February 7,2016 – Near Turah, MT
Another, known, Great Horned Owl in Montana caught in a leghold trap. This trap weighed basically as much as the Owl. In Montana, the majority of the “incidental” trapping victims, including Eagles, Owls, Mtn Lions, dogs, etc. have been deemed a result of legal trapping. Why? Because trapping is inherently indiscriminate. As long as the few regulations are followed the pain, suffering, and death of any trapped animal species is therefore excused accordingly. The Great Horned Owl had to have a talon removed. The longer in a trap, the more damage that is done. We have no required trap check time period in Montana other than wolf trap sets are 48 hrs.
Just before removing the trap. Photo courtesy of Kimberly Hannon who spotted the owl and made the effort to get him some help.
Sources / References:
Wild Skies Raptor Center