Date of this Version The use of diversionary food is an
ecological method to reduce feeding damage by wildlife to forest
and agricultural crops. The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus
hudsonicus) feeds on the vascular tissues of young lodgepole
pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) and this damage is
particularly severe in intensively managed stands. Aerial
application of sunflower seed on an operational scale
significantly reduced damage by squirrels. This result was
achieved in three different ecological zones in the interior of
British Columbia, Canada. The food shortage apparently
experienced by these rodents during the May-June damage period
can be accommodated by an artificial food source such as
sunflower seeds. Cost of this operational program is $0-$45/ha
and is a worthwhile expense even if required annually for 5-10
years to protect the $2,000+/ha invested in intensively managed
pine stands. Adaptation of this technique is discussed with
respect to understanding the sociological aspects essential to
successf