Chemical repellents and other aversive strategies in predation management

Aversive strategies that are commonly used in wildlife management include those that work on the basis of irritation or pain, conditioning, and fear. None of these strategies are completely successful for a broad spectrum of wildlife. Effectiveness in general is governed by the number and density of wildlife species, the availability of alternative food sources,, the novelty and palatability of chemically treated baits, and the intensity of pain or fear used to establish avoidance. A combination of strategies designed for specific circumstances offer the most promise. In general, however, non-lethal strategies are most effective in an integrated program for predation management.