Wildlife Operations

Invasive species hurt economic and ecological resources in the Territory and methods to control those species include recruiting and certifying members of the public to assist with their control. The certification program for Wildlife Control Operators and Wildlife Control Removal Agents is a management tool highlighted in the ‘USVI Invasive Species Action Plan’ to mitigate impacts of invasive species. The Invasive Species Eradication Community Program was enacted under Act No. 8450 and is codified under 12 V.I.C. § 111-117.

DFW encourages all pest management companies, small business owners, and members of the public to learn about this recently implemented program and apply to be certified. Wildlife Control Removal Agents can be hired by community members to assist with the growing need for the management of nuisance and invasive species across the territory. Wildlife Control Operators will be able to volunteer their services, while also being able to collect declared bounties on red-tailed boas and mongoose after certification.

Learn more about this program, its requirements, and how invasive species impact the U.S. Virgin Islands below.