Swampscott Wildlife Presentation Report

Section 1: Agenda

Based on the transcript, the likely agenda for the presentation was:

0:00:07 Welcome and Introduction by Swampscott Conservancy:
- Overview of the Conservancy’s mission and activities.
- Announcements (upcoming events, membership).
- Introduction of the speaker, Dan Proulx.
0:04:12 Main Presentation by Dan Proulx: “Everything You Need to Know About Your Local Wildlife”:
- Speaker’s background, experience, and personal context.
- Discussion of common local wildlife species, including:
  - Eastern Cottontail Rabbits (biology, nests, humane deterrence)
  - Snakes (local types, benefits, pet introduction)
  - Coyotes (behavior, coexistence, deterrence strategies)
  - Weasels
  - Squirrels (biology, reuniting babies)
  - Skunks
  - Possums
  - Turkeys
  - Raccoons (behavior, rabies vector status, humane removal)
  - Turtles
  - Bats (behavior, rabies vector status, humane removal)
  - Seals & Seabirds
  - Foxes (types, mange)
- General Advice: Humane exclusion, dealing with found/injured animals, rabies awareness, window strikes, fledglings.
- Resources: Rehabber lists, Tufts Wildlife Clinic.
- Strong focus on the dangers of rodenticides and humane alternatives (including Smart Boxes).
1:24:12 Live Birds of Prey Demonstration & Discussion:
- Introduction of falconers Wendy Pavlicek and Kim Miners.
- Presentation of Edison (Great Horned Owl) by Wendy Pavlicek (rescue story, educational role, falconry partnership, flight demonstration).
- Presentation of Klaus (Harris’s Hawk) by Kim Miners (species info, social hunting, falconry partnership).
- Reinforcement of rodenticide dangers.
1:39:27 Audience Interaction / Q&A with Falconers:
- Questions regarding owl prey, tolerance for touch, vocalizations, sexing, and transport.
1:45:05 Concluding Remarks & Appeal:
- Final thanks and request for donations.

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

Swampscott Conservancy Representative (Name not stated): [Speaker 4]
Dan Proulx (Wildlife Rehabilitator, Former Swampscott ACO): [Speaker 1], [Speaker 8] (Concluding remarks at 1:44:31, 1:45:07)
Wendy Pavlicek (Director, Burlington Science Center; Falconer): [Speaker 2], [Speaker 7], [Speaker 9]
Kim Miners (Falconer): [Speaker 3]
Audience Member (Name not stated): [Speaker 5]
Audience Member (Name not stated): [Speaker 6]
Unidentified: [Speaker 8] (Sigh at 55:31)

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

Meeting Start & Introduction

A representative from the Swampscott Conservancy opened the presentation 0:00:07. They outlined the Conservancy’s mission focused on preserving Swampscott’s conservation land and open space through education, research, and stewardship. Activities mentioned included trail building, native planting, events, and cleanups. They noted past wildlife presentations and announced an upcoming event on plastics (rescheduled to Dec 12th) 0:58. The representative encouraged membership and renewals for 2023 1:21.

The representative then introduced the main speaker, Dan Proulx 1:42, detailing his background: U.S. Army service, former Swampscott Animal Control Officer (ACO), wildlife rehabilitation license (focus on birds of prey), Problem Animal Control (PAC) agent license, volunteer work at Marblehead shelter and Wolf Hollow. They noted his expertise is particularly relevant given increased local wildlife activity. The audience was asked to hold questions until the end 3:55, and it was announced the presentation was being recorded for later viewing on town and Conservancy websites 3:58.

Presentation by Dan Proulx

Dan Proulx began by thanking the Conservancy and expressing his connection to Swampscott 4:12. He clarified the typical scope of ACO duties regarding wildlife (usually only in living quarters) 4:32. He shared a personal anecdote about recent dental surgery potentially affecting his speech 5:06. Proulx explained he left his Swampscott ACO role to focus exclusively on wildlife, particularly birds of prey rehabilitation 7:04, detailing recent work in New Hampshire and his upcoming move there to restart a Birds of Prey center 7:38. He advised texting him is the best way to report found animals 8:04. He briefly mentioned the significant local challenge posed by rodenticides 8:47.

Proulx then systematically discussed various local wildlife species, offering identification tips, behavioral insights, and practical advice for coexistence and conflict prevention:

Rabbits: Described as heavily preyed upon 17:53. He detailed their breeding season (18:40, Feb-Sept) and nesting habits (shallow holes covered with grass/fur 20:35). Observation: Proulx provided highly specific guidance for residents. He strongly warned against relocating nests, stating it equates to killing the young 21:24. He offered solutions for protecting nests found in yards, such as using a modified laundry basket 22:18 or the “tic-tac-toe” string method to monitor maternal visits 24:29. For found babies, he advised using gloves, providing warmth (hot water bottle method 27:05), contacting a rehabber, and stressed not to feed them 27:46. He emphasized the illegality and negative outcomes of keeping wildlife as pets 28:46. Proactive deterrence methods suggested included reflective pinwheels 31:31, peppermint oil/plants 33:03, and strategically moved fake owls/hawks 33:34.
Snakes: Highlighted their crucial role in rodent control 35:17 and identified common non-venomous North Shore species (garter, milk, black racer) 36:08. He introduced his pet California Kingsnake, Beetlejuice, aiming to demystify snakes 37:22. Observation: Proulx actively worked to counter common fears about snakes.
Coyotes: Acknowledged them as a significant local issue 39:28. He discussed their biology, debunked “alpha male” myths (family units 42:00), explained howling behavior 42:45, and noted their large territories imply town-wide issues often involve the same individuals 43:54. He strongly advocated for hazing (scaring them off) 39:44 and offered multiple non-lethal deterrents: silencing dog tags 45:14, frequently rearranging yard items 45:55, using motion-activated props (like Halloween decorations 46:41), and installing trail cameras to monitor activity 48:06. He stressed removing food/water sources 50:08 and managing bird feeders carefully (waste-free food, catch pans, cayenne pepper 50:30).
Weasels: Noted increasing sightings 52:08 and described them as relentless hunters beneficial for rodent control 52:21.
Exclusion: Recommended installing lattice and buried wire mesh (14 gauge, bent at bottom) to block access under porches/sheds 53:19.
Squirrels: Discussed common calls for fallen babies 54:01. He emphasized reuniting babies with their mothers by placing them in a warm box at the tree base, potentially using baby squirrel distress calls from YouTube 55:00. Observation: Proulx prioritized natural solutions before rehabber intervention.
Home Intrusion: Advised chimney caps 56:15, trimming overhanging limbs 57:11, and using cayenne pepper 57:27. He explained the legal requirement for PAC agents to dispatch (kill) trapped animals, contrasting it with humane exclusion methods like one-way doors 55:35. He recommended a specific humane service (Pesky Pests 57:51) and stressed checking for babies before sealing exits 58:08.
Skunks & Possums: Suggested one-way doors for skunks under sheds 59:07. Praised possums as tick-eaters 59:45 and noted their “playing dead” defense 59:56.
Turkeys: Observed they are less of a problem now compared to the past 1:00:41. Advised ignoring them and not feeding them 1:01:00.
Raccoons: Identified as rabies vectors 1:01:30. Explained ACOs typically only respond if inside living quarters 1:02:16; pest control is needed for attics/walls 1:02:51. Mentioned breeding season (babies likely April/May 1:01:47) and moms retrieving babies if placed outside 58:25.
Turtles & Window Wells: Advised helping turtles cross roads (unless large snappers 1:03:56) and contacting rehabbers for injured ones 1:03:33. Highlighted window wells as death traps 1:04:30 and recommended rescue boards and covers 1:04:55.
Rabies: Described symptoms (circling, uncoordinated movement, chewing 1:06:13). Stressed that daytime activity alone isn’t indicative. Emphasized bats as the main local vector but noted confirmed cases are rare 1:05:45. Underscored the importance of pet vaccinations 1:08:33.
Bats: Recommended letting bats fly out of houses on their own 1:07:47. Discussed White Nose Syndrome’s impact 1:08:56 and advised professional exclusion services for infestations 1:10:21.
Marine Life & Pollution: Advised leaving resting seals alone 1:10:33 and calling NOAA for injured/entangled marine life 1:11:26. Stressed picking up beach trash 1:12:26.
Birds (General): Explained window strikes often cause stunning, recoverable in a quiet box 1:13:05. Described fledging as normal behavior 1:13:38, urging observers to give space and watch for parents before intervening 1:13:55. Showed examples of fledglings he left alone 1:14:45. Mentioned Avian Flu impact and precautions [1:17:41, 1:19:36].
Foxes: Noted they cause fewer issues but mange is prevalent 1:15:12. Differentiated red and gray foxes 1:15:42. Shared a story of rescuing a coyote with mange 1:16:20.
Resources: Provided contact info for Tufts Wildlife Clinic 1:17:17 and directed audience to the MassWildlife Rehabber list online 1:18:39.
Rodenticides: Proulx delivered a strong condemnation of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) found in black bait boxes 1:20:30. He explained they cause secondary poisoning in predators (hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, pets) that eat poisoned rodents 1:20:40. He explicitly called out pest control operators who claim otherwise as “lying” 1:21:07. He advocated for alternatives: contained snap traps 1:22:03 and especially “Smart Boxes” that use electricity 1:22:32. Observation: Proulx’s discussion on rodenticides was emphatic and provided specific alternatives. He mentioned working with Swampscott Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald on potentially implementing Smart Boxes locally 1:23:25.

Live Bird Demonstration and Q&A

Following Proulx’s talk, Wendy Pavlicek introduced herself (Director, Burlington Science Center; President, MA Falconry & Hawk Trust) and fellow falconer Kim Miners 1:24:12. Pavlicek introduced Edison, an 8-year-old Great Horned Owl she raised after he was found as a nestling 1:25:09. She described their partnership in education and hunting, sharing anecdotes (skunk encounter 1:26:10).

Pavlicek and Miners demonstrated Edison flying between them 1:27:40, explaining falconry training relies on weight management, reinforcement, and trust 1:27:48. Pavlicek noted owls’ acute hearing used for hunting 1:33:42.

Kim Miners then introduced Klaus, a Harris’s Hawk 1:35:28. She explained this non-native species hunts socially (“wolves of the sky”) in the desert southwest 1:35:38 and described their unique stacking behavior on perches 1:36:30. She stated Klaus is a captive-bred hunting partner 1:36:58.

Both falconers strongly reiterated the dangers of rodenticides [1:34:44, 1:37:39]. Miners cited Tufts research finding rodenticide traces in every raptor they tested 1:38:08, explaining how poisoned rodents are easy prey and can wipe out entire nests 1:37:39. Observation: The presence of the live predators made the rodenticide warnings particularly impactful.

An audience interaction period followed 1:39:27. Questions focused on owl prey selection (opportunistic, including snakes), tolerance for touch (generally low, depends on individual bird and training 1:40:06), vocalizations (contact calls vs. territorial hooting 1:42:13), determining sex (male smaller 1:43:25), and methods of transport for falconry birds (hoods or perches 1:44:15). Observation: The interaction showed audience engagement with the specifics of bird behavior and falconry practices.

Conclusion

Dan Proulx offered brief concluding remarks, thanking attendees and appealing for donations to relevant organizations (Burlington Science Center, Falconry & Hawk Trust) 1:45:05.

Section 4: Executive Summary

This educational presentation, hosted by the Swampscott Conservancy and featuring wildlife rehabilitator Dan Proulx and falconers Wendy Pavlicek and Kim Miners, provided Swampscott residents with extensive information on coexisting with local wildlife and mitigating conflicts humanely.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

Understanding Local Wildlife: Dan Proulx offered detailed insights into the behavior and needs of common Swampscott animals including rabbits, coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, foxes, bats, and various birds [~17:50 - 1:17:15]. His core message emphasized understanding animal behavior to prevent conflicts (e.g., knowing rabbit nesting season 18:40, why coyotes howl 42:45, why raccoons might be in an attic 1:01:47). Journalistic Insight: This knowledge empowers residents to react appropriately and avoid unnecessary interventions or fear.
Severe Dangers of Rodenticides: A major focus from all speakers was the devastating impact of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), commonly used in black bait boxes 1:20:30. Proulx, Pavlicek, and Miners stressed that these poisons kill not only rodents but also the predators (hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes, pets) that eat them [1:20:40, 1:34:44, 1:37:39]. Kim Miners cited Tufts Wildlife Clinic research finding SGARs in 100% of tested raptors 1:38:08. Journalistic Insight: This widespread secondary poisoning disrupts the local ecosystem by killing natural rodent predators, potentially worsening pest problems long-term. The presence of live birds of prey, Edison the Owl and Klaus the Hawk 1:24:12, served as a powerful visual reminder of the animals at risk.
Humane Alternatives & Prevention: Proulx strongly advocated for effective, humane alternatives to rodenticides, such as snap traps used inside protective containers 1:22:03 and electronic “Smart Boxes” 1:22:32. He noted that Swampscott’s Town Administrator, Sean Fitzgerald, is exploring the use of Smart Boxes locally 1:23:25. General prevention strategies included securing trash 1:12:26, capping chimneys 56:15, trimming tree limbs near houses 57:11, using humane exclusion devices (lattice, wire mesh, one-way doors [53:19, 57:51]), and employing deterrents like motion-activated props or pinwheels [46:41, 31:31]. For coyotes, active hazing was recommended 39:44.
Proper Response to Found Animals: Proulx provided clear instructions: Do not feed found baby animals 27:46. Prioritize reuniting babies (squirrels 55:00, birds 1:13:55) with parents before contacting rehabbers. Use gloves when handling wildlife 26:40. Contact specific resources for help: MassWildlife Rehabber List 1:18:39, Tufts Wildlife Clinic 1:17:17, NOAA for marine mammals 1:11:26, and Proulx himself via text 8:04. Journalistic Insight: Following proper procedures reduces stress on animals and avoids overburdening rehabilitation resources or engaging inappropriate responders like police for non-emergencies.

Overall Message: The presentation aimed to foster respect for local wildlife, provide practical tools for preventing negative interactions, and strongly discourage the use of harmful rodenticides in favor of safer, more targeted methods.

Section 5: Analysis

This presentation, while not a formal town government meeting, offered significant insights relevant to Swampscott residents and potentially future town policy discussions, grounded entirely in the transcript content.