NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Trapping and Capture Methods 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the main disadvantage of foot-hold traps in residential wildlife control?
- They are too expensive
- High risk of capturing non-target animals including domestic pets (Correct answer)
- They don't work on any nuisance species
- They require electricity
Correct answer: High risk of capturing non-target animals including domestic pets
Foot-hold traps in residential areas carry significant non-target capture risk, especially domestic pets.
Residential foot-hold traps risk capturing domestic cats and dogs, generate public complaints, and may be prohibited by local ordinances. Cage traps are preferred for residential work because they are species-selective, cause minimal injury, and are publicly acceptable. Foot-hold traps remain appropriate in rural settings.
Question 2: How should an operator handle a skunk caught in a cage trap?
- Approach quickly with a blanket
- Approach slowly from a low angle and gently cover the trap with dark cloth using a pole (Correct answer)
- Shake the trap to stun the skunk
- Leave and return the next day
Correct answer: Approach slowly from a low angle and gently cover the trap with dark cloth using a pole
Slow approach from a low angle while covering the trap reduces spray probability by minimizing perceived threat.
Approach slowly outside the skunk's visual field, stay low, speak softly, and extend a dark cloth toward the trap using a pole. Once covered, the skunk calms within minutes. Warning signs of spraying: raised tail, stamping feet, rear oriented toward you. With proper technique, skunks spray less than 5% of the time.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'cubby set' when trapping nuisance wildlife?
- To shelter the trapped animal
- To create a confined approach targeting specific species and reducing non-target captures (Correct answer)
- To hide the trap from the property owner
- To protect the trap from rain
Correct answer: To create a confined approach targeting specific species and reducing non-target captures
Cubby sets create confined entrances that target specific species while physically excluding larger non-target animals.
A cubby set creates a confined approach channel using logs, rocks, or commercial boxes. The opening size excludes larger animals, directs approach for proper trap interaction, protects from weather, and concentrates bait odors. Particularly useful for targeting weasels or mink while excluding domestic pets.
Question 4: What environmental factor most affects cage trap performance?
- Moon phase
- Trap surface level and stability (Correct answer)
- Humidity level
- Wind direction only
Correct answer: Trap surface level and stability
Unstable or uneven traps discourage entry and may cause trigger misfires.
Wild animals avoid unstable surfaces. A wobbling trap causes animals to back out before reaching the trigger. Ensure level ground, stable placement, smooth trigger operation, and test door closure. Covering the wire floor with leaves or cloth provides a more natural walking surface.
Question 5: What is the recommended approach for trapping a coyote in a suburban area where foot-hold traps are prohibited?
- The largest cage trap with raw meat
- Padded cable restraints with breakaway devices on confirmed travel routes (Correct answer)
- There is no way without foot-hold traps
- Glue boards for large mammals
Correct answer: Padded cable restraints with breakaway devices on confirmed travel routes
Padded cable restraints with breakaway devices provide effective coyote capture while releasing non-target animals.
Breakaway devices release animals below a threshold weight (typically under 25 pounds), allowing cats and small dogs to escape. Padded cable reduces injury risk. These are set on confirmed travel routes identified through tracking and camera surveys. Cage traps are generally ineffective for trap-shy coyotes.
Question 6: Why should operators avoid fish-based baits in cage traps during warm weather?
- Fish doesn't attract nuisance species
- Fish spoils quickly, creating odors and attracting insects that clog trigger mechanisms (Correct answer)
- Fish bait is illegal
- Fish bait is too expensive
Correct answer: Fish spoils quickly, creating odors and attracting insects that clog trigger mechanisms
Fish baits decompose rapidly in heat, creating offensive odors, attracting blowflies that clog triggers, and generating client complaints.
Above 70 degrees F: rapid decomposition creates offensive odors, blowflies produce maggots within 24 hours that clog triggers, and overpowering odor attracts excessive non-target species. In warm weather, switch to marshmallows, peanut butter, or fresh fruit. Fish baits remain effective in cooler conditions.
NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Trapping and Capture Methods 3
What is the main disadvantage of foot-hold traps in residential wildlife control?