Wildlife Management

More Information

What are urban wildlife species?

An urban environment exerts novel selective pressures on wildlife species due to habitat modification, natural habitat loss, and a large human population.

Some species are able to thrive in this urban landscape. These animals are called “urban wildlife”. Urban wildlife have many adaptive traits in common: a diverse diet, highly opportunistic, ability to exploit human modified habitats, reduced fear of humans, loss of natural predators or competition, and increased food sources.

What are the most common urban wildlife species in Fairfax County?

How do you determine what urban species to manage in Fairfax County?

A biological carrying capacity does exist and determines the maximum number of animals a habitat or geographic area can support without causing damage to that habitat.

It is the responsibility of wildlife managers, natural resource managers and environmental stewards, to preserve wildlife and to protect remnant natural habitats in all ways possible.

It is a chosen responsibility to address Public Health & Safety issues, mitigate wildlife conflicts, and protect property from actual and potential damage.

How do you develop a successful wildlife management program?

An effective wildlife management program resolves Wildlife conflicts with the most humane, comprehensive and integrated management techniques available: