CACO Wildlife Management and Ordinances 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal law primarily governs the protection of migratory birds, making it illegal for animal control officers to handle most wild birds without a permit?
- Endangered Species Act
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act (Correct answer)
- Wildlife Conservation Act
- National Environmental Policy Act
Correct answer: Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) makes it illegal to pursue, hunt, take, or possess migratory birds without proper federal permits.
Question 2: When responding to a call about a raccoon that appears disoriented and active during daylight hours, what is the primary concern an ACO should have?
- The raccoon may be injured
- The raccoon may be exhibiting signs of rabies or distemper (Correct answer)
- The raccoon is searching for food
- The raccoon has lost its territory
Correct answer: The raccoon may be exhibiting signs of rabies or distemper
Daytime activity and disorientation in raccoons are classic warning signs of rabies or canine distemper, both of which pose public health risks.
Question 3: An officer receives a call about a deer trapped in a residential backyard. What is the safest and most appropriate initial action?
- Immediately attempt to physically restrain the deer
- Contact state wildlife authorities for guidance and assistance (Correct answer)
- Use a catch pole to secure the deer
- Administer a tranquilizer dart immediately
Correct answer: Contact state wildlife authorities for guidance and assistance
Deer are state-managed wildlife and pose significant injury risk; contacting state wildlife authorities ensures legal compliance and safety.
Question 4: Which term describes the legal zone around a property that defines how wildlife conflicts are handled, often setting boundaries for trap placement?
- Buffer zone (Correct answer)
- Easement corridor
- Jurisdiction radius
- Control perimeter
Correct answer: Buffer zone
A buffer zone defines the area around a property or structure within which wildlife management activities such as trapping may be conducted.
Question 5: A coyote has been sighted repeatedly near an elementary school during dismissal. What is the recommended ACO response strategy?
- Immediately euthanize the coyote on sight
- Set live traps on school grounds overnight
- Coordinate hazing, public education, and monitoring before considering lethal control (Correct answer)
- Do nothing because coyotes are protected federally
Correct answer: Coordinate hazing, public education, and monitoring before considering lethal control
Best practice for coyote management near schools involves a graduated response: hazing and community education first, with lethal control reserved for persistent threats.
Question 6: What does the term 'depredation permit' allow an animal control or wildlife officer to do?
- Issue fines for illegal trapping
- Authorize lethal removal of wildlife causing property damage or livestock losses (Correct answer)
- Transport protected species across state lines
- Conduct wildlife population surveys
Correct answer: Authorize lethal removal of wildlife causing property damage or livestock losses
A depredation permit is issued by state or federal wildlife agencies and authorizes the lethal removal of protected species that are causing verified damage.
CACO Wildlife Management and Ordinances 1
Which federal law primarily governs the protection of migratory birds, making it illegal for animal control officers to handle most wild birds without a permit?