Engaging the Public in Sustaining Tools of Modern Wildlife Management Colleen Olfenbuttel North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Trapping and the Model Wildlife is owned and valued by the public Held in trust by the government Model relies on: Public support of conservation programs Trapping’s integral role in wildlife mgt.

Images of Trapping

Trapping and the Model Wide-ranging views towards trapping Northeast Region: 51% approve of trapping 35% disapprove 14% unsure

Trapping and Wildlife Management Species Restoration: Otters Snowshoe Hares Fishers

Trapping and Wildlife Management Species Protection: Shorebirds Maine Coastal Island NWR Rachel Carson NWR Monomoy NWR Sea Turtles

Trapping and Wildlife Management Research: Pine martins Canada Lynx Red Wolves in Region 4 Gray wolves in Region 3 & 6

Trapping and Wildlife Management Habitat Management: Nutria on Blackwater NWR

Trapping and the Model Wildlife is owned and valued by the public Held in trust by the government Model relies on: Public support of conservation programs Public does not view wildlife as “pests”

Trapping and Wildlife Management Resolve Human-Wildlife Conflicts Protection of property Protection of public health and safety

Case Study: Massachusetts Where trapping restricted: Increased Illegal Activity

Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Trapping Improve the image of trapping: Enhance the public’s awareness and understanding of modern trapping. Promote regulated trapping as a modern wildlife management tool. Improve trapping: Efficiency, selectivity, & the welfare of trapped animals. Sustain regulated trapping as a wildlife management technique.

What are BMPs? Scientifically evaluate the traps and trapping systems. Evaluations are based on: Animal welfare Efficiency Selectivity Practicality Safety Recommendations based on evaluation Species specific

Who is involved w/BMP research? Assn. of Fish and Wildlife Agencies State agencies U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) International Fur Trade Federation Fur Institute of Canada National Trappers Assn. State trapper assns. Wildlife veterinarians

BMP Publications 17 BMPs released: click on Focus Area, then Furbearer Mgt. Introduction Beaver Bobcat Fisher Coyote, Eastern Fox, Red Fox, Gray Mink Muskrat Nutria Opossum Raccoon River Otter Skunk Weasel

Images of Trapping

Trapping Approval Responsive Management, 2001 Technique:

Trapping and Wildlife Management Species Restoration Species Protection Research Habitat Management Resolve human-wildlife conflict Trap BMPs All rely on cooperation of experienced trappers!

Questions?