widespread practices.
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Baiting is intentionally providing food to attract wildlife or manipulate their behavior while supplemental feeding is defined as intentionally placing food for wildlife on an annual, seasonal, or emergency basis. Both are done for a variety of reasons, including assisting wildlife during inclement weather attracting or concentrating wildlife enhancing recreational opportunities such as hunter harvest, wildlife viewing, and photography and controlling the spread of infectious and non-infectious diseases.
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Whether a long-term activity such as supplementing the nutrition of wild elk during severe winters, or the more controversial issue of bear baiting, supplemental feeding and baiting of game wildlife species has long been hotly debated by wildlife professionals and the public at large. This prompted a review of current knowledge and understanding of these activities.
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"When conducted properly by knowledgeable professionals or responsible, legal hunters, baiting and supplemental feeding can be extremely beneficial," says Michael Hutchins, executive director of The Wildlife Society. "However, when employed without understanding their risks and potentially deleterious effects, these practices can have long-term negative impacts on wildlife populations, human and animal health and/or ecological systems."
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The expert committee reviewed existing scientific literature and summarized the pros and cons of baiting and supplemental feeding for: (1) black bears, (2) deer, elk and other hooved mammals and (3) migratory and upland game birds. For each category of wildlife, the committee outlined relevant issues, such as history and economics, behavioral and physiological impacts, role in the spread of diseases and parasites, and potential effects on wildlife management, ecological integrity, and human health and safety.
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A separate section is devoted to social, political, and legal issues, including public ownership of wildlife, mitigation of habitat degradation, management of wildlife populations, and current laws and ballot initiatives.
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"Baiting and supplemental feeding of wildlife are ingrained in modern culture, whether or not the public realizes it," says Hutchins. "Even the practice of backyard bird feeding isn't immune from discussion. People from all walks of life use these practices to attract, manage or attempt to assist wildlife."
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There are no simple solutions to the baiting and feeding issue, regarding where it can be done, by whom and at what scale. "Ultimately, wildlife managers must make educated choices regarding baiting and supplemental feeding. This technical review gives professionals and key decision makers the information they need to make well-informed decisions," concluded Hutchins. "That being said, many states are currently considering legislation on this issue, and TWS' finale position statement based on results of the technical review has been approved by Council and is now available online."
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The full technical report is available for purchase at www.wildlife.org
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About The Wildlife Society - TWS is a scientific and educational organization dedicated to enhancing the ability of wildlife professionals to conserve diversity, sustain productivity, and ensure the responsible use of wildlife resources for the benefit of society. TWS also is an advocate for science-based wildlife policy. For more information visit www.wildlife.org Contact Info:
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Jeff Miller
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Center for Biological Diversity
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Cell : 510-499-9185
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Tina Swanson
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The Bay Institute
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Tel : 530-756-9021
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Cell : 415-272-4501
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Craig Noble
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Natural Resources Defense Council
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Tel : 415-875-6100
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Cell : 415-601-8235 Website : The Wildlife Society
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/SOURCE:
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The Wildlife Society |
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08-09-2007 |
/CONTACT:
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Jeff Miller
Center for Biological Diversity
Cell : 510-499-9185
Tina Swanson
The Bay Institute
Tel : 530-756-9021
Cell : 415-272-4501
Craig Noble
Natural Resources Defense Council
Tel : 415-875-6100
Cell : 415-601-8235 |
| /WEB SITE: |
http://www.wildlife.org
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