Abstract

Human-wildlife interactions are a growing occurrence due to increasing urban populations, leading to human encroachment on what was previously wildlife habitat. There are also abundant resources present around urban areas, usually more so than in wild areas, drawing nuisance animals in. Procyon lotor (raccoon) is a common nuisance wildlife species across the United States, particularly in urban areas. These animals damage people’s homes and properties and must be trapped and removed by government or private organizations. Animals captured in this study were done so through Wildlife Removal Pros, a licensed nuisance wildlife control company in Kentucky. This paper analyzed the population structure of raccoons in and around urban areas of central Kentucky and the amounts of damage done to properties in these areas. There was found to be no significant difference in the number of captures between urban, suburban, and rural locations or the amount of damage done between male and female individuals. The amounts of damage varied between $79 and $565, with the lowest average occurring at urban capture sites and the highest at suburban capture sites. Also discussed are some ways to minimize nuisance wildlife damage.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 2019

Mentor

David R. Brown

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Biological Sciences

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Biological Sciences

Download

Share

COinS