Factsheets

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and is always fatal unless the victim has been immunized or receives proper treatment. It affects all mammals. This two-page fact sheet provides background about the disease and what animals are likely to carry and spread rabies. It also covers rabies control, what to do if bitten by any animal, and what to do with a suspected rabid animal.

If you notice house finches at your bird feeder with crusty, watery, or infected-looking eyes, you are not alone. A condition called house finch conjunctivitis, discovered during the winter of 1993–94, is spreading through the eastern United States. Some sick birds recover, while others become blind and die of starvation or fall prey to cats and hawks. This four-page fact sheet discusses how to know if birds at your feeder have the disease, what happens to infected birds, which wild birds are affected, what you can do to prevent spread of the disease, what to do if you find dead birds at your feeder, and other issues.

This publication explains how to keep woodpeckers from becoming a problem or how to lessen the problem if one currently exists.

Although most people find a few ducks or geese acceptable, waterfowl populations can quickly get out of hand. One pair of geese can, in five to seven years, easily become 50 to 100 birds that foul ponds and damage lawns, golf courses, and crops. This six-page fact sheet provides information on controlling damage caused by Canada geese, ducks, and swans.

The open-water areas and large concentrations of fish at aquaculture facilities appear to be a virtual smorgasbord for wildlife that eat fish, including birds. This six-page fact sheet identifies birds that have caused problems at Pennsylvania facilities and discusses a wide variety of damage control methods. It includes a listing of control materials and suppliers.

Large numbers of birds around barns, livestock and poultry facilities, and farm buildings can cause damage and unsanitary working conditions. This six-page publication explains steps to keep birds from becoming a problem or to lessen the problem if one currently exists.

If you notice house finches at your bird feeder with crusty, watery, or infected-looking eyes, you are not alone. A condition called house finch conjunctivitis, discovered during the winter of 1993–94, is spreading through the eastern United States. Some sick birds recover, while others become blind and die of starvation or fall prey to cats and hawks. This four-page fact sheet discusses how to know if birds at your feeder have the disease, what happens to infected birds, which wild birds are affected, what you can do to prevent spread of the disease, what to do if you find dead birds at your feeder, and other issues.

Moles play a beneficial role in the management of soil and the control of undesirable grubs and insects, but homeowners may object to molehills and the shallow tunnels moles create. This six-page fact sheet discusses mole biology, damage caused by moles, and damage control strategies.

Four species of voles occur in Pennsylvania: the meadow vole, the pine vole, the red-backed vole, and the rock vole. The red-backed vole and rock vole are primarily restricted to mountainous areas, and it is the meadow vole and pine vole that are most often responsible in damage situations. This four-page fact sheet covers vole biology, food habits, damage caused by voles, and damage control methods.

Chipmunks typically inhabit woodlands, but they also inhabit areas in and around rural and suburban homes. In large numbers, they can cause structural damage by burrowing under patios, stairs, retention walls, or foundations. They also may eat flower bulbs, seeds, or seedlings. This four-page fact sheet discusses chipmunk biology and explores ways to control damage caused by chipmunks.

Black bears are the smallest and most common of the three bear species found in North America, and the only species found in Pennsylvania. This four-page fact sheet covers general black bear biology, damage caused by black bears, and damage control strategies.

This six-page publication discusses bat biology, how to handle a single bat flying into a house or a bat colony in a house, bat-proofing techniques, legal status, and public health concerns. It includes information on making bat boxes and sources for more information.

This 28-page publication describes the important role that bats play in our environment and explains what to do if you find yourself sharing living quarters with them. It also discusses the reality behind the most commonly held misconceptions surrounding these beneficial mammals. It includes information on bat-proofing materials and bat box construction plans.

The occasional appearance of a rabbit in the yard is a welcome sight. However, an abundance of rabbits can cause damage to gardens, shrubs, and saplings. This four-page fact sheet will help you identify rabbit damage and find ways to replace it. It includes information on rabbit biology and control methods, including exclusion, repellents, live trapping, habitat modification, toxicants, and shooting.

The woodchuck, also known as the groundhog or whistle pig, is one of Pennsylvania's most widely distributed mammals. On occasion, the woodchuck's feeding and burrowing habits conflict with human interests. This four-page fact sheet covers woodchuck biology, food habits, damage caused by woodchucks, and damage control methods.

Tree squirrels sometimes find their way into buildings through loose siding or ventilation screens. Once inside, they can damage walls, insulation, and electrical wires. This four-page fact sheet covers squirrel biology, food habits, damage caused by squirrels, and damage control methods.

Skunks are well-known, nocturnal residents of Pennsylvania. Because the striped skunk is more common and more likely to come into contact with people, this fact sheet will stress actions associated with them. Skunks are known for their repugnant odor, which can last for days and is a cause for concern particularly because they sometimes set up their dens close to human dwellings. These problems can be alleviated through various damage control techniques described in this publication.

Snakes can be found in most areas of Pennsylvania. They rarely cause actual damage, but they are often considered a nuisance when found in or around buildings. This four-page fact sheet explains general snake biology, poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes, damage and damage identification, legal status, damage control methods, and references for more information.

Does fencing for forest regeneration pay? The short answer is "yes"--if you want a diverse and sustainable forest resource in the future. This publication explores the problem of deer browsing, explains how it affects forest regeneration, and compares several varieties of fencing commonly used by forest owners.