Problematic Wildlife Management

Clemson will provide research and education and support to address problematic wildlife management issues within the state.

Goals:

• Conduct targeted research on agricultural and timber producers’ lands experiencing wildlife damage to determine the most effective methods to reduce damage.
• Promote awareness and education through Clemson’s Cooperative Extension Service to agricultural producers and others by providing information on the latest techniques to reduce damage and assist landowners with developing management plans.
• Develop internship programs for students in the area of managing wildlife damage.

Current State:

• Wildlife damage control is an increasingly important part of the wildlife management profession because of expanding human populations and intensified land-use practices. Along with the growing need to reduce wildlife-people conflicts, public attitudes and environmental regulations are restricting the use of traditional tools of control, such as toxicants and traps. Economic damage to agricultural crops from wild hogs is estimated at $151M, and crop loss from deer damage is estimated at $114M annually.