Selectivity and Effectiveness of Pan Tension Devices for Coyote Foothold Traps

• Published in: The Journal of wildlife management 1984-07, Vol.48 (3), p.700-708
• Main Authors: Turkowski, Frank J., Armistead, Alan R., Linhart, Samuel B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkalies; Alkaline soils; Animal traps; Animals; Canis latrans; Clay soils; Leaf springs; Sand soils; Soil water; Steels; Wildlife damage management
• ISSN: 0022-541X; 1937-2817
• DOI: 10.2307/3801417

Data were collected on the numbers of coyotes (Canis latrans) and nontarget animals that stepped on standard traps and traps equipped with shear-pin, curved leaf spring, or steel tape tension devices and were captured or excluded. The modified 3N-M Victor steel foothold traps were about three times more effective than standard traps for excluding kit (Vulpes macrotis) and swift (V. velox) foxes, gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and jack rabbits (Lepus californicus). Coyote capture rates in initial field tests were lower for modified traps than standard traps when set in wet clay or alkali soils. Shear-pin and leaf spring devices were then modified and zinc-plated to reduce rusting caused by moisture and to improve trap performance. Exclusion rates (percentage of animals that stepped on pans and were excluded) in subsequent field tests for all designated nontarget animals for the wet soil test were 92, 100, 95, and 6 for shear-pin, leaf spring, steel tape, and standard traps, respectively. Coyote capture rates with the improved devices in wet areas with clay or alkali soils were 87, 92, 84, and 98% for shear-pin, leaf spring, steel tape, and standard traps, respectively. The improved devices functioned adequately for use in coyote trapping activities.