A workshop on integrated predator management will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, Va. A diverse panel of speakers from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the USDA Wildlife Services Program will discuss the biology and management practices for wildlife species that affect agriculture in central Virginia. Presentations will include information on geese, vultures, and feral swine; coyote and furbearer biology; bear management in Virginia; and livestock protection methods.

Participants will learn about state and federal permitting requirements for birds, including geese and vultures, and for mammals such as deer and bear. Speakers will present information on the Cooperative Wildlife Damage Management Program administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and USDA, and the opportunities available under this program to protect livestock from predators such as coyotes.

Presentations will be followed by field demonstrations of the tools and techniques that area producers can use to protect their livestock from local predators.

This educational workshop is free and open to the public. Register at ext.vsu.edu Calendar of Events.

For more information, contact Dr. Larry Connatser (804) 524-5253 / lconnatser@vsu.edu or Tracy Porter (804) 481-2566 / tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.