Wildlife Hazard Management Flashcards
7 cards from real ACE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Wildlife Hazard Management flashcards as text
Which federal agency holds primary authority over lethal removal of migratory birds at US airports?
Answer: US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
The USFWS issues depredation permits under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it the authority over lethal take; USDA Wildlife Services typically carries out the removal under that permit.
What is a key limitation of using recorded distress calls as a wildlife dispersal method?
Answer: Birds habituate to them quickly, reducing long-term effectiveness
Repeated use of distress calls without variety causes habituation, so they must be rotated with other techniques to remain effective.
An airport operator notices a retention pond within the AOA is attracting large flocks of waterfowl. The FIRST recommended step is to:
Answer: Conduct a habitat assessment and consider modifying or eliminating the attractant
The foundational principle of wildlife hazard management is to remove or modify attractants; a habitat assessment identifies options before costly or irreversible actions are taken.
Strike reports submitted to the FAA are used in part to calculate the Bird/Other Wildlife Strike Index for an airport. What does a rising index indicate?
Answer: An increasing rate of strikes relative to aircraft operations
A rising strike index indicates more strikes per unit of aircraft operations, signaling that wildlife hazard risk is increasing and management actions may need intensification.
Which of the following is a LETHAL wildlife control method that requires a depredation permit?
Answer: Shooting with a firearm
Shooting migratory birds requires a depredation permit from the USFWS under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; trapping for relocation may also need permits depending on species.
An airport's Wildlife Hazard Management Plan must be reviewed and updated at minimum:
Answer: Annually
FAR Part 139.337 requires the WHMP to be reviewed at least annually and updated whenever conditions or wildlife activity patterns change significantly.
Which characteristic of deer makes them especially dangerous on runways compared to birds?
Answer: Their large body mass means even a low-speed strike can cause catastrophic airframe damage
Deer can weigh 100–300 lbs, and a collision at even moderate taxi speed can cause structural damage or gear failure, making them among the most dangerous mammals at airports.