Paul D Curtis

Dr. Paul D. Curtis is a Professor of Wildlife Science at Cornell University's Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He specializes in resolving human-wildlife conflicts in urban, forested, and agricultural settings, with a focus on fertility control and community-driven solutions. He is retiring June 30, 2025, and is based at Fernow Hall, Ithaca, NY.

Education:

• Ph.D. Zoology, North Carolina State University (1990)
• M.S. Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University (1981)
• B.S. Natural Resources, West Virginia University (1978)
• Certified Wildlife Biologist®, The Wildlife Society (1992)

Research Interests: Dr. Curtis explores human-wildlife interactions in diverse landscapes, including urban coyote management, deer damage prevention, and geese control. He emphasizes practical solutions for communities, such as repellents (e.g., Trico), light-based predator deterrence, and collaborative policy frameworks. His work bridges ecology, sociology, and policy to address modern wildlife challenges.

Awards:

• 2023 Distinguished Service Award, Wildlife Damage Management Work Group
• 2012 Educator of the Year, National Wildlife Control Operator’s Association
• 2008 Northeast Extension Directors’ Award of Excellence

Grants & Outreach: Secured funding for acoustic pest control studies (2020) and engaged in national extension programs, including the National Wildlife Control Training Program. His outreach includes publications, videos, and fact sheets for wildlife management.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Cornell Cooperative Extension and interdisciplinary groups like the Lab of Ornithology. Active in programs such as the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management and the Locavore Movement initiative.