Professor, Wildlife Specialist Outreach My outreach focus is on nuisance wildlife management and human-wildlife conflict resolution. I work with county extension agents and various landowners and clients to solve urban nuisance wildlife issue. I also work with county extension agents to resolve wildlife damage issues related to wild pigs, white-tailed deer, and common urban wildlife. Education Education: Ph.D. 1987 Forestry/Wildlife Clemson University Dissertation: 'Impacts of natural and artificial regeneration of loblolly pine on small mammals in the South Carolina piedmont.' M.S. 1982 Forestry/Wildlife Clemson University Thesis: 'A comparison of two diet analysis techniques applied to white-tailed deer in coastal South Carolina.' B.S. 1979 Fisheries/Wildlife Virginia Tech Research Selected Publications: Books or Book Chapters Mengak, M. T. 2021. Nuisance Wildlife Management. Chapter 27 in Georgia Master Gardener's Handbook. UGA Cooperative Extensions Publication. Mengak, M. T., and C. A. Miller. 2020. Chapter 10: Human Dimensions and Education Associated with Wild Pigs in North America. Pages 229-243 in K. VerCauteren, J. C. Beasley, S. S. Ditchkoff, J.J. Mayer, G. J. Roloff, and B.K. Strickland (editors). Invasive Wild Pigs in North America: Ecology, Impacts, and Management. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL. 485 pages. Mengak, M. T. 2020. Georgia Landowners' Guide to Wild Pig Management. eBook. https://books.apple.com/us/book/georgia-landowners-guide-to-wild-pig-management/id1515774909. 66p. Kammermeyer, K. and M.T. Mengak. 2010. Camera Surveys. Pages 193-197 in K. Kammermeyer and R. Thackston. Deer & Turkey Management Beyond Food Plots. Scott Lithographing Company, Tucker, GA. Mengak, M.T., C.M. Butchkoski, D.J. Feller, and S.A. Johnson. 2008. Lessons form long-term monitoring of woodrats. Pages 109-132 in J. Peles and J. Wright (editors) The Allegheny Woodrat: Ecology, Conservation, and Management of a Declining Species. Springer-Verlag Publishers. Monographs Linehan, J. M, and M. T. Mengak, S. B. Castleberry, and D. Miller. 2008. Inventory of the mammalian species at Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Occasional Papers of the Texas Tech Museum. Number 272. 11 March 2008. 16 pages. Castleberry, S. B., M. T. Mengak, W. M. Ford. 2006. Neotoma magister. Mammalian Species No. 789, pp. 1-5, 3 figs Journal Articles (since 2013) Powers, K. E., M. T. Mengak, R. R. Sheehy, W. M. Ford, and R. J. Reynolds. 2020. Bot fly parasitism of Allegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister) in Virginia. American Midland Naturalist 184:62-72. Hohbein, R. R. and M. T. Mengak. 2018. Cooperative extension agents as key informants in assessing wildlife damage trends in Georgia. Human-Wildlife Interactions 12: 243-258. Kanine, J. M., E. M. Kierepka, S. B. Castleberry, M. T. Mengak, N.P. Nibbelink, and T. C. Glenn. 2018. Influence of landscape heterogeneity on the functional connectivity of Allegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister) in Virginia. Conservation Genetics Published online_6 August 2018 http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10592-018-1093-4 Lombardi, J. V., M. T. Mengak, S. B. Castleberry, and V. K. Terrill. 2018. Natural and anthropogenic factors affecting Allegheny woodrat occupancy. Wildlife Society Bulletin 42: 667-673. Mingie, J., N.C. Pouydal, M. K. Bowker, M. T. Mengak, and J. Sirey. 2018. Comparing the net benefit of forestland access for big game hunting across landownership types in Georgia, USA. Forest Science 65: 189-200. doi: 10.1093/forsci/fxy045 Lombardi, J.V., M.T. Mengak, S.B. Castleberry, and V.K. Terrell. 2017. Mammal occurrence in rock outcrops in Shendandoah National Park: Ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing trap success and co-occurrence. Natural Areas Journal 37: 507-514. Mingie, J., N. Poudyal, M. Bowker, M. T. Mengak. 2017. Big game hunters preferences for hunting lease attributes: An application of a choice experiment. Forest Policy and Economics 78(2017): 98-106. Mingie, J., N. Poudyal, M. Bowker, M. T. Mengak, and J. Sirey. 2017. A hedonic analysis of big game hunting club dues in Georgia. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 22: 110-125. Ninke, L.B. and M. T. Mengak. 2016. Evaluating the Georgia Master Naturalist Program. Journal of Extension, June 2016, Vol. 54, No. 3, Article #3RIB7. www.joe.org Harper, E.E. , J. J. Vaske, C. A. Miller, M.T. Mengak, and S. Bruno. 2016. Stakeholder attitudes and beliefs toward wild pigs in Georgia and Illinois. Wildlife Society Bulletin 40:269-273. Lombardi, J. V., M. T. Mengak, S. B. Castleberry, V. K. Terrell, and M. Fies. 2016. A new long-tailed weasel county record in Shenandoah National Park. Virginia Journal of Science 67:1-5. Lombardi, J. V., M. T. Mengak, and S. B. Castleberry. 2016. Three new county records for Eastern Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) in Shenandoah National Park. Banisteria 46:25-27. Harper, E.E., J.J.Vaske, C.A.Miller, M.T. Mengak, and S. Bruno. 2016. Stakeholder attitudes and beliefs towards wild pigs in Georgia and Illinois. Wildlife Society Bulletin 40: 269-273. Kanine, J. M., S.B. Castleberry, M. T. Mengak, and C. Winchester. 2015. Seasonal variation in Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli) diets. Southeastern Naturalist 14: 405-414. Castleberry, S. B., M. T. Mengak, and T. E. Menken. 2014. Comparison of trapping and camera survey methods for determining presence of Allegheny woodrats. Wildlife Society Bulletin 38: 414-418. McCleery, R., M. Oli, J. Hostetler, B. Karmacharya, D. U. Greene, C. Winchester, J. Gore, S. Sneckenberger, S. B. Castleberry, and M. T. Mengak. 2013. Are declines of an endangered mammal predation-driven, and can a captive-breeding and release program aid their recovery? Journal of Zoology, Print ISSN 0952-8369; doi 10.1111/jzo. 12046. Greene, D. U., S. B. Castleberry, and M. T. Mengak. 2013. A methodology for long-term monitoring of the endangered Key Largo cotton mouse. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 37: 368-374. Conference Proceedings Todd, C. T. and M. T. Mengak. 2018. Wild pig hunting outfitters in the Southeast. Proceedings of the 17th Wildlife Damage Management Conference, 17: 89-90. Perdido Beach, AL. Feb. 26-28, 2017 Mengak, M. T. 2016. Landowner opinions regarding wild pigs in Georgia, USA. Pages 162-169 in RM Timm and RA Baldwin (editors). Proceedings 27th Vertebrate Pest Conference, Newport Beach, Ca. March 6-10, 2016. Mengak, M. T. 2014. The extent and impact of wild pig damage to landowners in southwest Georgia, USA. Pages 287-290 in RM Timm and JM O’Brien, (editors). Proceedings 26th Vertebrate Pest Conference, Waikoloa Village, Hawaii. March 3-6, 2014. Mengak, M. T., C. A. Miller, and D. I. Hall. 2009. Attitudes of students in a wildlife damage management class towards nuisance wildlife control. Pages 75-83 in J. Boulanger (editor). Proceedings 13th Wildlife Damage Management Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY. May 3-6, 2009. Mengak, M. T. 2009. Growing loblolly pine with wildlife food plots, hunting lease assumptions and liability issues. Pages 92-100 in Siry, J. et al. (editors). 2009 Proceedings of the 2008 Southern Forest Economics Workers Annual Meeting; 2008 Mar 9-11, Savannah, GA. Stephens, L. R., M. T. Mengak, D. I. Hall. 2007. Evaluation of resident Canada Goose relocation in Georgia. Pages 543-553 in D. L. Nolte (editor). Proceedings of the 12th Wildlife Damage Management Conference, Corpus Christi, TX. Outreach & Extension Publications. (Partial List ONLY -- see C.V. for complete list) 1. Extension Book Chapters (Peer-reviewed) 2. Mengak, M. T. 2020. Vertebrate Pest Control. Pages 498-502 in D. Horton (editor), Georgia Pest Management Handbook. Commercial Edition. Special Bulletin 28. 1. Mengak, M. T. 2020. Vertebrate Pest Control. Pages 170-172 in in D. Horton (editor), Georgia Pest Management Handbook. Homeowner Edition. Special Bulletin 48. 2. Extension Bulletins (peer edited) 5. Mengak, M. T. 2013. Resolving Human-Nuisance Wildlife Conflicts. UGA Cooperative Extension Service, Publication B-1248. 9 pages. 4. Pennisi, B. and M. T. Mengak. 2012. Resolving Issues with Nuisance Wildlife. AV Library No. CD-056. 140 slides. Slide set for county programs. Accompanying textual support material (script for presenters)—46 pp. 3. Pennisi, B. and M. T. Mengak. 2012. Deer-Tolerant Landscapes. AV Library No. CD-057. 115 slides. Slide set for county programs. Accompanying textual support material (script for presenters)—24 pp. 2. Mengak, M. T. 2010. Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife. UGA Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin No. 1248. 14 pages (revised). 1. Mengak, M. T. 2004. Dealing with Nuisance Wildlife. Extension Bulletin Number 1248. Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Athens, GA. 12 pages. 3. WSFNR – Wildlife Damage Management Series (peer reviewed) 18. Hill, M. R. and M. T. Mengak. 2020. Managing Wildlife Damage: Tree Squirrels. Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources WFRNR-20-37A. 5 pages. 17. Callaghan, K. and M. T. Mengak. 2020. Managing Wildlife Damage: Canada Goose (Branta canadensis). Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources WFRNR-20-38A. 6 pages. 16. Brown, J. and M. T. Mengak. 2020. Managing Wildlife Damage: Eastern Cottontail Rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources WFRNR-20-58A. 6 pages. 15. Bray, A. and M. T. Mengak. 2020. Managing Wildlife Damage: American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources WFRNR-20-60A. 6 pages. 14. *Jaques, B. and M. T. Mengak. 2019. Managing Wildlife Damage: Coyote (Canis latrans). Warnell Damage Management Series WDS-19-45. 5 pages. 13. Nitschke, K. and M. T. Mengak. 2015. Managing Wildlife Damage: Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) and Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus). Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources. Publication Series. WSFRN-15-09. 6 pages. 12. *Miller, E. A. and M. T. Mengak. 2011. Managing Wildlife Damage: American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). Warnell Damage Management Series WDS-12-12. 7 pages. 11. *Hecht, A. and M. T. Mengak. 2009. Managing Wildlife Damage: American Beaver (Castor canadensis). Warnell Damage Management Series WDS-09-11. 5 pages. 10. *Stull, D. W. and M. T. Mengak. 2009. Managing Wildlife Damage: Coyote (Canis latrans). Warnell Damage Management Series WDS-09-10. 5 pages. 9. Mengak, M. T., and S. Valitzski. 2008. Managing wildlife damage: Woodchuck (Marmota monax). Warnell Damage Management Series WDS-08-08. 6 pages. 8. *¶Parris, J. D., M. T. Mengak, and K. V. Miller. 2008. Use of Gallagher© 2-layer deer exclusion fencing to temporarily deter white-tailed deer browsing in food plots. Warnell Outreach Publication - Wildlife Damage Series WDS-08-09. 7 pages. Technical Bulletins and Final Reports Mengak, M. T. 2018. Wildlife Translocation. USDA Wildlife Services - Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. National Wildlife Research Center, Ft. Collins, CO. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/sa_reports/ct_wildlife+damage+management+technical+series Lombardi, J. V., M. T. Mengak, S. B. Castleberry, V. C. K. Terrell. 2016. Observations from a rock outcrop camera survey in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. National Park Service Final Report. 83 pp. Hatt, J., L. Worsham, G. Sundin, G. Grossman, M.T. Mengak, and N. Nibbelink. 2016. Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Gulf Islands National Seashore. Natural Resource Report NPS/GUIS/NRR—2014/1135. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. Hatt, J., L. Worsham, G. Sundin, G. Grossman, M. T. Mengak, and N. Nibbelink. 2016. Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Natural Resource Report NPS/JELA/NRR—2014/953. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. Sundin, G., L. Worsham, N. Nibbelink, G. Grossman, and M. T. Mengak. 2014. Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Vicksburg National Military Park. Natural Resource Report NPS/VICK/NRR—2014/769. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. Published Report – 2207798. Worsham, L, G. Sundin, N. Nibbelink, G. Grossman, and M. T. Mengak. 2014. Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Natchez Trace Parkway. Natural Resource Report NPS/NATR/NRR—2014/843. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. Published Report – 2216371. Recent Grants and Contracts Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division - Hunting Lease Survey; 2022 - $26,000 Georgia Farm Bill_NRCS Feral Swine Control Pilot Project; 2020-2023 $1,500,000 (Mengak Share - $275,000) Tall Timbers Research Station (NRCS Feral Swine Control Pilot Project (GA/FL)); 2021-2023 $68,000 - feral swine impact Tall Timbers Research Station (NRCS Feral Swine Control Pilot Project (GA/FL)); 2021-2023 $74,000 - feral swine, Judas Pig Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association; 2017-2023 $96,000 Joint Venture Agreement for Natural Inquirer; 2015-2021 $300,000 Survey and protect the rare Allegheny woodrat, NPS-Shenandoah National Park; 2014 - 2016 $49,993 Development of the Georgia Wild Hog Management Field Manual, River Valley Regional Commission; 2013 - 2014 $15,000 Natural resource condition assessment for 5 regional parks, NPS; 2010 - 2013 $285,000 Natural resource conditions assessment for 6 regional parks, NPS: 2005 - 2010 $200,780 Status & Distribution of Allegheny Woodrats in Virginia, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries; 2009 - 2011 $87,500 Ecological understanding as a guideline for evaluation of nonformal education (EUGENE), USDA Forest Service; 2005 - 2009 $200,780 Assessing knowledge gain from the Natural Inquirer, USDA Forest Service; 2009 - 2011 $96,390 A protocol for monitoring Key Largo cotton mouse, US Fish and Wildlife Service; 2006 - 2008 $75,000 Labs/Centers/Committee: Outreach Faculty Area of Specialty: Service and Outreach/Extension Wildlife Ecology and Management Human Dimensions of WIldlife Non-Game and Endangered Species Wildlife and Forest Management Wildlife Damage Research Areas: Wildlife Sciences Research Interests: Research focuses on human dimensions aspects of wild pigs; management and economic impact of wild pigs; nuisance wildlife management, natural history and ecology of woodrats (Allegheny and Key Largo); and, inventory and monitoring of mammals. Management and Impact of Wild Pigs Human dimension surveys related to citizens (landowners, hunters, farmers, etc.) issues arising from wild pig occurrence and economic damages as well as beliefs and attitudes; extension outreach related to wild pig management and resolution of conflict issues. Allegheny Woodrats Conduct a survey of historical sites in Virginia for the presence of Allegheny woodrats. Collect biological data on individuals captured and habitat/landscape date for each site sampled. Area of Specialization Inventory and monitoring of non-game wildlife; wildlife damage management; wildlife service and outreach Teaching: Graduated Students (Since 2013) In Progress Smith, Justine (MS, 2022) - wild pig impacts and damage assessment Riegle, Matthew (MNR, 2022) - project undetermined Hoskins, Kelsey (MS, 2023) - wild pig impacts and damage assessment Kruis, Faith (MS, 2023) - wild pig impacts and JUDAS pig Terrazas, Chris (MS, 2023) - wild pig impacts and JUDAS pig Completed Callaghan, Katy (MNR, 2021) - Necropsy Assistant, UGA VetMed -- SCWDS Jaques, Ben (MNR, 2019) - Wildlife Specialist, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services Kelley, Steven (MNR, 2018) - Biology Teacher, Forsyth County Mingie, James (PhD, 2016) - Post-Doc, Univ Tennessee Kanine, Jennifer (PhD, 2013) - Wildlife Biologist, Michigan Todd, Charles (MNR, 2017) - UGA Cooperative Extension Agent Foster, Michael (MNR, 2015) - Environmental Consultant, North Carolina Fulmer, Josie (MNR, 2014) - UGA 4-H Environmental Education Hildreth (Ninke), Lauren (MNR, 2013) - Outreach, Missouri Dept Wildlife Conservation Arnold, Sarah (MNR, 2013) - ZooAtlanta
