Mission Statement:

The mission of the Brown Soil & Water Conservation District is to provide the leadership in promoting and protecting the integrity of Brown County's soil, water and other natural resources through technical assistance and education.

Wildlife Damage

The following is a list of some of the more common wildlife that can cause crop damage in Brown County.  If you are having crop damage due to wildlife call Brown SWCD at the phone number above to see what we can do for you.

    Deer- Since they lack upper incisors, plant material is torn off, rabbits have upper incisors and leave a clean edge on the plant.

    Black Vultures- These animals are distinguished from turkey vultures by their smaller size and black head instead of a red head.  They also have a white spot on the tip of their wings.

        *If you have experienced a livestock loss due to vultures, please review the following document for more details...click here - "Reporting details"

    Wild Turkeys- Wild Turkeys cause less damage than expected.  While in fields, they are often foraging for insects, actually protecting your crops.  Sometimes they will choose to dust in the field, which generally causes minimal damage.

    Canada Geese-  Geese will top the plant.

    Crows- Crows will pull out corn as it is sprouting

    Raccoons-  Raccoons will eat poultry by biting the head off, tear up bird feeders, dig holes in watermelons, climb up corn stalks and do many other things.

The following link from Ohio Division of Wildlife can help guide you through some of the more common damage that you may see.

http://www.dnr.ohio.gov/wildlife/Resources/cropdamage/default.htm

NUISANCE ANIMALS   

 The following is a list of common nuisance complaint animals.  The suggestions are just that, suggestions.  You can call Brown SWCD and ask for a list of nuisance trappers in the county, or for more information.

    Raccoons- Raccoons are a familiar site to many, especially laying along side the road.  Eliminate food sources for raccoons: bring in your pets food, clean up and don't leave garbage out are a few simple suggestions.

    Moles- Moles dig tunnels in yards while searching for food.  You can buy traps that will catch the mole.

    Bats- Bats can get into your attic.  During the winter, check around your house and seal any holes that could be used as entrances.

    Squirrels- The same can be done as with bats.  Squirrels also get into bird feeders.  To deter them from your bird feeder, try setting up an ear of corn for them away from your bird feeders.

    Beavers- Beavers cut down trees and dam up streams.  To protect your trees, try putting up a metal barrier around your trees.  You could also get someone to trap the beaver during the trapping season.

    Muskrats- Muskrats dig their burrows into the bank of streams and ponds.  These burrows will sometimes collapse.  To deal with muskrats, you can get rid of all food sources for them, or you can trap them during trapping season.

    Snakes- Snakes do not cause much damage, but they do eat rodents that can get into your house.  If you have snakes in your basement, you could also have a healthy rodent population.

For problems or questions regarding this web contact melody.dragoo@oh.nacdnet.net.
Last updated: 06/27/07.