Chapter 6 Conservation Goals and Priorities
• Support courses on plant identification, native plant propagation, and maintenance as well as wildlife identification, ecology, and habitat protection/creation. Examples include programs offered by the NC State University Cooperative Extension Service. 6.3.5 Technical Guidance, Rules, and Regulations The availability of technical guidance can be a limiting factor, both in the amount of initial guidance available and in the ability to follow up on management efforts. There is a significant need for increased and targeted outreach and technical guidance to private landowners to help them understand the different types of assistance and management practices available and to encourage participation in conservation programs. There is also a need for interagency cooperation to serve the needs of landowners better with multiple or varying objectives (e.g., for landowners wishing to manage their property for wildlife, wildlife biologists should be on hand to provide advice, in addition to foresters or agricultural extension agents). Protection measures that use existing regulatory frameworks to protect habitats and species should be incorporated where applicable. Wildlife species that can adapt to human development (e.g., foxes, some bats, Raccoons, Opossums, squirrels, deer, Canada Geese, Chimney Swifts, some snakes, and small rodents) are often the source of human-wildlife conflicts. The NCWRC has developed wildlife recommendations and guidelines on avoiding and controlling nuisance issues. Evaluation of the methods used for the removal of sensitive or tracked species (such as bats and some snakes) may be necessary to ensure the most appropriate handling of these species. Nuisance guidelines developed by USDA are a key source of information used by NCWRC outreach specialists handling wildlife damage-related inquiries (Hygnstrom et al. 1994) . Currently, North Carolina considers venomous reptiles, large constricting snakes, or crocodilians to be dangerous animals (see NCGS 14) . Regulations require owners to have a written safety protocol and escape recovery plan that include emergency contact information, identification of the local animal control office, and first aid procedures. Escapes must be reported to local law enforcement immediately. Specialized training is needed for law enforcement personnel, first responders, and animal handlers who may encounter dangerous or venomous animals as part of their work (e.g., animals that have escaped are part of personal property seizures or have been abandoned by the owners). Resources to support and coordinate emergency medical services, such as distribution and type of antivenom available, resources for exotic species identification, and facilities for temporary or long-term handling need to be identified and funded. The NCWRC offers free education programs for hunters and anglers that cover ethics and responsibilities as well as conservation and wildlife management information. Wildlife enforcement officials work with local law enforcement, federal and state agencies, wildlife biologists, and others to investigate and prosecute illegal activities. Illegal activities can range
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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