Summary

Description

The recent discovery of a second wild breeding population of the endangered Aleutian Canada goose Branta canadensis leucopareia on Chagulak Island suggested the possibility of natural expansion of geese to neighboring islands, if the introduced Arctic fox Alopex lagopus were eliminated. During the period of 17 May to 22 July 1983, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted an eradication program on Arnukta Island, located about four miles southwest of Chagulak. Eradication of the fox was initially attempted using leghold traps, sodium cyanide devices M44 coyote getters, rifles, shotguns and a pistol. Diaphacinone poison baits were distributed across Amata along fox trails at the end of the season. Initial results appear promising with 49 fox being killed and all major fox trails revegetating by late summer. Previous eradication programs have succeeded on Agattu, AlaidNizki and Amchitka islands in the western Aleutians.