NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Trapping and Capture Methods 1

Question 1

When using a body-gripping (Conibear-style) trap in a culvert or drainpipe for muskrat, what is the correct jaw spread size to use?

Accepted Answer

#110 (4.5-inch jaw spread)

Answer

A #110 body-gripping trap with a 4.5-inch jaw spread is sized appropriately for muskrats and fits snugly in small culverts, ensuring quick, humane dispatch without allowing the animal to pass through or escape.

Question 2

Which type of foothold trap modification is most commonly required by state regulations to reduce injury to non-target animals?

Accepted Answer

Offset or laminated jaws

Answer

Offset or laminated (double) jaws create a small gap when closed, reducing tissue trauma and bone injury to captured animals. Most state regulations mandate this modification to improve animal welfare outcomes for foothold traps.

Question 3

What is the recommended method for securing a live cage trap to prevent a captured coyote from dragging it away?

Accepted Answer

Stake the trap to the ground through the floor frame using a ground anchor or rebar

Answer

Staking the trap frame to the ground with rebar or a dedicated ground anchor prevents a strong animal like a coyote from moving or flipping the trap, reducing injury risk and ensuring the animal is present at the next trap check.

Question 4

When trapping beaver at a dam site using a foothold trap, where is the most effective trap placement?

Accepted Answer

In a run or slide at the water's edge, 2–4 inches below the surface

Answer

Beaver use consistent runs and slides along the bank at the water's edge. Setting a foothold trap 2–4 inches below the waterline in these travel paths intercepts the beaver naturally and the drowning setup ensures a quick, humane kill.

Question 5

Which trapping technique is most appropriate when targeting a single 'problem' individual skunk that is denning under a structure?

Accepted Answer

Place a box-style live trap directly over or at the den entrance with the door facing out

Answer

Placing a box trap at the den entrance intercepts the animal as it exits, targeting the specific individual responsible. This method avoids attracting non-target animals and reduces spray risk by keeping the skunk calm and contained in a dark enclosure.

NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Practice Test

NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Practice Test

NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Trapping and Capture Methods 1