Rabies Present in Kentucky

Rabies Present in Kentucky

The virus that can harm animals and humans

The USDA in collaboration with the Kentucky and Tennessee Departments of Public Health dropped rabies vaccine baits. This was in an effort to protect people and their pets from the potential spread of the deadly virus. The baits were dropped throughout the month of October in certain parts of Eastern Kentucky. Since that time, they have had no new cases of rabies in the area, which is attributed to the efforts by the USDA and Public Health departments.

Earlier this year, a dead bat found at the Louisville Zoo was tested positive for the rabies virus. The bat was not one of the zoo’s own, so was considered wild and found in the public walkways of the zoo. The zoo and department of health reminded people that if they are unvaccinated, they should never handle a wild animal, living or dead.

For more information on rabies and animal removal, visit Wildlife Removal Pros.

USDA, public health departments, drop rabies vaccine baits

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Tennessee and Kentucky Departments of Public Health partnered to protect people and pets from any threats of rabies by dropping oral rabies vaccine baits (ORV).

The oral rabies vaccine baits were dispersed from October 3rd-20th through parts of Eastern Kentucky after a raccoon in the Big Stone Gap area of Virginia tested positive for rabies a few years ago.

Since then, they have not had any cases in those areas, which officials conclude to be a successful vaccination.

Read more

Summary: The USDA in collaboration with the Kentucky and Tennessee Departments of Public Health dropped rabies vaccine baits. This was in an effort to protect people and their pets.

Wild bat at Louisville Zoo tested positive for rabies

A wild bat found at the Louisville Zoo earlier this week tested positive for rabies, according to a release from the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.

The deceased bat, which was not a part of the Louisville Zoo’s animal collection, was found on the public walkway near the Louisville Zoo’s “Tiger Taiga” exhibit on September 9. Learn more

Summary: Earlier this year, a dead bat found at the Louisville Zoo was tested positive for the rabies virus. The bat was not a part of the zoo’s population.

White Nose Syndrome Affecting Bats

White Nose Syndrome Affecting Bats

Bats of Kentucky

Black flying-foxes (Pteropus alecto) hanging in a tree, Kakadu National Park, Northern territory, Australia

About 14 years ago, a fungus was discovered that affects bat populations. The fungus is now known as white nose syndrome and it has spread across much of the United States. At Mammoth Cave Park in Kentucky, the illness is looked at as the cause for the loss of around 75-80 percent of bat populations there. At one point, Tri-colored bats were the most often seen bat species in the cave.

Bats often live in colonies, frequenting a cave, loose bark, or even tree leaves. They roost upside down, holding on with their hind feet, and nuzzling into their wings. All North American bats are nocturnal, foraging at night, but in other parts of the world there are number of diurnal species, which feed during the day.

For more information on bats, visit Wildlife Removal Pros.

Fungus Blamed For Loss Of 75-80 Percent Of Bats At Mammoth Cave

It’s been nearly 14 years since “white-nose syndrome,” named for a white powder-looking fungus found on the nose of bats, was first identified on a bat in New York. Since then the disease has moved westward, leaving millions of dead bats in its wake. At Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, the disease is blamed for the loss of 75-80 percent of Tri-colored bats there.

National Park Service staff at the park say Tri-colored bats were once among the most often seen bat species in the cave. Learn more

Summary: About 14 years ago, a fungus was discovered that affects bat populations. The fungus is now known as white nose syndrome and it has spread across much of the United States.

Four Rivers Wildlife: Batting for a Cure

Bats are amazing animals, but people like to conjure up all kinds of horror stories about them, most of which are nonsense. Bats have a hold on our imaginations like few other species, even though we have nothing to fear. In fact, we should be thankful for bats, particularly when we buy groceries.

There are over 1,300 species of bats worldwide, 16 of which live in Kentucky. Read more

Summary: There are around 1,300 species of bats throughout the world. 16 are native to Kentucky and dwell in many places, including Mammoth Cave.

Managing Wildlife In Kentucky

Managing Wildlife In Kentucky

Finding moles and the states new wildlife app

The eastern mole is the most common and abundant mole in Kentucky. Moles are often looked at as a nuisance animal because of their tendency to burrow large tunnels in residents yards. Some may be used as travel lanes, while others may be travelled only once after being dug. Surface tunnels are most notable after a warm rain or during the spring and fall when moles are actively searching for insects or earthworms. The most effective way to rid yourself of a mole problem is to set traps for them in your yard.

It’s important that residents properly and legally trap the animals. That is why the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife has debuted a new app that helps fight crime against the states wildlife. The new app allows citizens to report suspicious activity in real time. Officials say crime has been reduced in communities around the nation using similar technology.

For more information on controlling moles, visit Wildlife Removal Pros.

Managing Mole Problems in Kentucky

Moles are remarkable animals known for their specialized abilities for life underground. They are seldom seen by humans and are often mistaken for pocket gophers, mice, or shrews.

In fact, the mole is not closely related to any small mammal except the shrew, both belonging to the mammalian order Insectivora. Moles often come into conflict with homeowners when they burrow in yards. Learn more

Summary: Moles are abundant throughout the state of Kentucky. They can be a nuisance by burrowing holes in residents yards and causing damage.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife debuts crime-fighting app

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has debuted a new app that will allow people to report suspected illegal activity.

A statement from the agency says it has partnered with tip411 to create the KFWLaw app, which allows people to submit anonymous tips to law enforcement about fish, wildlife or boating. They can also report tips through text messages or the internet. Learn more

Summary: A new app has debuted in Kentucky that helps fight crimes against wildlife in the state. The Fish and Wildlife department partnered with tip411 to create the KFWLaw app.

Coyotes In Kentucky

Coyotes In Kentucky

Laws and regulations on managing them

Coyotes were once contained in the prairies of Northern America, but have now become common in more populated urban and suburban areas all over the country. Coyote sightings increase at certain times throughout the year. Coyotes explore more as breeding season begins in the winter months of January and February. They continue to be seen into July as they care for their new pups. Sightings pick up again in the fall, when young coyotes leave home to find their own territories.

The animals are not protected in the state and and can be hunted year round or trapped during fur-bearer trapping season. They may only be hunted during the daylight hours, however, and there are restrictions on the type of traps and calling devices used to attract them to you. Landowners must report any coyotes they get rid of outside of trapping season.

For info on coyote control and removal, contact Wildlife Removal Pros.

Coyotes in the Suburbs

Coyotes, once limited to the prairies of central North America, are now common in suburban and urban areas across the country. Neighborhood and city residents not used to being around these animals often have questions about how to deal with them.

A basic understanding of the behavior of coyotes – and following some simple guidelines – can help reduce conflicts with these wild animals. Learn more

Summary: Coyotes were once contained in the prairies of Northern America, but have now become common in more populated urban and suburban areas all over the country.

Managing Coyote in Kentucky: Laws and Regulations

Coyotes are not protected in Kentucky and may be taken year-round by hunting or with traps or non-locking snares during the furbearer trapping season. Coyotes may be hunted during daylight hours only. Hunters may use hand- or mouth-operated, mechanical, or electronically operated calling or attracting devices to aid in taking coyotes.

Kentucky law allows individuals whose property is being damaged by coyotes to kill such animals at any time of the year, but only by means allowed during the hunting and trapping seasons. Read more

Summary: Kentucky has rules and regulations in place for the control and management of coyotes. Although, they are not protected, there are certain times and methods with which residents are allowed to take the animal by either hunting or trapping.

Kentucky Hunting Laws and Safety Tips

Kentucky Hunting Laws and Safety Tips

What you need to know for hunting geese

The United States and each individual state have laws and regulations in place when it comes to hunting. Canadian geese are federally protected throughout the year, with exceptions for a few dates. Hunting season for waterfowl in Kentucky is during the month of September and from November to February. You must be registered with the state and attend hunters education courses and you have to carry your hunters education card or hunters education exemption permit at all times.

While hunting geese, there are some safety precautions you must take as Canadian geese are known to get aggressive at times. They are particularly aggressive during their nesting season, which occurs every March through June. Experts advise that you avoid these animals if you can during this time.

For more information on goose control, visit Wildlife Removal Pros.

Hunting Regulations

A person shall not enter upon the lands of another to shoot, hunt, trap, fish or for other wildlife-related recreational purposes without the oral or written permission of the landowner, tenant, or person who has authority to grant permission.

Those who fail to obtain permission are subject to arrest and prosecution.

All hunters, and persons accompanying them, must wear outer garments of hunter orange color visible from all sides on the head, back and chest when hunting during daylight hours for any species during the modern gun, muzzleloader, and youth firearm deer seasons, or a firearm elk or bear season.

Waterfowl and dove hunters are exempt from this requirement. Learn more

Summary: The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has specific rules and regulations in regards to the hunting of Canadian geese. These birds are strictly protected during any time other than within hunting season dates which run during the month of September and also from November-February.

What to do if you come face to face with a goose

Canada geese can be aggressive and territorial, especially during the months of March through June, because it’s nesting season.

“They can bite. The bite isn’t too bad, it’s really the scratching that can inflict the most harm, and they seem to know that,” said Urban Wildlife Biologist Megan Dillon.

Dillon says geese love to nest near ponds, but you can find them in some unusual spots too. Read more

Summary: Canadian geese can sometimes turn aggressive if you invade their space. Many times, they’re working to protect their eggs, especially during nesting season, which is from the months of March to June. Experts say it is best to avoid them completely during this time.

Canine Distemper: What is it and What to Watch Out For

Canine Distemper: What is it and What to Watch Out For

Infected Raccoon in Frankfort

A case of canine distemper has been discovered recently in a raccoon located near Frankfort, Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources confirmed the case after trapping and testing the animal. Multiple reports have come in about sick raccoons in the area. Although canine distemper cannot be passed along to humans, officials are still warning about the virus because it can be transferred to unvaccinated dogs. Some of the common symptoms are respiratory distress, coughing, watery discharge from the eyes and nose and diarrhea.

In other raccoon control related news, the United States government has been waging a secret war against rabies since 1997. Dogs no longer pose the greatest threat in terms of transmitting the disease, so officials set their sights on the next biggest threat, raccoons. The U.S. government has been distributing oral rabies vaccines targeted to the furry little creatures for over a decade now. The program costs about $28 million every year but ends up saving taxpayers twice as much by preventing the need for further research and medical care.

For more information on raccoon control services, visit Wildlife Removal Pros.

After discovery of infected raccoon, here’s what you need to know about canine distemper

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has confirmed canine distemper in a wild raccoon collected from Frankfort’s east side.

The confirmation followed resident report of raccoons that appeared to be sick. Canine distemper is not transmissible to people, but unvaccinated dogs are at risk, officials said.

Here are some commonly asked questions:

What is canine distemper?

Canine distemper is caused by a virus and often occurs in raccoons, gray foxes, coyotes and, occasionally, skunks. Common symptoms in infected animals include respiratory distress, coughing, sneezing, watery discharge from the eyes and nose, crusty footpads and diarrhea.

See more…

Summary: The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has discovered a case of canine distemper in a raccoon found in Frankfort. Canine distemper cannot be passed along to humans but can be transferred to unvaccinated dogs. The virus includes symptoms such as respiratory distress and coughing, among other things.

Inside the massive effort to tackle America’s greatest rabies threat

Most people don’t know it, but the U.S. government has been distributing oral rabies vaccines targeted at raccoons since 1997 as part of a massive public and animal health initiative. Called the National Rabies Management Program, it’s the largest coordinated effort to control a zoonotic disease in wildlife populations ever undertaken in the U.S.

The program costs about $28 million to run every year, but it’s estimated to save taxpayers $60 million in preventing the need for public health investigations, animal rabies tests, and access to post-exposure vaccines for humans. The idea is that the fewer wild animals that have rabies, the less likely it is that people, pets, or livestock come into contact with the disease, which is 100 percent fatal if left untreated. Read more

Summary: Dogs no longer pose the greatest threat to humans when it comes to passing along rabies. Researchers have set their sights on the biggest culprit we know of today, raccoons. The U.S. government has been fighting this battle since 1997 by distributing oral rabies vaccines targeted at raccoons.