| Website © Lisa Selner "Buffalo Annie" |
| Field Experiences |
During the month of February 2009 I engaged in a three-week learning contract
assignment to broaden my knowledge for future career advancement within the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. I also used this opportunity to become familiar
with other agency-related projects of interest, and gain exposure to other
eradication projects outside of the Chesapeake Bay Nutria Project.
I partook in the Egmont Key Black Rat (Roof Rat) Eradication Project with the
Florida Program and National Wildlife Research Center personnel. The project
was designed to alleviate depredation to various threatened or endangered species
of sea turtles and ground nesting birds, and the state-listed gopher tortoise, along a
300-acre island. The effort proved a success while monitoring efforts continue to
show no signs of black rats on the island.
While in Florida, I accompanied agency personnel at Avon Park Air Force Range
during feral hog trapping efforts. I also engaged in other wildlife-related activities
throughout the bombing range.
My last trek during my stay in Florida brought me to Gasparilla Island where I
participated in Mexican spiny-tailed iguana live trapping and iguana control.
Prior to my departure, I interviewed the Refuge Manager at Florida Panther
National Wildlife Refuge regarding our agency’s contributions to preserving the
Florida panther. A presentation was provided to Eastern Shore District staff
regarding invasive species control in Florida upon my return to Maryland.
Field Photo Albums:
assignment to broaden my knowledge for future career advancement within the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. I also used this opportunity to become familiar
with other agency-related projects of interest, and gain exposure to other
eradication projects outside of the Chesapeake Bay Nutria Project.
I partook in the Egmont Key Black Rat (Roof Rat) Eradication Project with the
Florida Program and National Wildlife Research Center personnel. The project
was designed to alleviate depredation to various threatened or endangered species
of sea turtles and ground nesting birds, and the state-listed gopher tortoise, along a
300-acre island. The effort proved a success while monitoring efforts continue to
show no signs of black rats on the island.
While in Florida, I accompanied agency personnel at Avon Park Air Force Range
during feral hog trapping efforts. I also engaged in other wildlife-related activities
throughout the bombing range.
My last trek during my stay in Florida brought me to Gasparilla Island where I
participated in Mexican spiny-tailed iguana live trapping and iguana control.
Prior to my departure, I interviewed the Refuge Manager at Florida Panther
National Wildlife Refuge regarding our agency’s contributions to preserving the
Florida panther. A presentation was provided to Eastern Shore District staff
regarding invasive species control in Florida upon my return to Maryland.
Field Photo Albums:
 | Egmont Key Black Rat Eradication | |
| Avon Park Air Force Range | |
| Gasparilla Island Iguanas | |
| Wildlife Specialist U.S. Department of Agriculture Learning Contract Assignment Florida February 2009 |
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