FINANCIAL COMPENSATION FOR WILDLIFE DAMAGE: A REVIEW OF PROGRAMS IN NORTH AMERICA

Financial compensation is 1 of several management options proposed as alternatives to traditional wildlife damage management techniques. However, little is known about compensation programs currently in place. I surveyed United States and Canadian fish and wildlife programs to obtain information on the species causing damage, type of damage, extent of reimbursement, and budget for wildlife damage compensation programs. Of the 58 respondents, 36% have a compensation program, and 64% loan equipment and/or provide supplies for wildlife damage management. Programs compensating landowners for damage caused by deer (Odocoileus spp.), black bear (Ursus americanus), elk (Cervus elaphus), and moose (Alces alces), were the most common. Information was also provided on the 12 programs that have been canceled to help identify situations where reimbursement may not be appropriate