Editor’s note: This commentary is by Kristen Cameron, a member of Protect Our Wildlife.
Many Vermonters love to hike, especially in the fall. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of our state and spend time with our dogs. What some Vermonters may not know is that there are hidden dangers in the woods: baited leghold and body-crushing kill traps, often referred to as “Conibears.” Trapping season starts Oct. 26.
Traps are used to capture wild animals like foxes, bobcats, beavers, coyotes and others. For many trappers, this is a hobby. But this hobby comes at great cost to wildlife and potentially, to our pets. Hikers with dogs need to know that a lot of our public lands allow trapping. Traps are indiscriminate and can catch your dog (or cat) just as easily as they can trap a coyote. The suffering is the same regardless of species. Unlike other states, there is no regulation for how far traps must be set off a trail or recreation area. So, a dog on a retractable leash isn’t necessarily safe. There is no signage to warn people of these dangers.
Trapped dogs and cats may require amputations or surgery to mend broken teeth and bloodied gums – that’s if they survive the trap. Protected bald eagles, Vermont endangered pine marten, owls and even black bears, are unintentionally trapped in Vermont and reporting on most of these species isn’t required by the Fish & Wildlife Department. Many of the “non-targeted” animals succumb to their injuries. The fate of those who are released is unknown.
Last year, nine dogs and two cats were reported trapped. The number is likely much higher since reporting was not required. Two of the dog owners were bitten while trying to release their frantic dogs. One dog was trapped at a popular dog walking spot in Waterford. In Shaftsbury, one dog was trapped just beyond the owner’s driveway. A cat was found in Morrisville dragging a leghold trap and required surgery. He was lucky to be found and tended to by a kind vet who waived the surgery cost. Thanks to legislation passed last year (but opposed by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department Commissioner), trappers now have to report when they trap a dog or cat.
If you want to protect your pet, here are some things you can do:
- Keep cats inside, for their safety, and to protect wildlife from your cat. Keep your dog on a leash. Having your dog close protects them and wildlife too.
- Check the area before you let your dog swim or wade. Traps set for semi-aquatic wildlife in shallow water can trap and even kill your dog.
- Learn how to release your pet from a trap at protectourwildlifevt.org/trapping-and-pets
- Join Protect Our Wildlife and become a wildlife advocate.