Abstract
Wildlife managers, researchers, and nuisance-control operators often require a nonlethal means of capturing beavers (Castor canadensis). Historically, live-capture has relied on enclosure-type traps such as Bailey or Hancock traps. We describe the live-capture of 231 beavers using snares in southern Illinois from 2002 to 2005. Capture success averaged 5.4 beavers/100 trap-nights. Capture success did not differ between sexes (P = 0.57) or age-classes (P = 0.68). We captured most beavers in haul-out slide sets, surface run sets, or channel sets. Recaptures accounted for 28% (n = 65) of all captures. Mortality rate using snares was 10% and decreased annually during the study period. Snares are advantageous over enclosure-type traps because they have a high capture:cost ratio and are less heavy and cumbersome than traps. However, mortality rates are relatively high, limiting the utility of this technique for some research.
Recommended Citation
McNew, Lance B. Jr.; Nielsen, Clayton K.; and Bloomquist, Craig K.
(2007)
"Use of Snares to Live-Capture Beavers,"
Human–Wildlife Interactions: Vol. 1:
Iss.
1, Article 22.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26077/xzg1-n340
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol1/iss1/22
