There are lots of factors that go into interviewing a vendor, vetting a vendor, and then ultimately choosing a vendor. But how many of you have a stack of important questions on flashcards or a check list that you use when comparing competing services? Didn’t think so. Well, we asked 31 business owners and Business Decision Makers to rank their key factors they look for the most when comparing vendors. Here is 4 key factors and the comparison between Loomacres Wildlife Management and the USDA. Better yet Big Business vs Small Business, Private Sector vs Federal Agency, David vs. Goliath.

Quality: When choosing a new vendor, you want to make sure the quality of the product or service will meet your needs. Ask for referrals and talk to other airport managers that have used either vendor to see if they were satisfied with the quality of work. Let us compare.
USDA: There are some extremely talented employees at the USDA and depending on who you ask they can be over the moon satisfied or extremely unhappy. However, when you are as large as the USDA your quality of work is sometimes subpar since they are spread so thin. After some serious internet digging a nameless consulting firm polled USDA clients for customer service and they scored 74% satisfactory rating and the ever so influential Google rating well unfortunately they have zero reviews. One number that stood out which with being a Federal Agency and having a rather low Customer Satisfactory rating they exceed in customer retention with on average 93% of their clients under contract renew their services with the USDA.

Loomacres: Big on surveys and feedback and even has it posted on their website. Being a private sector business Loomacres can build relationships and a foundation for ongoing services provided to their clients. Due to their medium size business as well as family owned their clients are given much more attention and customized service.  They are coined with having the most on staff Airport Certified Wildlife Biologist which is a wealth of knowledge. Their Google ranking / review is 5 stars, and their Customer Satisfaction Score is 92% and a 95% customer retention rate.

Winner on Quality – Loomacres Wildlife Management
Price: Ah the elephant in the room. No one wants to admit just how important price is in selecting a vendor but of all people polled put price as either their number 1 or number 2 key factors in the selection process. Taking the lowest bid isn’t the most effective way to choose a vendor. You want to get the maximum value for the price you pay. Other factors to consider are time savings, labor savings, and the peace of mind you gain when working with someone you trust. Be clear about what you need from the vendor and make sure the bid includes every line-item cost. Get more than one bid and ask about additional fees, such as administrative expenses or surcharges. Always read the fine print before you sign a contract.

USDA: So, the USDA tends to be the most expensive service in the industry. Because they are a federal agency, they can pretty much do anything they want and charge whatever they want especially if the Airport is the recipient of a FAA AIP Grant. So who cares what it cost when you’re paying a Government ran Agency with Government Grant Money, which is a whole other blog post for another day but God Bless America right?

Loomacres: On average Loomacres can save new clients 20-30% on their existing contract especially if they are using the USDA. As a private sector business Loomacres is more efficient in servicing their clients and has invested in the latest techniques for Wildlife Management. Loomacres Airport Certified Wildlife Biologist are continuously training on new age techniques and tactics. More efficient means less hours, means cheaper bottom line.

Winner on Price: Loomacres
Customer Service: Every vendor is great when their clients are thrilled with the service provided. What makes a vendor stand out is what do they do when things go wrong.

USDA: If you are ok with call centers, or robot chat bots on their website then have at it. We made some phone calls to the USDA customer service center and the wait time was 4-5 minutes per call and we were transferred to multiple different offices and multiple different regions of the country. One good thing to say about our experience was the pleasant personality and helpful nature each operator we spoke to displayed.

Loomacres: This is where being a smaller family-owned company really is an unfair advantage. Even though they have a 1-800 # listed on their website, the business manger answered on the second ring. The owner of the company Kristin Baciuska was easy to get ahold of and even texted us because she was in a training class and did not want us to think she was ignoring the call.

Winner on Customer Service: Loomacres
Response Time: When we have a need we wanted now! This is tricky one because its mostly situational and depends on the representative reached. However, no matter if you are company in the private sector or a Federal Agency response time should be important and adequate.

USDA: USDA is made up of 29 agencies and offices with nearly 100,000 employees who serve the American people at more than 4,500 locations across the country and abroad. What we found was if you called your Airport Wildlife Biologist their response time was solid. However, if you tried to contact someone through the website or call center hope you packed a lunch and like holding music.

Loomacres: You can tell the employees are well trained and extremely knowledgeable and when they did not the answer, they reached out to other Biologist in the company to pass on the correct response. When submitting a request on their website you will have a phone call or email within 10 minutes or less.

Winner on Response Time: Loomacres
Ok before you start yelling “rigged” or “bias” all phone calls, emails, and questions asked were done by a neutral party and conducted on different departments and different representatives to ensure a strong sample size.

What did we learn from this? I think the one thing that stands out is the larger the company the more layers to it and the harder it is to get that caring and customer satisfaction guaranteed treatment. The USDA is big, and clearly, they are doing something right. Loomacres seems to have its ducks in a row and a gauge on pleasing their clients which is allowing them to grow and be competitive to their main competition.

When you think of nuisance wildlife control or rather when you think of nuisance wildlife species, you probably think of racoons, geese, skunks, mice, and squirrels living in your attic. But a growing trend in the never dull world of nuisance wildlife control is the headache wild turkeys have been causing in urban areas. I repeat wild turkeys are becoming more and more of threat to human safety in urban areas than most people are aware of.

And no, I am not talking about the classic South Park Episode where the town is overrun by mutant turkeys which results in an all war. However, after watching that episode and comparing it some of the stories, articles, and videos pretty sure I know where Trey Parker came up with that episode idea.

Do not believe me well than go to Hutchinson, Kansas and talk to the locals who have a mural painted of these turkeys that have attacked numerous people since 2013 and the town has no idea what to do or how to remove these birds. (Full Story Click Here) Or feel free to visit Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, a nice little suburb south of Cleveland that has been dealing with a giant boom in turkey population in the last 10 years. (full story click here).

Do not be surprised if you live in an urban area with a turkey issue if Nuisance Wildlife Control Companies like Loomacreas Wildlife Management start implementing tactics and techniques to keep these aggressive birds from harming anyone.

If you are looking for strategies or techniques used for Nuisance Turkey Control, please fill out the fields below and one of Biologists will reach out to shortly.

What we find in most of our meetings with airports managers is that they have been using the USDA for several years and they just keep renewing their Wildlife Hazard Management contract without looking at other options. We constantly hear “Well they were in place before I took the position”. Or one of my personal favorites is “well they aren’t great, but they aren’t terrible, so we just renew because its all we’ve ever known”.

In the ever so changing world of Airport Wildlife Hazard Management don’t you think it is about time to get a fresh perspective, have a fresh pair of eyes to review your WHMP or train your staff? Many successful business owners and managers have stated you should review every contract with every vendor no matter how big or how small every two to three years due to industry changes and advancements in technology and techniques. You should always interview at least two competing vendors to keep up with your industry changes.

We are Loomacres Wildlife Management and we are that company with new technology, new techniques that you should be talking to if your USDA Contract is expiring.

What makes us different? 
Simple we are the first privately owned company appointed by the FAA to service Wildlife Hazard Management Plans and Wildlife Hazard Assessments. Couple that with more qualified FAA Certified Airport Wildlife Biologist on staff than any other firm in the country we have the talent, the experience, and the qualifications to be considered for your next Airport Wildlife Hazard Management solution. We offer new aged and constantly updated training curriculum that taught either in person or virtually by one of our Certified Airport Wildlife Biologist to fulfill your FAA required Wildlife Hazard Management and Wildlife Identification annual education mandate and certifications.

What is our Core Values at Loomacres?
Ethical: Loomacres takes pride in setting the standard in the Wildlife Management Industry. We are constantly reviewing and updating our practices and procedures to make sure we are holding ourselves to the highest standard in all things Wildlife Management covers. We always deliver a safe, humane, and innovative solution to serve our clients.
Professionalism: Our staff has the credential and experience to succeed in setting the standards set forth by the FAA and your Airport. We realize we are a direct reflection of your Airport and your Airport staff, and we never overlook that.

Reliable: Conditions in the Wildlife Management Industry are constantly changing. Loomacres prides itself on being able to not only forecast unforeseen situation but react accordingly in a timely manner as well as the ability to adapt and overcome whatever is thrown our way. It is imperative that our company and Certified Airport Wildlife Biologist remain flexible as well as proactive in an unpredictable industry.

Still not convinced; well how about this. Since being founded in 2008 by Airport Wildlife Biologist to shake up and better serve an industry outdated with its training, its techniques, and its execution. We have always invested in researching new effective methods, new technology advancements as well as new techniques to help better service our clients. We are never above adapting to new ways of doing things, especially if they work. Working with us you will see that there is not a lot of red tape and “approval” to wait on if something needs to be addressed immediately.

Because we are a privately held company our pricing structure is extremely aggressive compared to our competitors. We believe in transparency in our billing and a fair cost of services provided. You will never not know what you are being charged for and there are never any hidden fees. Since we are not a Government Agency, we can be aggressive in everything we do.

Loomacres Wildlife Management has always put our clients needs first. We have made it a point no matter how many clients we have you will always be treated with respect and appreciation, and you will always have that small business feel where you are an email, a text or a phone call away from speaking with the owner of our company. Ask yourself when using the USDA when was the last time you spoke with POTUS to voice your concerns or just to chat about things? Yea, never.

So, What is the Next Step?
Let us chat either in person for a site visit or virtually! Simply fill out the form below or reach out directly and one of our company leaders and we will contact you immediately. We look forward to letting you get to know us.

P: 518.441.8576
E: [email protected]

Every year more and more turtles are being killed by vehicles than any predator or any other factor in nature. As our human thumb print and land development keeps expanding so does the roaming areas of turtles and other species. Now some turtles like a snapping turtle are easy to spot but the smaller species not so much and if you are driving your vehicle at a fast rate sometimes you just cannot get out of the way fast enough. However, some of us have witnessed motorist swerving just to hit these almost defenseless creatures who are just looking for a place to nest and hatch their young. Some motorists have the best of intentions when stopping to help a turtle cross the road but have no idea how to properly help a turtle get out of harms way. Hopefully, this article will give you a clear understand so that you can help save a turtle the next time you see one struggling or if you want to call and talk to an expert Loomacres Wildlife Management has several wildlife biologist on staff that can help you or walk you through it.

WHY DID THE TURTLE CROSS THE ROAD?
During the late spring months and early summer months, female turtles are not acting like chickens just to get to the other side of the road, they have somewhere to be. Many female turtles will cross a road or highway bearing eggs looking for a place to nest. Semi aquatic turtles can be looking for wetland habitat depending on the season. Hatchlings (baby turtles) in roadways are typically looking ponds and streams to make as their permanent home.
Tips When Moving or Handling Turtles.

1. Handle with Care: If you must pick up a turtle gentle grab it by the sides of the shell with the head facing away from you. Be careful because some turtles empty their bladder once they are scared and no one wants that especially trying to score good Samaritan points.
2. Do Not Relocate: Turtles have exceedingly small roaming areas and if you relocate them, chances are they will wonder aimlessly searching for their territory. So do not relocate them to a new home, simply help them and be on your way.
3. Place them in the Direction they are heading: If you need to move a turtle move them in the direction, they were heading otherwise they will just keep trying to cross the roadway repeatedly.
4. LOOK BOTH WAYS: Sometimes good intentions can lead to tragic results. If you are pulling over to help a turtle, remember to look both ways and when you pull over always put your flashers on and pull over as far as you can on the shoulder of the road for the safety of other drivers and yourself.
5. Watch Your Fingers: Snapping Turtles have some of the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom and if you are not careful enough their deceptive snapping ability could result in a major injury. The best thing to do when dealing with a snapping turtle is call an expert and let them deal with it. (Click Here for Video)
6. Do not Keep Them as Pets: I know they are cute and majestic but keeping a turtle as a pet is typically a terrible idea. Over 84% of adult turtles caught in the wild and kept in a home-based aquarium die within the first 2 months of captivity. If you are looking for a pet go to the pet store.

If you want more information or have a problem with turtles on your property or in your roadways please fill out the fields below and someone from Loomacres Wildlife Management will reach out to you shortly.

One of the absolute American treasures is Yellowstone National Park! Since 1979 Yellowstone averages about 3-4 million visitors a year. People come from all over the world to marvel at such sites like Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone Lake, and Grand Prismatic Spring, etc. But the main attraction for most is the wildlife that roam free within the park! Year after year campers, hikers, tourists, etc. feel the need to come face to face with animals living in the wild and it sometimes does not end well.  Let us break down the numbers based on types of animals involved and here are tips to keep you and your family safe while visiting the true Merica’ Marvel.

Grizzly Bear: Since 1979, more than 118 million people visited Yellowstone National Park. During this period, 44 people were injured by bears in the park, according to park numbers. As recently as April a lone hiker was attacked by a grizzly and seriously injured. He died a day later after he suffered a stroke following surgery. While he had bear spray with him, it was not clear if he had time to use it. Investigators who went to the site the following day were charged by an older male grizzly. After all members in the group hazed the bear and it failed to stop, the bear was killed. In 2011 two hikers were mauled to death by a Grizzly. Even more recently, two more people in 2013 survived attacks by grizzlies in the park. And, in August of 2015, a knowledgeable hiker was killed in the backcountry. In the later, there were reports of a grizzly with a cub in the area. However, in the entire 142- year history there has only been 8 total deaths in Yellowstone credited to Grizzly Bears but seems like human traffic in the park is increasing so are the number of attacks which is around 2 per year since 1980.  

Tips To Avoid a Grizzly Bear Attack:

1. Keep your distance: Seems more like common sense but these animals are made to kill so relax and view from far away especially if bear cubs are involved.
2. Hike in a group of 3 or more. Simple strength in numbers mentality which normally will detour bears from bothering you.
3. Do Not Run: Probably easier said than done, but experts encourage you to play dead or stand your ground. In this case make sure you change your underwear after!
4. Bear Spray: Carry a can of bear spray which is like mase for humans but a lot stronger and make sure not to practice spraying in a closed in area or spraying into the wind.

Bison: Easily the most visible animal and they are remarkably huge! Because of their docile demeanor people feel the need to get extremely close to these animals for that ever so popular selfie! Of the 56 injuries recorded over the last 15 years, 80% of them were because people approached the animals causing it to charge. Last year a 72 year old woman (full story click here) was gored in an attempt to take up close photos of a bison. She was flown to an Idaho hospital where she survived her injuries but it was reported she was less than 10 feet from the animal multiple times.

Tips To Avoid Bison Attacks:

1. Do not be a moron: These animals are huge and run a lot faster than you think. So, keep your distance and if possible, stay in your vehicle to take photos. 
2. Do not be This Guy: No matter what, do not be this (drunken) guy.
3. Do not try and feed bison. This is self-explanatory and just a bad idea.
4. Recognize Mother and Young: Bison mothers are justifiably protective of their calves, so never get in between mom and kids. Young bison can be more playful and exploratory so leave extra space.

Wolves: There has not been any attacks recorded on wolves since the reintroduction of wolves in the park. This can be attributed to a target rich environment wolves have with Elk, Deer, and other animals that are heavily populated in the park. However, wolves do pose a risk so proceed with caution and keep your distance.

There are several stories that people love to brag about whether its coming face to face with a bear or stumbling upon a mountain lion and even surviving a pack of wolves that were surrounding you on a camping trip. There are tons of videos on YouTube that you can watch and entertain yourself with, but what about Swans? No one comes into work and brags about how they got their a$$ kicked by a Mute Swan over the weekend while walking their dog at the park, or on the golf course with your friends like the man below!

Like all great ideas when it comes to America, a bunch of rich people thought “hey let’s bring these Giant majestic birds from Europe to swim in our pond and decorate the park with” which has led to another invasive species taking over things they should not. All the Mute Swans in North America you see today actually descended from swans imported from the mid-1800s through early 1900s to adorn large estates, city parks, and zoos. Escapees established breeding populations and are now established in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, and Pacific Northwest of the U.S.

According to the DNR there are three major problems with mute swans; they are a threat to humans, wildlife, and destruction of wetlands. First, mute swans have little fear of humans, and they are also quite large, massive to be exact and boy are they NASTY! (Meet Mr. Nasty. Click Here)  Every year the DNR gets multiple reports of swan attacks both on shore and in boats and other watercraft on the water. Swans get especially aggressive when they are nesting or protecting their young. And yes, they have killed humans!

In April of 2012, a Chicago man was kayaking in a pond at his local park in Des Plains, Illinois. Suddenly his kayak was toppled over by a swan that had been laying still in the weeds over its nest. The Swan continued to attack the man several times as he fought to stay above water which ultimately led to him drowning and the swan swimming off back to the nest. Do not believe me? For the full story click here.

Mute swans are also detrimental to wildlife, as they are the most aggressive waterfowl species. They will attack, injure, and possibly kill other waterfowl for nesting or feeding grounds. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reported three pairs of captive swans killed over 50 ducks and geese in a zoo. There are many threatened waterfowl in states like Michigan, Ohio, and New York that are in danger of disappearing due to mute swans, one of which is the trumpeter swan. The trumpeter swan population is on the rise, but the mute swan population is also on the rise and threatening the native swan breeding programs.

Mute Swans in every state are protected and may not be harmed or handled without authorization from your state Wildlife Agency. Even though they are considered an invasive species and a nuisance you still must obtain special permits and authorization to do so.
 
LOOMACRES WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT CAN HELP!
 
 There are several management and harassment practices used in handling these notorious bully birds! We have years of experience helping clients take back their wetlands, ponds, and lakes from Nuisance Swans. For more information fill out the fields below and one of our Wildlife Biologist will reach out to you shortly with a free consultation.

For backyard chicken keepers, homesteaders, and large-scale farmers alike, the single greatest challenge is protecting poultry from predators. Lately we have been receiving several inquiries about the same topic. “My chickens are dead”, “My chickens are missing” and “help me trap whatever is eating my chickens”. There is a huge trend now since new homeowners are buying their dream homes in the country and along with nice organic garden beds, so is the idea of raising backyard chickens. But if you have ambitions of living off the land and raising chickens, be prepared to deal with the threat of predation but you never know how big of an issue it is until its too late.  If you own a backyard flock, more than likely, you have experienced a predator or two - especially if you allow your poultry to free-range. However, chickens that free-range are not the only chickens susceptible to predator attacks. Even if you keep your flock is kept in an enclosure, they might not be safe.

Predators are predators and they will kill or attempt to kill no matter what hurdles you put in front of them! They will dig tunnels, rip through fences, ambush in the daytime, nothing will stop them when they are craving some breast, thighs, and wings! So, before you call Loomacres Wildlife Management or any other wildlife removal company here are some things to know that will help you identify the predators you might be dealing with.
When are your chickens disappearing? Working out what could be killing the chickens in your flock can help you protect against future attacks. Predators kill in different ways and at varying times of the day. There are three types of predator groups, and you can generally identify this group by documenting when they are disappearing.

Nocturnal Hunters: If you are going to bed at night and everything is ok but waking up to a morning massacre here is a list of potential night killers.

• Bobcats, house cats, coyotes, foxes, weasels, raccoons, skunks, opossums, snakes, owls, mink, fisher, rats.

Low Light Hunters: These are predators that use either first thing in the morning to ambush waking prey or become active as the sun is setting.

• Bears, Bobcats, house cats, coyotes, foxes, weasels, snakes, owls, hawks, crows, eagles, fisher.

Daytime Hunters: Some predators may hunt any time and may be included in one or more groups and hungry animals or those with young to feed are likely to be more of a problem during the day.

• Bears, Bobcats, coyotes, foxes, weasels, snakes, hawks, crows, eagles.

So now that you have a list of potential predators and you have narrowed down your suspects how to you know exactly what is killing your chickens? Outside of using a trail camera to capture an image of the intruder is to examine the crime scene. No, you do not have to be a character on CSI or own a Detective Badge, but you will have to look at what was left behind. Below is a helpful guide broken down by each predator and their hunting tendencies.
 
Fox: Scattered feathers inside and outside coup, multiple chickens wounded or multiple dead, one missing at a time with the Fox coming back multiple times.
Coyotes: Look for scat or poop that looks a lot like your dogs but has hair, bone, or feathers in it. Multiple chickens missing during the night, multiple dead inside the coup. Many times, your fence may be ripped apart of a hole dug under the fence for entrance and exit.
Bears: Probably the easiest to tell but if your pen is completely destroyed and it looks like a mass murderer has been there, yep, it’s a bear!
Domestic Cat: Very underrated killer on this list and probably the slickest! Small chickens or chicks taken singly, single birds taken, wings, head and feet left. Cats typically do not leave anything living behind even if they do not eat it.
Skunks: Just close your eyes and smell the odor. Skunks are messy killers so look for missing organs on the chickens left behind, empty eggshells around the nest.
Raccoons: Mostly active at night and will typically only kill chicks and eggs! Raccoons are notorious for squeezing through tight places.
Rats: If your chickens are missing feet or toes, wounded, or you find a lot of partially eaten chicks you have got a rat problem.
Snake: Single dead chicken, may have a wet head showing the snake tried to swallow it. Missing eggs.
Mountain Lion: They like to hunt at Dusk/Dawn and typically will kill multiple birds (1-5) in a single visit. Look for tracks because like domestic cats they do not leave a lot of trace evidence!
Dogs: Chickens badly bitten with deep puncture wounds and rarely eaten. Kills all chickens it can get hold of. Damaged fences and feathers everywhere. They are not stealthy so picture a bull in a China Shop.
Hawks / Eagles: These daytime hunters like to enter the pen from above so look at the roof for damage. Birds of prey take a single bird and tend to eat where they kill. Remains spread on back with most of the chicken eaten. Sparrowhawks may carry birds away.
Owls: Nighttime hunters or right at dawn. Look for talon marks in any wounded chickens and scan the yard for feathers underneath a perch tree.  
Fishers or Minks: These aggressive killers mostly kill for fun and are efficient. Look for bite marks around the neck area or if heads are missing and your pen looks to be untouched you probably have your suspect!
 
Opossums: One or two chickens killed. Bites in breast or thigh, abdomen eaten, chickens eaten on site because they are lazy and do not care to leave the scene of the crime.

Now that you have the ability to identify the critters that are ruining your chicken flock, we strongly suggest you contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION where one of our on-staff Wildlife Biologist can talk you through the next steps whether its applying for a depredation permit through your state wildlife authority or help you implement a trapping strategy. Remember that all these creatures are wild and pose a bite risk to humans so should you encounter any of them, handle the situation with great care and get help. If you are beyond the point of wanting to deal with it yourself fill out the form below and we will contact you shortly.

Each spring and early summer Facebook, and Instagram is loaded with pictures and videos of fawns (baby deer) and they are typically all the same. A cute little newborn fawn laying behind a woodshed, in a flowerbed, or some tall grass in the backyard. As humans living in the United States of course we must document everything and post away. However how close is too close? Fawns have almost no odor, so predators cannot smell them. Their white spotted coats provide excellent camouflage when they are lying on the forest floor. For the first week of life, frightened fawns instinctively freeze, making full use of their protective coloration. If you think about it what happens if that cute photo of a lifetime has fatal consequences to it is it worth it?

 Here is a list of reasons you should just admire from a far and keep it moving.

1. Its apart of nature’s cycle. Does (fawns’ mother) tend to leave their newborn fawns for the first few weeks after birth. The reason for this is the fawn is better protected without the scent and odor the mother gives off after birth. This is merely to protect it from predators.
2. DO NOT PET IT or touch it. If you get too close to the fawn and your scent is left behind, you may cause the doe to desert her offspring. If you try and pick up the fawn, the bleating sound it makes or cry you hear is dinner bell to nearby predators.
3. If for whatever reason you try and raise Bambi on your own, whether it be the mother was struck by a car or maybe you caused the mother to abandon it and feel bad, studies have shown that less than 4% live to the age of 10 weeks old. So be prepared too not be successful.
4. Usually, the mother is not too far, typically, within 200 or less yards downwind. If you frighten a fawn and cause it to leave the area in which its mother left it, because they are odorless, this may cause the mother to lose track of the fawn and not be able to protect it from predators. Also, the mother typically leaves it in a safe secure place so startling a fawn to move locations it might not pick the greatest hiding spot.
5. Dog attacks! Domestic dogs make up 5.8% of all reported fawn fatalities. This typically occurs because it is a dog’s instinct to protect its territory and in urban areas deer will often hide their fawns on or near someone’s yard. Monitor your dog’s behavior in the spring and early summer and try and keep it away from a fawn if you spot one.  

Most studies have come up with a fawn’s survival rate in the wild is between 33 and 68 percent. These studies were done over a 15-year period and over several different states and habitat conditions. Please do not make it even harder on the fawn to survive. Use common sense and keep in mind not to touch it under any circumstance and keep your distance because you never know if that Facebook picture may cause the life of a newborn deer.

If you want more information or to speak with a wildlife biologist about a specific issue you are having or question you need clarification on, fill out the form below.

July 4th is rapidly approaching, and social gathering is happening all over. In a normal year Americans start stocking up on all sorts of fireworks and sparklers to celebrate Independence Day! The covid pandemic however has caused a shortage for all sorts of random things like toilet paper, guns and ammo, lumber, chlorine, fruit trees and now add Pyrotechnics to that list. Seeing as more than 130,000,000 people in the U.S. are finally fully vaccinated, which means they can take off their masks and gather like they used to before the pandemic, per new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The fireworks or pyrotechnic industry is facing a "massive product shortage." In fact, more than 60 percent of the fireworks ordered by companies in the U.S. for 2021 will not actually arrive this year because of the shortage.  Yes, that equates to a 6-month waiting period if my math works.

Imports from China, where more than 90% of the world’s fireworks are manufactured, have plummeted as the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered many factories there. As a result, Chinese exports dropped to near zero in January and the United States imported 75% fewer fireworks in all of 2020 compared to 2019. China’s production of fireworks generally increases during the winter months, but that may not be possible this year due to the closed factories and with an increase in all United States holiday shows, wedding venues, and sporting events, China only produced 10% of what they normally produced in a non-covid year creating a massive shortage and back order for 2021!

In the Wildlife Management industry our shipments of pyrotechnics (Flashers, and bangers) have been delayed for almost 4-6 months at a time by our vendors due to an increase in demand, decrease in production, and outrageous shipping costs. How bad are the shipping costs? Well shipping costs have increased by more than 100 percent over the last year, which has contributed to the looming fireworks shortage. The increased costs have come from freight surcharges of $1,000 to $5,000, and additional charges added by ports in China. Many distributors tried to wait until the freight prices were low again, creating a massive fireworks shortage that our industry has never seen before. Other additional factors contributing to the shortage include the Suez Canal disruption, port closures in Canada, the pandemic's temporary shutdown, and new restrictions for production at Chinese firework factories.

If you look at the transportation industry which is in complete shambles after the world was temporarily shut down. The global transportation system is really in a wreck. Ports are backed up and ships are not moving the way they should. How is that going to impact the Fourth of July? Yes, a lot of people are going to be let down but in the Wildlife Management Industry where we depend on these as tools to prevent wildlife strikes on an airport it is now becoming a growing concern. The shortage is occurring at a time of increased demand. The American Pyrotechnics Association said last year the fireworks industry saw the highest consumer revenue in 20 years bringing in $1.9 billion. However, what does that mean for 2021? Empty shelves.

For more information or to speak with a Loomacres representative about ordering pyrotechnics or any airport wildlife control products, please fill out the fields below and someone will contact you shortly.