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Key to Success: Know the Industry…and your role in it.

By Eric Arnold, CWCP

 

A misunderstanding that I keep coming across with operators is the thought that their activities define the wildlife control industry. After all, the operators are the ones constantly having to deal with wildlife conflicts on a day to day basis. They see first hand the physical and emotional damage that can be caused by a sow raccoon entering a structure to bear and raise her kits. Add to this the confusion of the term “industry” which generally means the commercial sale of products or services and it is not wonder that many individuals and companies feel that theirs is the only input that should be given credit. And while I can understand and appreciate their viewpoint, the reality is that the wildlife control industry is a lot larger than most individuals realize.

The reality that must be faced is that the wildlife control industry is made up of homeowners, businesses, communities, hunters, fur trappers, wildlife control operators, pest control operators, animal control officers, wildlife rehabilitators, teachers, biologists, field researchers, State and Federal government agencies, manufactures, distributors, animal shelters, animal rights groups, and trade associations to name those that just come to mind, In short, the wildlife control industry is a conglomerate of individuals and organizations that are linked together by their involvement with wildlife.

Let’s take a more detailed look at some of these entities and how together they form the symbiotic relationship known as the wildlife control industry.

 

General Public

 

This is a group of individuals, businesses, and communities that are or have been experiencing wildlife conflicts. These conflicts can be real or perceived and may result in health risks or economic loss. Solutions can be provided by themselves or they may consult and/or hire service providers or governmental agencies.