At the National Wildlife Research Center in Fort Collins, CO, scientists study animal behavior with the goal of discovering what kind of stimuli attract or repel wild animals. Researchers utilize commonly available technology to develop humane wildlife management tools. Some of the devices created are designed to frighten predators, such as wolves and coyotes, away from grazing cattle. Many devices are triggered by movement and emit loud noises. Other devices are designed to attract animals. In addition, scientists modify toys to explore ideas.

Example: On the island of Quam, the Brown Tree snake is a non-native species that is decimating native bird populations. A battery-operated mechanical “mouse” (2nd image top row) placed inside a modified bait fishing trap (1st image center row), mimics live action that attracts snakes into the trap. The snake becomes trapped in these portable cages then removed off the island.
(20 images in this series)