A Pilot Evaluation of Trap Monitors by the USDA Wildlife Services Operational Program

Abstract

Public interest in capture devices and potential injuries to animals has resulted in changing of trapping regulations in a variety of states and countries. Within the U.S., some states have revised trapping regulations to require more frequent trap-check intervals. Such regulatory changes may impact the USDA Wildlife Services (WS) Operational Program by reducing the ability of WS specialists to efficiently provide services over wide areas. Remote trap monitors, however, may provide a technology that can assist WS in meeting new trap check requirements. The National Wildlife Research Center's (NWRC) Logan, Utah Field Station recently assisted with the distribution, operation, and evaluation of radio-telemetry trap monitors by the WS Operational Program. Transmit- ters, receivers, antennas, and on-site training were provided to personnel in 7 states in 2005 and 16 states in 2006. Feedback from the states receiving trap monitors indicated that trap monitors, when used in appropriate situations, could save WS specialists time and resources, but the monitors were most useful in areas where traps or other capture devices are difficult to access and radio signals can be heard from the greatest distance. Improved designs (using cell phone and satellite technology) could be helpful in other situations in the future.