Where man and nature cross paths

John Paul Seman, a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services, describes the contents of the agency's field kit for raccoon rabies testing. Seman demonstrated the kit during a dedication for the agency's new Mahoning Valley office in Western Reserve Park off Western Reserve Road in Boardman. At right, Seman demonstrates the process of removing a tooth from a raccoon to test whether the animal had eaten one of the rabies baits the agency has helped to distribute throughout the area to stem the spread of the disease. Other problems the agency works on include the West Nile virus as well as nuisance animal problems such as bird predators at fish farms, public safety and wildlife hazards at airports and protecting endangered species.