E. Dale Crider

Between 1964 and 1968, diazepam, methohexital, methoxymol, secobarbital and tribromoethanol were administered on bait to free-feeding waterfowl of several species in Florida. Characteristics for each of five such agents include varying speed of induction, duration of anesthesia, toxicity, and other pharmacological considerations. Anesthesia was produced with several dosages of each compound, but additional tests are needed to refine dosage rates. Distasteful compounds were not readily ingested which may have biased results in a few cases. The use of anesthetic agents for zoo and...

Various mixtures of diazepam and alpha-chloralose were tested on waterfoWl in Florida and Maryland by Oral administration on baits. A total of 3 233 waterfowl of a variety of species was anesthetized sufficiently to be captured. All mixtures which were tested reacted faster, and we believe more safely than did either of the two compounds separately. Several species were captured simultaneously at the same bait stations. Reactions to winter-spring capture versus fall capture revealed seasonal differences in physiological effects of the drugs. Local conditions may require special adaptation...

Band recovery locations of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) banded in Florida are discussed in regard to ,the Canada goose decline in Florida and other southeastern states. Flock inventories of traditional wintering areas in the South and newly-established mid-continent wintering sites are reported. Limited data indicate refuges with grain farming located along migration routes have intercepted Canada geese enroute to their ancestral wintering areas. The resulting problems are stressed. * * * * * The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 1967 winter waterfowl survey reports the highest...