Fact Sheets

The Wildlife Society produces fact sheets on issues related to wildlife management and conservation, which may accompany position statements the Society adopts on a particular topic. TWS members as well as non-members are encouraged to print and distribute the fact sheets below in support of efforts to educate decision-makers, the public, and other stakeholders on issues that affect wildlife.

For questions and comments, please contact:

Laura Bies
Director of Government Affairs
laura@wildlife.org
(301) 897-9770 ext 308

Feral and Free-ranging Domestic Cats

Domestic cats (Felis catus) have no native range and are considered an exotic species throughout the world. This species poses a threat to native ecosystems as a reservoir for disease, competitor with other predators, and because of its habit of killing even when not hungry. TWS strongly opposes the existence of feral cat colonies and urges owners to keep their pets indoors or on a leash.

General Facts about Domestic Cats
Ecological Impacts of Feral Cats
Problems with Trap-Neuter-Release
Rabies in Humans and Wildlife
Toxoplasmosis in Feral Cats: Health Risks to Humans and Wildlife

Additional Resources

American Bird Conservancy: Cats Indoors
TWS Testimony to D.C. City Council
Template Letter
Critical Assessment of Claims Regarding Management of Feral Cats by Trap-Neuter-Return (Longcore et al, 2009)
Feral Cat Colonies in Florida: The Fur and Feathers are Flying (Hatley 2003)

Is your City/State addressing the issue of feral cats? Tell us!

Feral Horses and Burros

Although many now-extinct horses evolved in North America, feral horses (Equus caballus) today are the descendants of horses introduced to the Americas in the 1500s by Spanish conquistadores. These horses are non-native and damage native ecosystems by trampling vegetation, hard-packing soils, and over-grazing. With no natural predators, horse populations continue to increase and current management options cost taxpayers millions annually.

Feral Horses and Burros

Lead and Wildlife

Lead ammunition and fishing tackle poisons wildlife that inadvertently ingest the substance left behind by hunters and anglers. A 1991 ban on the use of lead shot for hunting waterfowl in North America was successful in reducing lead exposure in waterfowl species; however other key species remain at risk, including upland game (e.g., dove, quail) and scavengers (e.g., vultures, eagles). Alternative, non-toxic shot and tackle is available, but their use is not mandated universally, and in some cases, wildlife species are still negatively affected by continued use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle.

North American Wolves

Wolves once roamed throughout most of North America. Due primarily to conflicts with humans, however, both the gray wolf (Canis lupus) and red wolf (Canus rufus) were eradicated throughout much of their historic ranges. Although protected in the lower 48 states, wolf conservation and management continues to be a contentious topic because of the possibility of conflicts with people.