Standing dead trees-snags-benefit many animal species

      Standing dead trees, or snags, may appear to be useless, even eyesores, but a state wildlife biologist says actually they are important components of wildlife habitat and frequently in short supply.
      "That snag may provide a secure home for many kinds of animals and a virtual smorgasbord of insect food," said Johnny Stowe, wildlife biologist and forester with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "Downy, hairy, red-bellied, pileated and red-headed woodpeckers all feed heavily on wood-boring larvae of beetles and other insects and invertebrates found in snags."
      To view or print out a wildlife management guide on snags and downed logs, visit the DNR website at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/publications/pdf/snags.pdf or call the Columbia DNR office at (803) 734-3886.
      Woodpeckers are also the primary excavators of nesting cavities in snags, Stowe said. These cavities are later used by other species. Bluebirds, wood ducks, titmice, great-crested flycatchers, chickadees, nuthatches, barred owls, screech owls and kestrels all depend on cavities for successful nesting.
      In North America, snags provide habitat for at least 85 bird species that nest in tree cavities. Cavities in snags are a critical resource for many species, and cavity-nesting birds can comprise up to 40 percent of the bird community within some forests.
      Mammals such as bats, gray squirrels, fox squirrels, flying squirrels and raccoons also use cavities in snag trees. Tree cavities are also used by frogs, snakes, honeybees, wasps, spiders and aquatic invertebrates. A single snag tree may contain many cavities useful to a multitude of species, as well as providing a food supply.
      "The value of snags to both wildlife and people are countless," Stowe said. "Many snag-dependent species control insects and pests, and birds of prey prefer the vantage point snags afford for hunting rodents. The woodpecker's diet is filled with many insects that can be harmful to our interests."
      There are two kinds of snags, according to Stowe. A "hard" snag may be only partially dead, with many limbs remaining and sound wood. This kind of snag will be beneficial for many years. A "soft" snag is more decayed, with no limbs left and advanced heart rot. Wildlife species make use of both kinds of snags, but larger snags have more value.
      In woodlots, at least four to five snags per acre should be maintained, according to Stowe. Snags left in open areas over water will also provide hunting perches for flycatchers, bluebirds, hawks and kingfishers. Osprey may nest in large snags near open water.
      "Snags may not appear very attractive, but their value to wildlife is clear," said Stowe. "Wildlife enthusiasts should take a second look at dead or dying trees on their property and include snags in their wildlife management or landscaping plans.

Venison is not only source of toxoplasmosis parasite

        Toxoplasmosis, a one-celled parasite found in many meats, can occur in South Carolina deer, but venison is not the only source of the disease, says a state Department of Natural Resources deer biologist.
        "Many people concerned about eating venison, or deer meat, have called the department asking about the likelihood of exposure to toxoplasmosis," said Charles Ruth, Statewide Deer/Turkey Project supervisor for the Wildlife Section of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "Although the disease is often mentioned only in conjunction with venison, it can be found in many domestic meats including beef, pork, and sheep. Once you become aware of how the disease works, chances of exposure can be minimized, and venison can be safely consumed."
        Toxoplasmosis is caused by a microscopic protozoan parasite, and it is one of the most common diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Authorities estimate that 30 to 60 percent of adults in the United States have been exposed to the parasite, but the organism rarely causes disease. Although most human infections are silent, there may be brief flu-like symptoms in some cases. The greatest risk of real illness in humans would likely be in someone whose immune system is already compromised.
        Since white-tailed deer can be infected with the toxoplasmosis organism, there is a chance that humans can become infected if the meat is not properly handled. This is also true for common domestic meats as well.
        Sportsmen can minimize their risks of toxoplasmosis infection by following these guidelines with venison:  1) do not handle fresh carcasses or meat with wounds on their hands; 2) freeze all meat before cooking because freezing kills the majority of the parasites; and 3) cook venison thoroughly (160ºF).
        Although toxoplasmosis normally does not cause illness in humans, women who are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy should be particularly careful. The effect of toxoplasmosis upon an unborn fetus can be severe.
        If a woman is pregnant or planning a pregnancy, she should:  1) minimize contact with cats and their litter boxes; 2) handle all meats carefully; 3) cook all meats thoroughly before eating; 4) freeze all red meats prior to cooking; and 5) minimize contact with soil or dirt when gardening.
        In 1981, Karen Oertley, a student at the University of Georgia, completed a study of toxoplasmosis in white-tailed deer. This effort also combined information on the disease from other studies around the world. "Several points of Oertley's toxoplasmosis study are of particular interest to deer hunters and others who eat venison," Ruth said.
        According to Oertley's study, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in white-tailed deer in the Southeast was 24.4 percent. On the other hand, surveys conducted at commercial slaughter houses to determine the prevalence of this organism in domestic meats indicated a great variance in occurrence, but infection rates as high as 64 percent for sheep, 45 percent for swine and 38 percent for cattle were found among animals to be used as human food.
        Natural infections of toxoplasmosis have been reported in more than 200 species of mammals, Oertley found in the study. Prevalence is naturally higher in carnivores, or meat-eating animals, than in herbivores, such as cattle and deer.
        According to the study, probably the greatest risk for human toxoplasmosis infection is the presence of cats in and around homes. Members of the cat family are the only suitable definitive host for the parasite. Cats kill and eat wild rodents, which are also part of the parasite's life cycle, and shed the organism in their feces. This in turn can contaminate the soil and/or water, which increases the likelihood of exposure to other types of mammals and birds. Although not a necessary part of the parasite's life cycle, herbivorous animals like deer probably get the parasite from these contaminated soil or water sources.
        "It would be nearly impossible to totally prevent the risk of exposure to the parasite because of its distribution in soil or water contaminated by cat feces," Ruth said. "This, and the fact that the organism can be found in so many types of meats, likely explains why such a high percentage of people have been exposed to the organism."
        According to Ruth, "The bottom line is that toxoplasmosis is not just related to deer meat. Evidence suggests that the potential for contracting the disease from venison is probably the same as it is from domestic meats. Healthy people in general should not be overly concerned with the disease since there is a good chance they have already been exposed to it. Precautionary measures are most important for high-risk individuals such as pregnant women and people with some pre-existing condition that has compromised their immune system."

DNR offers guidelines for dealing with bears

      Bears are on the move again trying to pack on pounds before cold weather, and here are a few guidelines on how state residents can avoid misadventures with these usually harmless, but curious mammals.
      The key to coexisting with bears is to understand and respect them. Black bears are usually shy, evasive and non-aggressive toward people. There has never been a human fatality or even an attack attributed to a black bear in South Carolina.
      Now is the time of year when the bears' movements make them more visible to the public. Food is scarce during the fall and winter months and bears are actively searching for food sources in order to gain weight for the winter.
      The mere presence of a black bear does not necessarily represent a problem. Most are just passing through, but if there is an easy meal to be found, they will take advantage of it. The key is to not give them a reason to stay in the area. Store pet food indoors and keep garbage securely contained. If your neighborhood has open dumpsters, encourage managers to install locking lids.
      "If you feed a bear, either on purpose or accidentally, that's when they begin to hang around," says Deanna Ruth, S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) coastal black bear specialist. "A wild bear is very wary of man and usually no threat at all, but a bear that has been fed can lose that natural fear." It is unlawful to feed bears in South Carolina, and violators can be prosecuted.
      This increased fall movement, associated with searching for food sources, can be detrimental to bears. Some bears fall victim to highway collisions, particularly as more roads are built and more cars utilize existing roads. Remember that it is illegal to possess or remove any part of a bear so do not attempt to pick up a dead bear.
      "Just use common sense if you encounter a bear," Ruth said. "If you move away slowly and make it aware of your presence with a calm, assertive voice, it will likely run for the nearest woods." Do not run from a bear or climb a tree. Make yourself look as big as possible and make as much noise as possible.
      DNR offers these common sense suggestions to cope with bears:
      * No feeding: A bear that becomes accustomed to having food provided is an accident waiting to happen; don't feed a bear the first time and it will likely leave the area.
      * No garbage: Keep garbage in tightly shut or bear-proof trash cans; garbage left in the open, in an open dumpster, or in the back of a truck is an open invitation for a bear.
      * Pet food storage: Store pet food properly if kept outside; put pet food in airtight storage containers and don't leave leftover food out in the open.
      * Clean grills: Keep charcoal and gas grills covered and clean to keep food odors from attracting bears.
      * Bird feed & feeders: If a bear starts getting into your bird feeders - and they will if given the chance - take them down and put them away for a while; the bear will move on quickly.
      * Beehives: If you're going to have beehives in bear territory, protect your investment with an electric, bear-proof fence.