A trained wildlife control officer can deal with a variety of problems that may arise from the presence of wild animals. Generally, such situations are complex and involve varying degrees of risk. However, some species of animals are particularly problematic, posing safety issues. Bats and raccoons are particularly harmful to people due to their ability to transmit disease. In such situations, it is important to contact a professional to ensure that wildlife is not harmed by the intervention.
A guiding philosophy for wildlife control includes the need to balance the welfare of the animals and the protection of humans. The ethics of wildlife control are not easily defined. While there are numerous ethical principles that should be followed, it is important to be specific about the goal. The objectives should be related to the harm that wildlife is causing to humans and their environment. The objective should be measurable and should be based on the effectiveness of the chosen action.
When deciding whether to kill or not, wildlife control methods should be informed by scientific, technical, and practical information. In addition, decisions regarding control actions should be based on the situation at hand and must be justified by evidence of significant harms to human welfare. Once a decision has been made, it should be integrated into a long-term management program that addresses a variety of risks and manages the population over time. As with any other type of management, these decisions must be backed by the specific situation.
The most important criteria for wildlife control decisions are the human factors and environmental conditions. While the presence of a negative-labelled species is an important consideration, the decision should be based on the needs of the local community and its own unique circumstances. The most effective methods of dealing with the problem depend on the specific circumstances. As long as a responsible technician is trained in animal handling, he or she will be able to minimize damage to human property and the environment.
The method of wildlife control should be justified by the substantial harm it causes to humans and the animals. While there are several types of methods, these methods should be selected with the least amount of damage to animals in mind. They should also be effective at restoring ecosystems and protecting human health. For example, the Humane Society of the United States provides information on wildlife law and offers guidelines for preventing and resolving problems caused by wild neighbors.
Although there are many benefits of wildlife control, these methods should be used only when they are absolutely necessary. Oftentimes, a wildlife population is not sustainable and may be a burden on the environment, or it may cause a human-wildlife conflict. Regardless of the method, the purpose of the action should be clearly defined. If the species has to be eradicated, the methods should be evaluated and modified if necessary. In addition to the cost of human lives, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the action.