Interactive presentations using a Powerpoint presentation, handouts, and visual aids (e.g. transmitters, PIT tags, preserved specimens, live snakes) to explain AZ and NM venomous reptile identification, ecology, and behavior. Dr. Nowak will also discuss prevention and appropriate responses when venomous reptiles are found in places where they are not welcomed by humans, and how to prevent venomous snakebites. This presentation is based on 28 years of radio-telemetric and mark-recapture field research on rattlesnakes, conducted primarily in national parks and monuments. The ~1-1.5 hour lecture will be followed by a ~1-1.5 hour hands-on demonstration and class participation in supervised handling of non-venomous and venomous snakes, using snake-safe tongs and snake-proof holding containers. Take-home handout materials will reinforce training concepts, and provide additional resources for living safely with venomous reptiles.

Intended Audience and Justification: This training is aimed at resource managers, state and federal agency staff, park rangers, wildlife managers, law enforcement, field biologists, fire department staff, and others who may be called on to remove a venomous reptile from a dangerous situation. It is intended to help participants learn how to safely handle venomous reptiles in a controlled, carefully supervised environment. Over half of the envenomations in the US occur as a result of improper handling, partly as a result of misunderstanding about normal rattlesnake behavior, and partly as a result of improper handling techniques. By discussing data gleaned from field research on wild venomous reptiles and dispelling popular myths before handling training occurs, we hope to help participants increase their appreciation for these enigmatic creatures, and begin to conquer fears they may have about venomous reptiles, which in turn will lead to safer handling practices.

Instructor:

Erika Nowak, Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes, NAU

The topic of regulated trapping can be among the most contentious and least understood subjects within wildlife management programs. Many wildlife professionals and agency staff are unfamiliar with trapping and shy away from trapping-related discussions with their peers and the public because of their lack of knowledge and familiarity with it. Yet, it is essential that wildlife professionals at all levels understand the diverse ways that trapping is used in wildlife management because of its importance. Wildlife agencies rely on trapping to assist with managing furbearer populations, managing habitats for many species, restoring and managing over 30 T&E species, and resolving human-wildlife interactions that lead to conflicts. Wildlife researchers and managers rely on trapping for the successful and efficient capture of research animals to better understand furbearers and their interactions with various habitats and other species. This workshop will help participants understand trapping and better communicate the benefits of trapping and the many ways in which it contributes to wildlife management programs.

Different trap types and the primary tools and techniques of trapping will be presented with hands-on demonstrations. Information on the many uses of trapping in wildlife management will be presented and materials will be provided. The Best Management Practices for Trapping Program, the largest research program ever conducted on trapping, will also be presented. Additionally, information provided during the workshop will include a review of national surveys of the public who trap, non-trapper public opinion data, focus group and human dimensions studies on the topic of trapping, and effective communication measures to use when discussing this topic among varied audiences. Participants will leave with scientifically sound information about the use of trapping in wildlife management, effective talking points, a better understanding of trap types, trapping tools and techniques, and communication tips that will make them better communicators about trapping when dealing with the professional media and the public.

The workshop consists of three main sections:

1. Traps & Trapping Techniques

   • Hands-on demonstrations of common trap types and associated equipment, and how they are used to capture furbearers safely, humanely, selectively and efficiently

2. The use of trapping wildlife management activities including:

   • Best Management Practices for Trapping; the largest scientific research project ever conducted on trapping to make the activity more humane, safe, selective and effective

   • A better understanding of “trappers”; motivations, demographics, economics

3. Communications Skills:

   • Human dimension studies about regulated trapping

   • Understanding the media and how to give a good interview

   • How individuals can use key messages to inform others about trapping

   • Open dialogue & hands-on activities will be used to develop & improve communication skills and make the experiences interactive and of high professional value for attendees

Instructor:

Bryant White, Program Manager of Trapping Policy and Human/Wildlife Conflicts, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Interactive presentations using a Powerpoint presentation, handouts, and visual aids (e.g. transmitters, PIT tags, preserved specimens, live snakes) to explain AZ and NM venomous reptile identification, ecology, and behavior. Dr. Nowak will also discuss prevention and appropriate responses when venomous reptiles are found in places where they are not welcomed by humans, and how to prevent venomous snakebites. This presentation is based on 28 years of radio-telemetric and mark-recapture field research on rattlesnakes, conducted primarily in national parks and monuments. The ~1-1.5 hour lecture will be followed by a ~1-1.5 hour hands-on demonstration and class participation in supervised handling of non-venomous and venomous snakes, using snake-safe tongs and snake-proof holding containers. Take-home handout materials will reinforce training concepts, and provide additional resources for living safely with venomous reptiles.

Intended Audience and Justification: This training is aimed at resource managers, state and federal agency staff, park rangers, wildlife managers, law enforcement, field biologists, fire department staff, and others who may be called on to remove a venomous reptile from a dangerous situation. It is intended to help participants learn how to safely handle venomous reptiles in a controlled, carefully supervised environment. Over half of the envenomations in the US occur as a result of improper handling, partly as a result of misunderstanding about normal rattlesnake behavior, and partly as a result of improper handling techniques. By discussing data gleaned from field research on wild venomous reptiles and dispelling popular myths before handling training occurs, we hope to help participants increase their appreciation for these enigmatic creatures, and begin to conquer fears they may have about venomous reptiles, which in turn will lead to safer handling practices.

Instructor:

Erika Nowak, Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes, NAU