As wolf populations continue to expand in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, wolves are beginning to move into many areas they were never expected to roam again. In anticipation of this, the state of Utah put together a wolf management plan several years ago to help guide decisions in the event that wolves moved into the state. Lots of people thought the folks in Utah were crazy, … [Read more...]
Minnesota Coyote Trapper Catches Wolf
A southeastern Minnesota trapper recently found a surprise while checking his coyote traps. A gray wolf, somewhat rare to that part of the state, was waiting for him in one of the traps. After contacting officials with the Minnesota DNR, the wolf was released unharmed. Read the story here. The fact that the wolf was released unharmed, while not a surprise, is what can be … [Read more...]
Raccoons: A Growing Problem in Growing Cities
As cities and towns expand, many are noticing the expansion of wild animals in the urban/outdoors interface. A great example of this is in the town of Bozeman, Montana, a growing area with a growing raccoon problem. A recent Bozeman Daily Chronicle article highlights the raccoon issue with input from two local animal damage control trappers who deal with raccoons … [Read more...]
Otters Return to Indiana
After many decades of extinction, river otters have returned to the state of Indiana. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources re-introduced otters beginning 15 years ago in hopes to re-establish the species. About 300 individuals were introduced, and otters are now found in over 70 counties throughout the state. "We started by releasing 25 otters at the Muscatuck National … [Read more...]
Trappers Help Control Mink Numbers in Ireland
While furbearers can be a valuable natural resource, they can also cause serious ecological problems when their population levels are uncontrolled. For example, we simply have to look at places like Massachusetts and Washington state, where laws prohibiting trapping have resulted in overpopulation and animal damage problems from multiple furbearers. Ecological problems also … [Read more...]
New Hampshire Study Documents Higher Bobcat Numbers
A four year trapping and tagging study by the University of New Hampshire and NH Fish and Game is beginning to document a significant comeback in bobcat numbers in the state. As of late last month, UNH faculty and students, trappers and Fish & Game personnel involved in the effort had tagged 12 bobcats, collared them and taken small bits of tissue for DNA … [Read more...]
West Virginia Proposes New Otter Trapping Season
Texas isn't the only place river otters are making a comeback. The recovery of otter populations in a number of states across the nation has been an exciting trend, and is opening up the opportunity for responsibly regulated trapping seasons. Just recently, wildlife officials in the state of West Virginia announced their plans to allow the trapping of river otters beginning … [Read more...]
River Otters Making a Comeback in Texas
Once a very rare sight, river otters are starting to appear more and more frequently in areas of Texas. DALLAS — River otters are popping up in Texas waterways where they haven't been seen in decades, giving wildlife officials hope that the rarely seen critter is on the comeback. The animals were believed to have been restricted to the Piney Woods of east Texas because of … [Read more...]