Comparison of standard and modified soft catch® traps for capturing coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons

Authors

Jan F. Kamler, Department of Range, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Chad Richardson, USDA, APHIS, WS, Kansas State University
Philip S. Gipson, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan,

Date of this Version

October 2000

Abstract

Capture rates and injury rates of coyotes (Canis latrans), bobcats {Lynx rufus), and raccoons (Procyon lotor) captured in standard No. 3 Soft Catch® traps were compared to those captured in the same trap type modified with the Taos Lightening Spring™ (TLS) double torsion spring. All traps were equipped with Paws-I-Trip™ pan tension devices and were successful in excluding most small nontarget species. We captured 15 coyotes and 17 bobcats from October 1995 to March 1997. In addition, 23 raccoons, a large nontarget species, were captured. Capture rates for coyotes were higher (P < 0.10) in TLS modified traps (92%) than standard traps (27%), whereas capture rates were similar (P > 0.10) for raccoons (85% and 67%, respectively) and identical for bobcats (100%). Injury rates were minimal (< 9%) for coyotes and bobcats in both types of traps. In contrast, injury rates for raccoons were higher (P < 0.10) in TLS modified traps (73%) than standard traps (33%).