Frightening Devices

The Bird Damage Unit Records (NWRC 0010) document the activities of NWRC researchers from the early 1900s through the early 2000s as they worked to protect agricultural interests from bird depredations and disease, both domestically and abroad. The NWRC bird unit has worked with a diverse group of cooperators including airports, universities, farmers, feedlot operators, the U.S. military, and other associated researchers to effectively reduce bird damage to a variety of resources.

The Depredations Control Image Collection (NWRC 0026) consists of slides, photos, and negatives dated 1928 to 1994 that document research activities related to predator contol by the Animal Damage Control (ADC) unit. Included are images of aerial control, coyotes, sheep, frightening devices, traps, sheep necropsy, lures, repellents, telemetry studies, and toxic sheep collars.

The Dixon, CA, Field Station Records (NWRC 0055) consists of 5 LF of records created by staff at the station between 1969 and 1985. Included are administrative records, research reports related to bird damage to wine grapes and other agricultural crops in California, as well as research records related to a survey of bird damage to sunflower in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota conducted during 1979-1981.

Sam Linhart worked as a biologist in the predator control research section at the Denver Wildlife Research Center from 1964 to 1990. This collection contains materials from his studies related to predator control. Research records on electric fencing, leghold traps, the electronic guard, the 1080 toxic collar, livestock protection dogs, the M-44, and tranquilizer tabs for wild carnivore traps are included. This collection also contains images related to Linhart’s research.