Losses of pigs and poultry are also significant. Some predators, such as black bears, can also damage agricultural crops and timber stands. In addition to agricultural damage, predators sometimes pose a threat to human health and safety. At the request of Federal and State agencies, WS relocates or removes black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes from campgrounds and other public areas where they pose a threat to human safety. WS' continuing goal in the area of human health and safety is to help educate the public on how to live with wildlife and avoid interactions with predators and wild animals that may be carrying rabies or other contagious diseases.
Predators can also threaten endangered species.
In California, foxes have killed endangered least terns and light-footed clapper rails, and coyotes prey on the endangered San Joaquin kit fox. Arctic foxes in Alaska have killed endangered Aleutian Canada geese. Other threatened or endangered species affected by predators include Attwater's greater prairie chickens, blackfooted ferrets, and Perdido Key beach mice. The goal of the WS program is to manage the damage caused by wildlife, not to eradicate wildlife populations. Upon request, WS wildlife professionals implement or recommend effective management methods to alleviate or minimize predation.