Post by Steve Sutton on May 2, 2010 14:49:04 GMT -5
Wildlife and the Outdoors
Control Options for Feral Dogs
By Chris Jaworowski, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
The wild dog, also called a feral dog or free-ranging dog is difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish from a domestic dog. Wild dogs come in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes and breeds and can be found anywhere in the United States wherever people are present and allow dogs to roam free. Wild dogs differ from domestic dogs due to the fact that they survive and reproduce independently of human intervention or assistance. Wild dogs also differ in their behavior towards humans. Whereas a domestic dog wags his tail at the approach of a human, the wild dog might display highly aggressive behavior.
Wild dogs are opportunistic feeders and can be efficient predators, preying on small and large animals, including livestock. Most wild dogs rely on carrion, green vegetation, berries, fruits, and refuse to survive. Wild dogs are usually secretive, wary of people, and most active during dawn, dusk and at night. Wild dogs are a significant problem in the United States partly due to a lack of spaying and neutering of pets, which results in a boom in unwanted dog populations. Some of these unwanted dogs are allowed to roam free or are released into the wild to fend for themselves resulting in populations of wild dogs across the country. Control of wild dogs is a difficult task due to their wary and elusive nature. Control techniques utilized for wild dogs include exclusion, electric fencing, frightening and trapping. However, without responsible pet ownership, to include the spaying and neutering of dogs, the problem will never be resolved.
Exclusion fencing constructed of well-maintained net wire is an effective method of protecting your property from packs of wild dogs. Net wire fencing should have horizontal spacing of mesh less than six inches with vertical spacing less than four inches. Barbed wire at ground level will prevent dogs from digging under the fence. Net wire fencing should be six feet in height to discourage dogs from jumping over the fence. The effectiveness of mesh wire fencing can be increased with the addition of electrically charged wires at the top and bottom of the fence. Exclusion fencing can be an effective method of controlling wild dogs and the damage they cause; however, costs associated with this technique can be substantial dependent on the size of the area to be fenced.
Several visual and auditory devices are available to frighten wild dogs from your property and can be purchased online or at local stores. These devices include yard lights, effigies, loud music and even pyrotechnics. Devices that emit loud sounds combined with flashing strobe lights have proven to be effective at deterring the presence of wild dogs while also eliminating the damage associated with their presence. Costs of these devices vary so be sure to shop around before purchasing a device.
Live-trapping is another alternative when considering control options for wild dogs. Live traps have proven to be effective at catching wild dog pups and occasionally adult dogs. Due to the wary and elusive nature of the adult wild dog, success is usually limited to juvenile pups. Baiting of traps can be accomplished with canned dog food or table scraps. Caution should be taken when handling wild dogs caught in live traps. Wild dogs can be extremely aggressive when cornered or trapped and may carry diseases like rabies or distemper.
Confinement of pets in a well-maintained fence is essential to the safety of your pet and a reduction in wild dog numbers. Spaying and neutering of your family pets will eliminate unwanted dogs, while also decreasing stress on humane shelter finances. Being a responsible pet owner is priority number one in eliminating the wild dog problem in the United States.
For more information on wild dogs or control methods contact Area Wildlife Biologist Chris Jaworowski at 154 Battlefield Rd. Lowndesboro, AL 36752 or contact your local Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District Office.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com/.
Control Options for Feral Dogs
By Chris Jaworowski, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
The wild dog, also called a feral dog or free-ranging dog is difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish from a domestic dog. Wild dogs come in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes and breeds and can be found anywhere in the United States wherever people are present and allow dogs to roam free. Wild dogs differ from domestic dogs due to the fact that they survive and reproduce independently of human intervention or assistance. Wild dogs also differ in their behavior towards humans. Whereas a domestic dog wags his tail at the approach of a human, the wild dog might display highly aggressive behavior.
Wild dogs are opportunistic feeders and can be efficient predators, preying on small and large animals, including livestock. Most wild dogs rely on carrion, green vegetation, berries, fruits, and refuse to survive. Wild dogs are usually secretive, wary of people, and most active during dawn, dusk and at night. Wild dogs are a significant problem in the United States partly due to a lack of spaying and neutering of pets, which results in a boom in unwanted dog populations. Some of these unwanted dogs are allowed to roam free or are released into the wild to fend for themselves resulting in populations of wild dogs across the country. Control of wild dogs is a difficult task due to their wary and elusive nature. Control techniques utilized for wild dogs include exclusion, electric fencing, frightening and trapping. However, without responsible pet ownership, to include the spaying and neutering of dogs, the problem will never be resolved.
Exclusion fencing constructed of well-maintained net wire is an effective method of protecting your property from packs of wild dogs. Net wire fencing should have horizontal spacing of mesh less than six inches with vertical spacing less than four inches. Barbed wire at ground level will prevent dogs from digging under the fence. Net wire fencing should be six feet in height to discourage dogs from jumping over the fence. The effectiveness of mesh wire fencing can be increased with the addition of electrically charged wires at the top and bottom of the fence. Exclusion fencing can be an effective method of controlling wild dogs and the damage they cause; however, costs associated with this technique can be substantial dependent on the size of the area to be fenced.
Several visual and auditory devices are available to frighten wild dogs from your property and can be purchased online or at local stores. These devices include yard lights, effigies, loud music and even pyrotechnics. Devices that emit loud sounds combined with flashing strobe lights have proven to be effective at deterring the presence of wild dogs while also eliminating the damage associated with their presence. Costs of these devices vary so be sure to shop around before purchasing a device.
Live-trapping is another alternative when considering control options for wild dogs. Live traps have proven to be effective at catching wild dog pups and occasionally adult dogs. Due to the wary and elusive nature of the adult wild dog, success is usually limited to juvenile pups. Baiting of traps can be accomplished with canned dog food or table scraps. Caution should be taken when handling wild dogs caught in live traps. Wild dogs can be extremely aggressive when cornered or trapped and may carry diseases like rabies or distemper.
Confinement of pets in a well-maintained fence is essential to the safety of your pet and a reduction in wild dog numbers. Spaying and neutering of your family pets will eliminate unwanted dogs, while also decreasing stress on humane shelter finances. Being a responsible pet owner is priority number one in eliminating the wild dog problem in the United States.
For more information on wild dogs or control methods contact Area Wildlife Biologist Chris Jaworowski at 154 Battlefield Rd. Lowndesboro, AL 36752 or contact your local Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District Office.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com/.
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