NEXRAD radar used to predict bird collisions

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahomans are familiar with tornado warnings, but what about bird warnings? New research conducted by Oklahoma State University scientists and published in the “Journal of Applied Ecology” indicates weather radars are effective tools for not only predicting weather but also bird collisions.  As many as 1 billion birds die each year from colliding with windows or buildings, but the casualties are not those of pigeons or other invasive species most commonly found…

Continue ReadingNEXRAD radar used to predict bird collisions

Study: White-tailed deer favor crops high in crude protein

White-tailed deer prefer plants high in crude protein and digestibility, according to a recent study. Outdoor enthusiasts get new clues on designing successful food plots MANHATTAN, Kan. – A study of plants preferred by white-tailed deer is providing important information to outdoor enthusiasts who design food plots to encourage hunting or viewing opportunities. Charlie Lee, who recently retired as the wildlife specialist for K-State Research and Extension, said the study from Mississippi State University indicates…

Continue ReadingStudy: White-tailed deer favor crops high in crude protein

Gray Wolf Removed from Endangered Species List

The Department of the Interior announced it has removed the gray wolf from the endangered species list, signaling a successful recovery under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The gray wolf spent more than four decades on the endangered species list. The population is now thriving in the lower 48 states. State and tribal wildlife management agencies will now be responsible for the management and protection of the gray wolf. “This is an Endangered…

Continue ReadingGray Wolf Removed from Endangered Species List

Hunter Observations Can Help Manage Deer Populations

By Josh Gaskamp, Technical Consultation Manager and Wildlife and Range Consultantand Will Moseley, Wildlife and Fisheries Consultant Posted Oct. 1, 2020 As deer season approaches, many hunters and managers set up trail cameras in hopes of learning the whereabouts of a trophy buck. Calculated deer managers may even use this technique and other survey methods to monitor deer population parameters and keep records as a basis for harvest recommendations. We are often questioned on which…

Continue ReadingHunter Observations Can Help Manage Deer Populations

What’s that Buzz? Project aims to use computer vision to identify bumble bee species

Web-based AI program encourages users to submit photos of bees for identification MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University researcher’s effort to develop an artificial intelligence tool for identifying bees has created quite a buzz already. Brian Spiesman, an assistant professor in K-State’s Department of Entomology, launched the website, BeeMachine.AI, earlier this year to relieve a backlog of information needed to help track trends in bee populations across the world. “Bees can be very difficult…

Continue ReadingWhat’s that Buzz? Project aims to use computer vision to identify bumble bee species

Research on lighting system could help reduce deer collisions

K-State wildlife specialist gives overview of emerging technology MANHATTAN, Kan. – Anyone who has ever driven on a highway or rural road in the early morning or after dark – especially in the fall – has a pretty good idea of an ever-present, lurking danger. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, nearly one in six vehicle crashes across the state in 2018 involved a deer. That year, there were 10,734 crashes that…

Continue ReadingResearch on lighting system could help reduce deer collisions

Livestock Producers Celebrate Legislation To Protect Calves And Lambs From Vultures

WASHINGTON (Oct. 1, 2020) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) today released the following statement in response to the House of Representatives passing bipartisan legislation to protect livestock from predation, compensate livestock producers who experience depredation by federally protected species, and fund methods to reduce conflicts between humans and predators.Introduced by Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.),…

Continue ReadingLivestock Producers Celebrate Legislation To Protect Calves And Lambs From Vultures

Skunked? Home remedies, commercial products can help reduce the stink

Humans have a few options for deodorizing hair, clothes or body if they -- or their pets -- are sprayed by a skunk. K-State wildlife expert offers tips for eliminating the pungent smell MANHATTAN, Kan. – There are two sure-fire ways to avoid the pungent smell of a skunk: don’t get into areas where skunks may live, but if you do, for goodness sakes don’t get sprayed. When those two factors collide, humans…

Continue ReadingSkunked? Home remedies, commercial products can help reduce the stink

3 Ways to Attract More Ducks to Your Pond

By Mike PorterSenior Wildlife and Fisheries Consultant Some ponds attract more ducks, and attract ducks more consistently, than other ponds. What can be done to increase the likelihood of ducks visiting a pond? The following management strategies increase the likelihood of migratory ducks visiting a pond. Read more information about fencing ponds and water access points online: Pond FencingFloating Polyethylene Pipe for Livestock Water Access at a Fenced Pond 1. Increase water clarity.…

Continue Reading3 Ways to Attract More Ducks to Your Pond