invasive species

Just ban it all: California’s latest “fix” for invasive nutria

The state is already seeking to ban the primary mode of “dealing” with the nutria issue (trapping), and is now on a warp-speed course to remove all incentive for anyone to trap the animals in the future (via a fur usage ban). Since the state has done such a “bang-up job” of banning two primary modes of helping to control the persistent fur-bearing rodent, the only thing left to do is ban the craftily little unwanted guests themselves.

As trapping ban looms, California expands Nutria eradication efforts.

Despite a looming state-wide trapping ban, millions in funding continue to be thrown at a growing nutria invasion. In a year’s time, California’s “nutria eradication task force” has set up 487 camera stations, conducted 1,600 camera checks and administered 995 trap sets. Farmers in San Joaquin Valley have donated five tons of sweet potatoes to be used as nutria bait, according to media reports.

New Hampshire lawmakers seek protections for coyotes

House Bill 442 would place a closed section on the current “year-round” coyote hunting season. The bill seeks to close hunting of coyotes from April 1 through August 31, to coincide with what the bill states are “pup rearing” months. The bill comes at a time when the topic of predator management is immensely polarized across much of North America.

My Enemy's Enemy: Scotland's Pine Martens Bolster Squirrel Competition

My Enemy's Enemy: Scotland's Pine Martens Bolster Squirrel Competition

Shared enemies within a wild ecosystem may propagate competitive interactions between varying species. Can a predator of a threatened species actually assist with the recovery of that species?