Description

The WCO core training program consists of 12 training modules. The basic core curriculum has 10 modules covering material ranging from the principles of wildlife damage management to personal safety, business practices, and legal and ethical considerations . These modules are considered the “core” because they contain information every wildlife control operator (WCO) should know regardless of where he/she lives. The content of the modules is not tied to a particular region but cover important topics such as basic wildlife management principles, personal safety, wildlife disease information, control techniques, site inspection, exclusion, and legal and ethical issues. The last section, Wildlife species information, covers many common nuisance wildlife species, including biological information, habitat modifications, animal control methods, and recommended disposition.

In addition, there are 5 species modules that are representative of many of the common wildlife control and animal handling techniques which WCOs most learn and master. The final test covers bats, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and unprotected birds.