FIELD EVALUATION OF THREE TYPES OF COYOTE TRAPS

Authors

Robert L. Phillips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Denver Wildlife Research CenterFollow
F. Sherman Blom, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Denver Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Gary J. Dasch, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Denver Wildlife Research CenterFollow

Date of this Version

3-1-1992

Abstract

A field study to evaluate the performance of 3 types of coyote traps (No. 3 Soft-Catch® coil-spring, No. 3 NM long-spring, No. 4 Newhouse long-spring) was conducted in south Texas in January and February 1991. Tests were designed to determine capture efficiency, extent of injury and effectiveness in excluding nontarget species. Results showed a capture rate of 100% for the 3 NM and No. 4 Newhouse, and 95% for the Soft-Catch. Soft-Catch traps caused the least injury to captured coyotes. All trap types were equipped with pan tension devices and were successful in excluding most small nontarget species.