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About Us
| Localities in Virginia increasingly are being challenged with
problems associated with overabundant wildlife or individual animals
found in locations that are not compatible with human activities.
Species of concern may include both indigenous (native) wildlife
and invasive and/or exotic wildlife. As the human population continues
to expand, especially into rural areas, these problems likely will
become more pervasive. Animals can cause damage to personal or corporate
property (e.g., residential and commercial structures and associated
landscaping; crops; vehicles) and to other wildlife populations
and the habitats they require. Although the numbers in Virginia
so far remain low, human deaths have resulted from human-wildlife
interactions (e.g., deer/vehicle collisions, diseases such as rabies
or hanta virus). Successful management of nuisance wildlife problems
often is a complicated process, particularly because it is so difficult
to achieve consensus for action among all stakeholders.
Homeowners, landowners, businesses, and government entities in Virginia currently have several options available where assistance in planning and implementing a nuisance wildlife management program can be obtained. Independent, private companies can provide technical information or physically remove troublesome animals for clients, but they rarely collect and analyze data, prepare comprehensive management plans, or implement education programs. Further, their services often may be limited to the major urban or metropolitan centers; private sector assistance for rural residents can be difficult to secure. The Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution was established at Virginia Tech in 2004 to provide much-needed services to constituents of Virginia. The Conservation Management Institute (CMI), a research center in the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service are uniquely qualified to provide assistance with these multi-disciplinary natural resource problems. The Center brings science, information technology, and human dimensions together to help resolve difficult problems. CMI previously has conducted projects throughout North America that address landscape ecology, education, outreach, and the application of information technology, all elements that can be useful in developing new approaches to nuisance wildlife problems in Virginia. Virginia Cooperative Extension brings decades of service and unmatched experience in providing constituents with relevant education opportunities, resources, and unbiased information. Please read the Center's White Paper to learn more about the Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution. |
Advisory Board |
The Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution has provided guidance by the oversight of its advisory board. The advising organizations and agencies are Animal Welfare Consultant |
All map images © Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, from their VAFWIS website.
All species images © USDA Forest Service or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service unless otherwise noted.
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