Demographic data on avian species are critically important for conservation and management. Research on avian demography often requires some level of human disturbance at nest sites. We document researcher disturbance influence on Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum: cormorant) reproductive parameters of nest success and survival at breeding colonies on Spider and Pilot Islands, Lake Michigan, Wisconsin, USA. Cormorant nests were monitored daily throughout the breeding season (April-August) via game cameras. Breeding colonies were subject to research disturbance of band resighting efforts, adult capture, and fledgling banding. Over two field seasons, we reviewed 399,674 photographs from 32 game cameras, with 187 nests used in analyses. Nests were 16.82 times more likely to fail on days researchers visited the island compared to days they did not. Nests in 2011 were 6.16 times more likely to succeed than nests in 2010. Nests were 1.76 times more likely to succeed during the chick stage than the egg stage. Nest survival for both islands increased substantially from 2010 to 2011 averaging 50.0% and 89.1%, respectively. Nest survival over the years and islands with researcher disturbance excluded from analyses averaged 75.15% (52.3%-97.7%), compared to 69.58% (40.9%- 91.8%) with researcher disturbance. Researcher disturbance had a substantial impact on cormorant nest success in 2010. When researcher visits in 2011 were limited to the chick rearing period, nest failures declined markedly on both islands, but research disturbance still had a negative effect. Our research suggests the literature on cormorant demography may underestimate nest success and survival. We recommend researchers conduct surveys after hatching and take precautions to limit disturbance, such as after dark entry and exit from colonies and use of blinds and technology (cameras, drones) where feasible and applicable.

Motivation: SNAPSHOT USA is an annual, multi-contributor camera trap survey of mammals across the United States. The growing SNAPSHOT USA dataset is intended for tracking the spatial and temporal responses of mammal populations to changes in land use, land cover and climate. These data will be useful for exploring the drivers of spatial and temporal changes in relative abundance and distribution, as well as the impacts of species interactions on daily activity patterns. Main Types of Variables Contained: SNAPSHOT USA 2024 contains 377,427 records of camera trap image sequence data and 3127 records of camera trap deployment metadata. Spatial Location and Grain: Data were collected across the United States of America in 49 states, 12 ecoregions and many ecosystems. Time Period and Grain: Data were collected between 1 August and 19 December in 2024. Major Taxa and Level of Measurement: The dataset includes a wide range of taxa but is primarily focused on medium to large mammals. Software Format: SNAPSHOT USA 2024 comprises two.csv files. The original data can be found within the SNAPSHOT USA 2024 project on the Wildlife Insights platform.

ABSTRACT Colony fidelity and dispersal can have important consequences on the population dynamics of colonial-nesting birds. We studied survival and inter-colony movements of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus; cormorants) nesting at Spider and Pilot islands, located 9 km apart in western Lake Michigan, during 2008–2014. We used live resighting and dead recovery data from both colonies, plus dead recoveries from throughout North America, in a multistate live and dead encounter model to estimate annual survival, inter-colony movements, plus temporary and permanent emigration to unmonitored sites. Annual survival averaged 0.37 (annual process variation, = 0.07) for hatch-year, 0.78 ( = 0.08) for second-year, and 0.89 ( = 0.04) for after-second year birds. The best approximating model recognized only 2 age classes for transition probabilities, indicating little difference in fidelity and movement probabilities after the natal year. Annual fidelity to Spider and Pilot islands averaged 0.53 ( = 0.17) and 0.48 ( = 0.24) for second-year and 0.55 ( = 0.23) and 0.62 ( = 0.16) for after-second year cormorants, respectively, indicating substantial emigration for both age classes. For birds that dispersed, emigration was approximately equally divided among neighboring colonies, temporary emigration sites from which surviving birds subsequently returned, or permanent emigration sites from which birds never returned (but were still encountered through dead recoveries). Our results indicate that Double-crested Cormorants in the Great Lakes have tremendous potential to disperse, which may help to explain their rapid recolonization following historically low populations in the early 1970s.

The Jack H. Berryman Institute (BI) was created in 1993 at Utah State University (USU) to help resolve issues of human–wildlife confl ict and to improve education on humanwildlife interactions. In 2002, the BI expanded to include Mississippi State University (MSU) as an eastern base of operations, and, together, BIWest (USU) and BI-East (MSU) aim to support research and education in human–wildlife interactions. BI operations were long funded by a federal earmark on the USDA/APHIS/ Wildlife Services (WS) budget, but this funding was lost when the U.S. Congress eliminated all earmarks for federal fi scal year 2011. Since the loss of federal funding, the BI has been in “baseline survival” mode while seeking ways to retain its faculty, staff , and student positions using alternative funding sources. Some of this funding has been obtained from the parent states (Utah and Mississippi) or university budget adjustments, and, thus, the core BI personnel remain supported. However, positions that have been vacated since the budget cuts cannot be refi lled. Additionally, several educational programs implemented by the BI, including distance education courses and academic advising for WS employees, and activities of the USU student organization at BI-West, have had to be terminated. Also discontinued is the request for proposals program implemented by BI-West to support university research and graduate students with solution-aimed projects on human–wildlife interactions in the western United States. Despite budget cuts and programming losses, the BI continues to have the support of many wildlife professionals that want to see the Institute’s mission of supporting research and education in human–wildlife interactions endure. BI administrators, thanks to the support of their respective university administrations, are using new resources to support personnel and programming. These include fees for conferences and symposia, cost-recoverable workshops, and sales from BI publications. The BI’s peer-reviewed journal Human–Wildlife Interactions is currently sustainable through page charges, subscriptions, advertisements, and sales of Institute publications, such as management guides, monographs, and conference proceedings. Also, USU will continue to use the Jack H. Berryman endowment to support undergraduate academic scholarships. Many research and educational organizations have been aff ected by budgetary constraints in recent years. The BI is working hard with its federal partner, WS, to fi nd innovative ways of continuing its mission. With the collective consideration and support of all those invested in resolving problems involving human– wildlife interactions, the BI hopefully will weather the storm and continue to serve its nationally recognized role in wildlife science in the United States.

Colonial waterbirds have impacted forested island ecosystems throughout their breeding range, changing vegetation, and soil characteristics and bird communities. Our objectives were to (1) determine effects of three levels of colonial waterbird exclusion on overall vegetation diversity and growth, and survival of a candidate restoration species (black elderberry; Sambucus nigra canadensis); (2) investigate effects of different planting techniques on survival and growth of black elderberry; and (3) determine effects of waterbird colonization on soil chemistry. In 2012, we investigated effects of three levels of waterbird exclusion (none control plots [CON]; partial, which excluded waterbirds larger than gulls [PEX]; and full which excluded all waterbirds [FEX]) on bird use, existing vegetation growth and diversity, and survival of planted black elderberry on three islands in Door County, WI, Lake Michigan. In 2013, we evaluated survival of black elderberry established with four planting treatments within three waterbird exclusion treatments on two islands in 2013. We also compared soil chemistry characteristics between islands with and without nesting waterbirds for 2 years. Overall plant growth was greater in exclosures, but elderberry survival was similar among treatments. Soil replacement and weed suppression planting treatments did not affect survival, but generally increased overall elderberry biomass. Soil from nesting islands was more acidic and had greater nutrient concentrations than reference islands. Exclusion or removal of colonial nesting waterbirds from islands may improve overall vegetation growth, but successful restoration of woody vegetation may require significant soil manipulation and planting.

As resident Canada goose (Branta canadensis) populations increase throughout North America, so do the health and environmental risks associated with goose feces. Previous studies suggest that goose feces may be a conduit for transmitting Giardia, a protozoan that is parasitic to humans. We surveyed fecal droppings from free-ranging resident Canada geese for Giardia spp. at 9 sites in the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill) of North Carolina in 2007 and 2008. Samples (n = 234) were tested using the ProSpect (R) Giardia EZ Microplate Assay, and there were no positives. Our results indicate that risk of zoonotic giardiasis from Canada goose feces in the Triangle area of North Carolina is low.

Aircraft collisions with birds and other wildlife pose a significant risk to and cost the aviation industry hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and lost revenue every year. Most wildlife strikes occur within the airport environment; thus, the responsibility for mitigation falls upon the airport operator. Wildlife attractants that provide food, shelter, and water are often located on or adjacent to airports. This report presents information from literature and illustrative case examples on habitat management to deter wildlife at airports and manage risk to aviation. Individual chapters address: airfield turf; landscaping; airport structures; alternative energy; agriculture; other vegetation on airport property; water resources; permitting concerns; and other potential conflicts. It is the third of three related syntheses of airport practice reports and completes the series on wildlife risk management at airports. This synthesis is intended for airport operators, wildlife biologists, planners, and engineers. These are the people that at some stage are responsible for deciding how to develop, design, or manage habitat on and around airport property. Other interested parties may include regulatory officials with local, state, and federal transportation safety or environmental departments, as well as human–wildlife conflict specialists.

Understanding factors that influence recruitment can improve wildlife conservation. Endangered blackfooted ferrets (Mustela nigripes) rely on prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) for food and on prairie dog burrows for shelter. We hypothesized that younger female ferrets with greater densities of prairie dogs in their core use area and fewer adult ferrets in their respective prairie dog colony, would produce more kits due to age-dependent productivity, increased food resources, and decreased competition. We used generalized linear mixed-effects regression and Akaike's information criterion adjusted for sample size (AICc) to rank models relating adult female black-footed ferret litter size (range 1-7 kits, n = 24 litters) to female age, core area density of prairie dogs, and adult ferret densities from 3 sites in the USA, 2005-2008. We included year and site as random effects in all models. We observed great model uncertainty; the null model was most supported and received 44% of model weight (w). The next best-supported model included ferret density only (AAIC, = 1.55, w = 0.20). Ferret density may not have been great enough to negatively affect prey acquisition and litter sizes. Mean litter size did not vary among female ages, but inference was limited because only one individual was >3 years old (F = 2.13 years, SD = 0.99). All adult females produced kits, suggesting that the observed minimum prairie dog density in ferret core use areas (12.3 individuals ha-l-) was above a threshold of minimal prey abundance for reproduction. Our findings support previous selections of reintroduction sites as those meeting minimum resource needs of individual ferrets for reproduction. Future selections of reintroduction sites may become more difficult if the number of areas with the minimum necessary prairie dog density decreases due to disease and reductions in habitat availability.

Endangered species conservation requires the understanding of factors affecting animal condition and performance. However, commonly investigated resource-use metrics such as habitat selection may not accurately predict biological outcomes because some components of habitats are more important to animals than others. We examined individual level resource-outcome relationships and the relationship between 2 biological outcome metrics-body condition and fate-in Ozark hellbenders Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi, which were recently included on the US Endangered Species List by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Our regression models included proportional use of a stream substrate, average distance to cover, distance moved, and water temperature as predictors of daily change in body condition or fate of captive-reared, radio-marked released hellbender populations in 2 sections of the North Fork of the White River in Missouri in 2008-2009. Distance moved between observations helped predict change in body condition, but no variable predicted fate well. We infer that resource use of selected substrate features did not predict biological outcomes in the short term. Our results indicate that energetic metrics such as distance moved can predict biological outcomes better than use of substrate features. Body condition did not correlate with fate and may be a poor indicator of an animal's ability to survive and reproduce. These investigations improve our understanding of influences on biological outcomes in hellbenders, which may improve efficacy of management and conservation of this species through efforts to increase abundance of important resources to improve hellbender condition and performance.

Many North American ursids rely on an annual hyperphagic period to obtain fat reserves necessary for winter survival and reproduction. Identifying causes of variation in body fat gain may improve understanding of how bear resource use affects body condition. We used data from southcentral Alaska to model changes in percentage body fat of adult female American black bears (Ursus americanus) in 1998 and 2000 and brown bears (Ursus arctos) in 2000. We used year, proportion of radio locations in different habitats, distance to streams containing salmon (Onchorynchus spp.), and degree of radio location clustering as predictors for black bears and elevation, distance to streams containing salmon, and degree of radio location clustering as predictors for brown bears. Degree of location clustering was the only predictor variable supported by parameter coefficients in black bear models, supporting our hypothesis that metrics of energetics perform better as predictors of body condition than habitat use. With every unit increase in location clustering black bear body fat increased 2 %. No predictor variables influenced variation in brown bear change in body fat. Some variables previously found useful for predicting bear presence (e.g., habitat) were not useful in predicting changes in body fat, an important biological outcome for these species. Rather than assuming fitness benefits of habitat-level selection, we recommend including metrics of energetics that might more directly influence biological outcomes.

Anthraquinone (AQ)-based repellents have been shown to reduce Canada goose (Branta canadensis) use of turfgrass; however, impacts of frequent mowing on efficacy of AQ have not been studied. Our objective was to determine efficacy and longevity of a rain-fast AQ-based avian repellent, FlightControl (R) PLUS (FCP), as a deterrent of free-ranging resident Canada geese under 2 mowing frequencies. We conducted the study at 8 sites in the Triangle region (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill) of North Carolina, USA. We arranged our experiment in a randomized complete block design, with each of 8 sites containing 4 0.1-ha treatment combinations: 1) treated with FCP and mowed every 4 days (T4), 2) treated with FCP and mowed every 8 days (T8), 3) untreated and mowed every 4 days, and 4) untreated and mowed every 8 days. We conducted 4 37-day field sessions (Jun-Jul 2007, Sep-Oct 2007, Jun-Jul 2008, and Sep-Oct 2008), representing the summer molting phase and the full-plumage phase. Resident goose use (measured by daily no. of droppings) was 41-70% lower on treated plots than on untreated plots, but use was similar between T4 and T8. Average FCP coverage on grass blades decreased in coverage from approximately 95% to 10% over the 30-day posttreatment phase. Results indicate that resident Canada goose use of FCP-treated turfgrass areas was lower than untreated areas even when chemical coverage on grass was 10%. Further, mowing frequency did not have a clear impact on the efficacy of FCP as a Canada goose repellent.

High populations of Canada geese ( Branta canadensis L.) can lead to feces accumulation in areas adjacent to surface waters, creating concern about aquatic eutrophication. Further, turf managers and livestock farmers work to keep their facilities free of noxious or toxic weeds that geese potentially disperse. We investigated the prevalence of viable seeds and nitrogen and phosphorus content in resident Canada goose droppings. During spring, summer, and fall of 2008, we collected 127 fresh individual droppings which were placed in seedling trays within an irrigated greenhouse and allowed 30 days for weed seed to germinate. Trays were cold stratified for 30 days and returned to the greenhouse for an additional 30 days. Also, during summer and fall of 2007 and 2008, we tested 304 fecal samples from 8 sites for total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and total phosphorus (TP). Out of 127 droppings planted, 4 plants germinated (3.1%): Pennsylvania smartweed ( Polygonum pennsylvanicum L.), annual bluegrass ( Poa annua L.), and 2 Kyllinga spp. The average amounts of TKN and TP in fecal samples were 24.2 mg/g (range = 12.6 to 55.7) and 3.6 mg/g (range = 1.4 to 8.3) of dry matter, respectively. The results indicate that Canada geese in suburban and urban areas are not frequent vectors of viable seeds, but do have potential to contribute nutrients to adjacent surface waters.

ABSTRACT Anthraquinone (AQ)‐based repellents have been shown to reduce Canada goose ( Branta canadensis ) use of turfgrass; however, impacts of frequent mowing on efficacy of AQ have not been studied. Our objective was to determine efficacy and longevity of a rain‐fast AQ‐based avian repellent, FlightControl® PLUS (FCP), as a deterrent of free‐ranging resident Canada geese under 2 mowing frequencies. We conducted the study at 8 sites in the Triangle region (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill) of North Carolina, USA. We arranged our experiment in a randomized complete block design, with each of 8 sites containing 4 0.1‐ha treatment combinations: 1) treated with FCP and mowed every 4 days (T4), 2) treated with FCP and mowed every 8 days (T8), 3) untreated and mowed every 4 days, and 4) untreated and mowed every 8 days. We conducted 4 37‐day field sessions (Jun‐Jul 2007, Sep‐Oct 2007, Jun‐Jul 2008, and Sep‐Oct 2008), representing the summer molting phase and the full‐plumage phase. Resident goose use (measured by daily no. of droppings) was 41–70% lower on treated plots than on untreated plots, but use was similar between T4 and T8. Average FCP coverage on grass blades decreased in coverage from approximately 95% to 10% over the 30‐day posttreatment phase. Results indicate that resident Canada goose use of FCP‐treated turfgrass areas was lower than untreated areas even when chemical coverage on grass was 10%. Further, mowing frequency did not have a clear impact on the efficacy of FCP as a Canada goose repellent.