Key to wildlife health is a proper balance between predators and prey species. Traps are often needed to control predator populations at acceptable levels.
Approximately half of the national wildlife refuges have determined occasional or seasonal trapping program are wise for the following reasons:
- Predator control for threatened and endangered species
- Predator control for migratory birds
- Habitat management or protection
- Facilities Protection
- Research
- Survey or monitoring species
- Public Safety and Public health
- Feral animal control
- Population Management
- Disease Control
- Recreation/Commercial/Subsistence
Photo Credit: httpswww.facebook.comUSInteriorphotosa.155163054537384.41840.109464015773955740385052681845type=1&theater
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has an interest in trapping because it is often the best tool available to protect, maintain and enhance the value of the particular refuge. A number of alternative to trapping are employed on our national wildlife refuges including electric fences , scare devices, screens and enclosures to deter predators. Nesting islands are often developed to protect birds from excessive predation.
(Information from Furbearers Unlimited; “Is Trapping Necessary in the 21st Century?)
For more information visit www.furbearers.org
