Compensation programs for wildlife damage in North America

摘要: Financial compensation for damages caused by wildlife is an alternative to lethal damage management techniques, but little known about the use of these programs in North America. We conducted surveys requesting information on species and type covered programs, annual cost monitoring assessment program success agencies all states Canadian provinces. also requested providing producers with damage-abatement materials instead or addition financial compensation. All provinces responded our survey. Nineteen 7 had com- pensation 34 provided materi- als. Most were funded state, private federal organizations some programs. Deer (Odocoileus spp.) most common (in 14 provinces) followed bear (Ursus spp.; 12), elk (Cervus elaphus; 10), moose (Alces alces; 7), waterfowl 6), pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana; wolves (Canis 5), mountain lions (Puma concolor; 4), coyotes latrans; 3). Compensation involving ungulates in- cluded cultivated crops 1 5 provinces), standing hay pastures stored other property including fencing irri- gation equipment 8). Programs predators involved livestock losses. bears crops, livestock, beekeeping equipment. In general, established problems that recent origin, exacerbated governmental actions, highly valued species. Few formal evaluation procedures their Given expense divided opinions we recommend implement a review system.