Meeting with the Experts

Hyde county arranged for 6 wildlife experts to meet with us for 5 hours on May 4.   5 were from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission: a wildlife veterinarian, a wildlife biologist from the div of Wildlife Management, the NC Eastern Regional Education Specialist, the Coastal Plain Private Lands Supervisor, and the Migratory Game Bird Coordinator.  The 6th person was from the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services.

The wildlife experts who came all the way to Ocracoke were very knowledgeable and interesting.

My notes from the meeting:

From a visible inspection, the ducks look healthy.  If they are not fed by humans, they will probably disperse into other areas of the island resulting in a more natural distribution.  There is enough natural food on the island, they do not need to be fed by humans. 

Euthanasia will only be carried out at a last resort – if the duck population is found to be carrying disease that could spread to humans or if the ducks are dying from disease – that may be the most humane way to help.  So far, that doesn’t seem to be an issue but a few ducks would have to be tested to be sure of this.

Transferring ducks would the 2^nd to the last resort and may be difficult to get permits for. This may be an option if the duck population continues to grow in numbers and if education and the addling/oiling of eggs does not work. This may take a year to determine. There is a 20-60% chance of mortality when transporting Mallards.

Private property owners who can show that the ducks have been a nuisance – damage, lots of droppings, etc, do have recourse.  Please contact Carol Pahl if you can prove damage.

Addling and oiling eggs will be a possibility for next nesting season as the nesting season is nearlyfinished for this year. We should start this process next winter. 

Educating the population and tourist about the problems of feeding any wildlife should be ongoing.