Non-Targets Trapped Elsewhere

Former convicted poacher set and/or left snares out to kill wolves resulting in at least 2 bears painfully dying

by Kate Boyd

September 7,2018 – Juneau, Alaska

Former convicted poacher now set and/or left snares out to kill wolves resulting in at least 2 bears painfully dying. “The snare had cut through to the bone on both hind legs” of the cub that had to be euthanized. An adult bear was found dead in another of his snares 12-15 miles away! Trappers love their long trap lines. Had identification not been required on the snares, Mark Mitchell, would almost definitely not have been caught. Yet he says the snares were stolen.

Photo from Anchorage Daily News

Snares are wire cable and cost only a few bucks. They are among trappers favorite weapons spewing and forgetting about them across our landscapes. Montana trappers keep pushing to be able to legally snare wolves, whereas the other trapped species they already can.

How many other innocent animals have suffered the same cruel fate?

Read the full article: His name was on snares that illegally caught 2 bears. He says they were stolen from him.

Non-Targets Trapped Elsewhere

Amazing story of a long lost unwanted dog, caught, too, in a trap, and the dedication of caring people.

by Kate Boyd

July 18,2018 – Ithaca, N.Y

Amazing story of a long lost unwanted dog, caught, too, in a trap, and the dedication of caring people. The trap with her foot in it was eventually found. Hereon, we hope Sadie only knows love, caring and devotion.

Photo from NYup.com

Read the full article: How a dog traveled 400 miles over 2 years, lost paw in trap is saved by strangers, Cornell

Sources / References:
How a dog traveled 400 miles over 2 years, lost paw in trap is saved by strangers, Cornell
Posted also on Facebook

Non-Targets Trapped Elsewhere

Another female bear with cubs caught in a leghold trap

by Kate Boyd

June 27,2018 – 100 Mile House, BC

Another female bear with cubs caught in a leghold trap. The trap was set allegedly to protect livestock from wolves. Now there’s responsible and respectful husbandry. To give you an indication of the power of these leghold traps, the sow notably suffered a swollen paw. She was tranquilized, ear tagged and released.

Photo from 100 Mile House Free Press / Twitter

Read full article: A sow black bear was tranquilized and released after unintentionally trapped in 100 Mile House

Sources / References:
A sow black bear was tranquilized and released after unintentionally trapped in 100 Mile House
Posted also on Facebook

Trapped Montana Pets

Lost overnight in a trap in the frigid cold, the dog’s paw amputated

by Kate Boyd

Plentywood, MT

Another dog in Montana, the victim of trapping. Lost overnight in a trap in the frigid cold, the dog’s paw had to be amputated.

Owners, too, pay the emotional and financial costs. Unlike most wildlife, trapped pets often have someone who cares and can legally help them, if they are fortunate.

Trappers are now required to report within 24 hours any dogs they trap other than their own. However, they don’t have to check their traps for days or weeks unless set for wolves. They also don’t have to assist the dog in any manner.

Recently, we were reminded of a Montana trapper who shot and killed an innocent dog stating he was sick of finding dogs in his traps. He had other options but chose to kill instead.

Do you know to check with the area FWP office if you dog is missing as it could have possibly been trapped or snared?

Photo Jamie Hitchcock
Non-Targets Trapped Elsewhere

Hunter in Montana shoots a buck that was caught in a leghold trap along a fence line.

by Kate Boyd

December 12,2017 – Montana

A hunter in Montana let us know they filled their tag by shooting a buck that was caught in a leghold trap along a fence line. They said its leg was shattered. One quick shot and it’s suffering was finally over. We have no required trap check interval in Montana so who knows how long it was trapped.

Ethical hunters despise trapping. Trappers complain their trapped animals get shot by hunters that come along and put the animal out of their misery. The trapper’s upset is in the damage to the pelt, preserving it is their priority, not the cruelty to the animal.

This is not the first deer, elk, moose or pronghorn known to be caught in traps and snares, in Montana and elsewhere, or the last. If a species eats, drinks, seeks shelter, dens, climbs, is curious, territorial, traverses,….is present, it can and will be trapped or snared, legal or not. These non-target catches which are inherent in trapping are excused and referred to as “incidental”. If the trapper is even found, they are not charged providing the few regulations were followed, i.e identification tag on the trap.

For more on “incidental” trapped wildlife in Montana:
http://trapfreemt.org/about-trapping/trapped-non-target-montana-wildlife-reports

Photo is for representation and not that of the trapped deer.
Trapped Montana Pets

Cat missing, make way back home with body crushing conibear trap attached

by Kate Boyd

Along with the cold, Montana trapping season is intensifying. Here is one of the first known pets in the state for the start of the “furbearer” season. It doesn’t matter the animal, the suffering inflicted or the unnecessary act of trapping itself.

This unfortunate cat was missing for days only to make its way back home with this body crushing conibear trap attached. In response to the pain trapping causes, conibears were designed as “quick kill” traps. They are challenging to decipher how to open causing death quickly if it closes on the neck, spine, snout. Trappers say there is no need to check them within any time limit as the animal is dead. As with all body gripping traps, on what body part they shut and on whom is all up to chance.

For safety and longevity, it is best to keep cats indoors. However, some are barn cats. No one keeps track of the number of cats in Montana that are caught in traps. This one is not the first or the last.

Think this trapper will care or only about getting his/her trap back to resume more trapping?