Live Trapping Mink in British Columbia

Abstract

There have been few live-trapping studies of mink ( Mustela vision ), as McCabe (Jour. Mamm., 30 : 415—423, 1949) has pointed out. This is difficult to explain in view of its wide range, its value as fur, and the ease with which it may be trapped. Live trapping and tagging mink was a low priority study in Wells Gray Park, British Columbia, from 1951 to 1954. This work was undertaken in slack periods between studies given higher priority. It was designed primarily to test trapping and tagging techniques preliminary to a more detailed study planned for the future. Some data on the extent of movements accumulated and is included here. McCabe ( loc. cit. ) has reported on a similar study in Wisconsin. Using wooden box-traps, putrid bait, and a variety of means of recognizing individuals, he laid a solid foundation for further live trapping studies. The present study had comparable success with different traps and bait. An additional difference existed in the present study, for the park and its vicinity are contained in a number of registered trap lines. Since the population studied would be subject to commercial trapping, a marking method easily recognized by local trappers was essential. Such marking would enable trappers to report upon tagged animals taken and would also give data on the effect of commercial trapping upon the population. Limited live trapping took place on most major waters in the southern half of the park, all of which is a wild area and some of which is undisturbed wilderness. Intensive trapping effort was confined to a 1.2 mile stretch of Hemp Creek where it meanders through hay fields and pastures in the vicinity of several small farms adjacent to the park. The elevation here is about 2100 feet. A brief description of the topography and vegetation of …