As wolf populations recover in other states, ADC in Minnesota continues to play a leadership role in providing factual information to agencies and individuals interested in wolf management. Minnesota currently has about 2,300 wolves, the largest population in the United States outside of Alaska. ADC cooperates with staff at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge to distribute propane exploders to farmers experiencing losses to waterfowl. Propane exploders make a loud bang periodically and are used to temporarily frighten birds from fields until crops can be harvested or until hunting seasons and cold weather forces birds to migrate south. Wildlife species such as deer, badgers, and coyotes as well as migratory birds like gulls, ducks, and geese are often attracted to airport property especially airports adjacent to urban areas that lack other suitable wildlife habitat.
Strikes result in potential hazards to passengers and crew, as well as damage to planes.
Fish-eating birds, such as cormorants and herons, often congregate on ponds at these facilities and prey heavily upon the fish stock. Damage at aquaculture facilities has increased in recent years due to dramatic increases in cormorant populations. ADC cooperates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in resolving damage at aquaculture facilities by recommending an effective hazing program at each facility coupled with a migratory bird depredation permit that authorize the taking of a limited number of fish-eating birds each year. These animals' burrowing activities can cause homeowners considerable distress and money as they try to resolve the problem and repair damages. ADC provides technical assistance to homeowners experiencing such problems and maintains a list of qualified pest controllers and municipal or county animal control officers who may be able to directly assist them.