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  You are here:  AllExperts > Science > Animals/Wildlife > Wildlife Damage Control

Expert Profile: Stephen Vantassel

Expertise:  I can assist the public in responding to all kinds of wildlife related problems in the United States and Canada, including birds, mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, beavers, opossums, voles, moles, chipmunks, woodchucks, pocket gophers, and more. My passion is wildlife damage identification, for if you don't know what animal is causing the problem, you can't begin to resolve it responsibly.

Experience in the area
I was a full time animal damage controller for over 5 years and a part-time animal damage controller for over 10. I have been a volunteer for AllExperts.com for over 5 years under the Pest Control Category, when they graciously created a new category that better suited my experience (I don't answer bug questions). I was a licensed animal controller in both Massachusetts, Connecticut and Nebraska. I presently run the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, http://icwdm.org.

Organizations
National Wildlife Control Operators Association, Community Integrated Pest Management group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Publications
I have published two books (both revised), The Wildlife Removal Handbook rev. ed. and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook rev. ed. Additionally, I have written articles which have appeared in Wildlife Control Technology Magazine, Fur-Fish & Game, The Trapper, The Fur Taker, The Probe, and others. I have co-authored wildlife related publications for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension program and was responsible for revising the handbook designed for the Pest Controllers looking to obtain their category 14 license.

Education/Credentials
I was a trapper education instructor for the state of Massachusetts, and have attended a variety of conferences and trainings.

Awards and Honors
Certified Wildlife Control Operator

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Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:  There is no magic in animal damage control. People are constantly searching for some chemical, spray, audible or visual repellent that will make all their wildlife problems go away. But these are dead end roads.
Something controversial or provocative about this subject  People constantly say wildlife have become a problem because we took away their homes. It is more complicated than that. Most problem wildlife actually thrive in human impacted environments. The fact is, we haven't taken away their homes, we have actually given them homes. For example, we have more raccoons today than when Columbus discovered the New World. Another myth--relocation is humane.
What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?  To find better ways to educate the public about responsible and effective wildlife damage control. There is so much mythology in this field, that it is very difficult to get the truth out. I hope to some day be on national television educating people on how they can employ simple steps to reduce conflicts with wildlife.
What do you like about this subject?  Wildlife damage control is a fascinating field because animals are always adapting to human activity.
Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 710
Knowledge   9.77   Best of the best
Clarity of Response   9.64   Best of the best
Timeliness   9.95   Best of the best
Politeness   9.91   Best of the best
Number Of Questions
(in Past 24 Hours)
1
Max Questions to be Asked
(in 24 Hour period)
10
Total Questions
(since joining AllExperts)
83
Recent Reviews from Users
KnowlClarityTimePolitenessDate
101009/22/08
101009/04/08
1010101006/23/08
1010101006/01/08
1010101005/17/08
User Comments
Thanks for the answer. We do indeed have a woodchuck family on our property, so you must be right.
(Evan London on 06/23/08)
Thank you for taking the time to send me the links, I will try some of your suggestions.
(Diana on 06/01/08)
I appreciate the fast response. Thanks.
(Mike on 05/17/08)
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Recent Answers from Stephen Vantassel
2008-09-24  1 inch hole dug into potted plant Unfortunately, you didn't mention what diameter the hole was. But four inches deep sounds very strange. Likely culprits would be in this order, rats, birds, squirrels. I don't think a mouse would...
2008-09-17  Problem Geese Repellents rarely work the way the public wants them too. You need to get thoroughly educated on geese control before you initiate any control action. You can get free material from the links at http://www...
2008-09-16  creature leaving small piles of dirt in our garage Need more details on the dirt piles, but my guesses would include, worms, or crayfish. We have an image of worm activity on our page. http://www.icwdm.org/Inspection/gardengrass.asp High res photos...
2008-09-12  Skunk infestation in my small backyard Sorry about your use of fox urine. I could have saved you the trouble. Trappers have been using fox urine for years to capture foxes and inevitably catch some skunks too. You have two options....
2008-09-11  Rabbits in house I am a bit unclear as to why structural changes can't be performed. Something as simple as chicken wire will keep a rabbit from entering a hole or opening. Sure, not the prettiest thing to look at but...
More Answers for "Wildlife Damage Control"


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