NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Wildlife Species Identification 2

Question 1

Which physical feature BEST distinguishes a coyote from a similarly-sized domestic dog at a distance?

Accepted Answer

Coyotes carry their tail low and straight when running, below the back line

Answer

Coyotes characteristically carry their tail low and straight when running, unlike most domestic dogs.

Question 2

What key difference distinguishes opossum droppings from raccoon droppings?

Accepted Answer

Opossum droppings are pointed and smooth while raccoon droppings are tubular with visible seeds or berries

Answer

Opossum droppings are pointed and smooth; raccoon droppings are tubular with blunt ends containing visible food remnants.

Question 3

What MOST reliably distinguishes Eastern chipmunk burrows from Norway rat burrows around a foundation?

Accepted Answer

Chipmunk burrows are clean with no soil pile; rat burrows have a fan of excavated soil

Answer

Chipmunks carry excavated soil in cheek pouches, leaving a clean entrance, while rats push soil out creating visible mounds.

Question 4

What anatomical feature makes North American porcupines unique among rodents?

Accepted Answer

Modified hairs (quills) covering the dorsal surface and tail

Answer

The porcupine's approximately 30,000 barbed quills are unique among North American rodents.

Question 5

How can an operator distinguish a weasel from a chipmunk during a brief glimpse?

Accepted Answer

Weasels have a long, slender body with very short legs and sinuous movement; chipmunks are compact with stripes and a bounding gait

Answer

The weasel's elongated, snake-like body shape and undulating movement is distinctly different from the chipmunk's compact, striped body with bounding hop.

NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Practice Test

NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Practice Test

NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Wildlife Species Identification 2