Agenda - 05-26-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Marshall June 12, 1987 Page Two Trappers often try to justify the use of steel traps by saying that such trapping is necessary to prevent overpopulation of wildlife. This assertion is simply inaccurate. First, animal populations have survived for millions of years without the intervention of man or traps to limit population. And, as biologists know, most wild animals tend to limit their own populations through natural means (i .e. , when populations go up, reproduction is reduced so that animal populations remain within the limits of their food supply) . In addition, contrary to assertions at the hearing by Mr. Randall Wilson, populations of fur-bearing and other animals do not normally fluctuate greatly in the absence of trapping. To be sure, wildlife populations do fluctuate somewhat. However, no better proof of the absence of major population fluctuations where steel jaw traps are not used can be found than to examine the status of animals in states where these traps have been banned. Florida, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Jersey have banned or largely banned trapping with the steel jaw trap; yet, none of these states have reported major fluctuations in wildlife populations or disease outbreaks among wildlife populations. Moreover, trappers generally only trap fur-bearing animals. Yet, other wildlife species such as songbirds and most rodents, which are not subject to any trapping, do not normally fluctuate to any significant degree. Thus, it can readily be seen, that trapping is not conducted and is not necessary to limit fluctuations in wildlife populations. A related claim is that the use of steel traps is necessary to limit wildlife disease and starvation and to maintain healthy wildlife populations. Contrary to this claim, the genetic makeup and size of animals largely determines which animals will succumb to disease and starvation. Trappers cannot know which animals they will trap because steel traps are not selective (i .e. , they trap any animal which steps into them) . In fact, there is substantial reason to believe that trappers are more likely to catch healthy animals (because they are mobile and active) than sick and diseased animals. Trappers often claim that steel traps are used to prevent starvation in wild animals. Such an assertion will not stand scrutiny. Trapping is done because animal pelts are valuable. A few years ago, bobcat pelts were selling for as much as $650. 00 each and bobcats were trapped in large numbers. All wild animals are potentially subject to starvation, but trappers seek to use steel traps to trap the