The VT Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution

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The VT Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict
Resolution

• Comprehending the Problems . . .
• Developing the Solutions

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What is conflict resolution, in the context with
wildlife?

• A solution to or accepted course of action taken
  in response to our (human) controversies that
  involve wildlife

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A solution to or accepted course of action taken
in response to our (human) controversies that
involve wildlife

• Implies that
• a problem exists
• agreement can be reached
• But - by whom, when, and at what cost and to whom?

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Human-wildlife conflicts abound, often in
unexpected places
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Examples of Recent Events that Involved
WildlifeWhat is the Potential for an
Undesirable Outcome ?
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VULTURES COLONIZING VIRGINIA TOWNS (Source New
York Times, James Dao, August 8,
2003)                                        
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MEANDERING BLACK BEAR ENTERS VIRGINIA
HOSPITAL (June 17, 2003)
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YOU ARE A PROBLEM, MY DEER Roanoke Times
(Roanoke.com)
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WATERFOWL ENDANGER WATER QUALITY, HUMAN
HEALTH? (statewide)
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H-W Conflict complex/diverse

• What seems to be a relatively simple issue is
  anything but in todays world
• Many contributing factors add layer upon layer of
  nuance to an already value-laden and sometimes
  very emotional topic

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Why do we have conflicts?

• Examples of recent findings . . .
• 1. The number of reports of situations that
  involve Virginia citizens, wildlife, and/or
  feral/domestic animals is increasing
• 2. The experience and background knowledge of the
  average citizen about wildlife is low to moderate
  at best

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• Examples from recent surveys of American adults .
  . .
• 75 believe the coyote is an endangered
  species
• 58 were more concerned about the suffering of an
  individual animal than about the well-being of
  the species
• 50 did not know spiders have 8 legs

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Why do we have conflicts?

• 3. The average citizens tolerance for
  accommodating wildlife or accepting some level of
  inconvenience is low
• 4. The expectation for immediate response and
  complete resolution (elimination) of a
  nuisance is high

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Why do we have conflicts?

• 5. In todays society, citizens do not
  understand
• the methods, tools, and options currently
  available for use to resolve conflicts
• the legal restrictions that limit response
  options
• population dynamics and the role it plays in
  active management

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Why do we have conflicts?

• 6. The readiness of individuals to cope with a
  real situation that involves wildlife is low
• 7. Recognition that they are a part of the
  problem is unheard of . . . people are not
  willing to accept responsibility

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Personal
Community

• Extrapolate this to local governance and many of
  the same traits/characteristics apply equally
  well
• many communities are ill-prepared to deal with
  the situations they confront
• many have no plan in place (or under
  consideration) on how to deal effectively with
  these problems

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The Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution
(CHWCR)

• Partnership between Virginia Cooperative
  Extension and Conservation Management Institute
• Involves key agency govt. players, NGOs, and
  stakeholder representatives
• Advisory Board structure

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Advisory Board Composition of the CHWCR

• Department of Game Inland Fisheries (biology,
  enforcement)
• USDA APHIS-WS
• Virginia Animal Control Association
• Virginia Federation of Humane Organizations
• The Wildlife Center of Virginia
• Virginia Farm Bureau Federation
• Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators Association
• Virginia Municipal League
• Virginia Association of Counties
• US Fish Wildlife Service Enforcement Division

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The Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution
(CHWCR)

• Four-part mission
• Coordination
• Information dissemination
• Educational instruction, training, and
  professional development
• Research

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Approach to Solution

• Meeting of the Minds
• Improve knowledge of what providers do
• Understand mandates, responsibilities, and
  missions responders operate under
• Recognize the limitations we all face
• Establish working relationships to enhance
  overall effectiveness

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Approach to Solution

• Need for a standardized protocol
• Quick identification of problem and proper
  entities to be involved (and at what level)
• Ensure consistent response
• Provide accurate and timely information
• Realistic expectancies conveyed to clientele

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Approach to Solution

• Cost-Effectiveness
• Resources dont grow on trees
• Establish priorities
• Target highest needs efficiently

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Current CHWCR Priorities

• Determine the most pressing issues and needs
  statewide (needs assessment)
• Identify those affected and those who can help
  tackle them (stakeholder analysis)
• Identify appropriate goals/objectives and
  realistic timeframe for fulfillment
• Strive for consensus - - be willing to accept
  simple majority

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Current CHWCR Priorities

• Website development information dissemination
  and resource distribution
• Locate, evaluate, and post existing resources
  utilize useful information without recreating
  the wheel
• Provide acceptable links to other pertinent sites

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• Aspire to do great things, but. . .
• recognize limitations
• consider alternatives
• examine consequences

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