2nd CES pest removes ferral dogs from base

Tech. Sgt. Mark Bashaw, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron pest management NCO in-charge, carefully crosses a creek at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 3, 2017. Pest Management Airman are often called into all areas of the base to remove animals and insects that would pose a danger to base personnel or the Barksdale mission. (U.S. Air force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)

2nd CES pest removes ferral dogs from base

Airman 1st Class Amber McDaniel, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron pest management journeyman, installs a trap near an entry point that wild dogs have been using to access Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 3, 2017. Once caught, the wild dogs are removed from base quickly and safely. (U.S. Air force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)

2nd CES pest removes ferral dogs from base

Airman 1st Class Keanan Williams, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron pest management journeyman, installs a trap for wild dogs that were loose at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 3, 2017. Wild dogs can not only be aggressive, but can also carry disease which can be transferred to house pets and people on base. (U.S. Air force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)

2nd CES pest removes ferral dogs from base

A trap is baited and set on Barksdale Air Force Base La., January 3, 2017. The traps were set in order to capture and remove four wild dogs from the base. Pest management are called into action to remove all manner of species such as termites, wild dogs, snakes, skunks and wild dogs. (U.S. Air force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)

2nd CES pest removes ferral dogs from base

Airman 1st Class Christopher Cooper, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron pest management journeyman, installs a trap for wild dogs that were loose at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Jan. 3, 2017. Wild dogs can not only be aggressive, but can also carry disease which can be transferred to house pets and people on base. (U.S. Air force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)

2nd CES pest removes ferral dogs from base

Airman 1st Class Corrin Fiene, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron pest management apprentice, installs a camera near a trap at Barksdale Air force Base, La., January 3, 2017. The wildlife cameras were supplied by Barksdale’s Natural Resources office to aid in spotting and trapping wild dogs on base. (U.S. Air force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)

2nd CES pest removes ferral dogs from base

Airman 1st Class Corrin Fiene, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron pest management apprentice, installs a camera near a trap at Barksdale Air force Base, La., January 3, 2017. Pest management Airmen were tasked with removing 4 wild dogs on base for the safety of the animals and base community. (U.S. Air force photo/Senior Airman Luke Hill)

2nd CES pest removes ferral dogs from base

Published Jan. 5, 2017
By By Senior Airman Luke Hill
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – Barksdale is a Base known for its wildlife and opportunities for Airmen to experience the outdoors. However, because of the wildlife, precautions must be taken to protect the base, personal property and people.

Over the past few months, Barksdale has experienced an intrusion of feral animals. The Barksdale natural resource department and 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron pest management have worked together and have already caught several animals.

Feral animals pose a true danger to people’s personal property, family pets, and base personnel, especially children. It is the goal of 2nd CES pest management and 2nd CES Natural Resources Department, to protect all wildlife, family pets and base personnel. It also their goal to remove all feral animals from base in an efficient and humane manner.

To help protect the base, pest management and natural resources released the following information on how to recognize feral animals and how to prevent their intrusion:

FERAL DOGS

Most feral dogs are difficult to distinguish from domestic dogs, however, feral and domestic dogs often differ in their behavior.

Domestic dogs usually wag their tails or exhibit a calm disposition when a human approaches, whereas most feral dogs usually show highly aggressive behavior such as growling, barking, and attempting to bite. Some dogs are intermediate in their behavior and can’t be classified as either feral or domestic based solely on their reaction to humans. Therefore it is best to treat those showing intermediate behavior as feral.

Feral dogs are usually wary of people and are more active during dawn, dusk and at night. They often travel in packs or groups and may have rendezvous sites.

Feral dogs commonly kill house cats and may injure or kill domestic dogs as well. In areas where people have not trapped feral dogs, the dogs may not have developed fear of humans. In those instances, they may attack people, especially children. This can be a serious problem in areas where feral dogs feed at and live around garbage dumps near human dwellings.

FERAL CATS

It has been estimated that there are over 30 million feral cats in the U.S. and that they kill about 465 million birds per year. The estimate value of those birds at $17 million.

OTHER FERAL ANIMALS

Wildlife can also become “urbanized” and cause problems in urban areas. Animals such as squirrels, rodents, bats, foxes, raccoons, opossums, coyotes, feral hogs, bobcats, can cause issues.

DAMAGE AND HARMFUL EFFECTS OF URBAN WILDLIFE

It is highly recommended not to feed wildlife on Barksdale. They may become less wary and more likely to approach closer to people. These close interactions can lead to persons being bitten or scratched and in some cases be infected with diseases.

HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS WITH URBAN WILDLIFE

Squirrels, rodents and bat issues can usually be reduced by ensuring that there are no open access to houses and buildings.

Feral dogs, cats, raccoons, opossums, foxes and coyotes can be deterred from approaching your house by limiting the time your trash is stored outdoors or ensuring it is properly covered in animal proof containers. Additionally, feeding of pets in outdoor locations invites wildlife species to your back yard to finish up what your pet didn’t eat.

Outdoor bird feeders can also attract urban species that are either trying to eat the seeds themselves or prey on the birds attracted to the feeders.

Always keep your pets on a leash to ensure they don’t become lost which increases the possibility of them coming in contact with urban wildlife.

TIPS IF ENCOUNTERING FERAL WILDLIFE

1) Don't make direct eye contact or smile.
2) Don't approach the animal, make sudden moves, or shout at them.
3) Keep an eye on the animal and try to calmly remove yourself from the area.
4) Turning your back, acting afraid, or trying to run away may show weakness and may trigger their "prey" drive.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The base has dealt with feral dogs roaming the base with several individuals being threatened, attacked, and bitten. The threat is real and needs to be mitigated. If wildlife is encountered, call the 2 SFS for assistance. Pet Owners are asked to ensure their animals are properly identified and are tagged with owner contact information. Ultimately we want all pets home and safe.