The issue arose last year when a resident was out for a walk and came across a muskrat and an at-risk snapping turtle in beaver traps. The Fur-Bearers (and our wonderful supporters) spoke with the media, the Conservation Authority, and local politicians about non-lethal solutions following that news; it would appear the decision makers liked what they heard.
Mike Stone, a management official with the Conservation Authority, told The Hamilton Spectator humane, non-lethal methods for managing conflict would be explored before any trapping occurred.
“[Stone] said if beavers aren’t creating an immediate flood risk, park staff will simply monitor their impact and if necessary consider habitat modifications, like fencing trees and modifying culverts so they can’t be blocked,” The Spectator reported.
Other animals common to the Hamilton area, such as coyotes and raccoons, are also covered in the updated wildlife protocols. And in those cases, too, humane, non-lethal options will be tried first.
Ideally, we’d like to see trapping removed as an option in Hamilton’s conservation areas. But for a public area where trapping was occurring on a day-to-day basis, we’ll consider this one a win for the animals.
Work like our growing Living With Wildlife campaign is only possible with the support of monthly donors. Please consider become a monthly donor – for as little as $5 a month – and help us create a Canada that is truly fur-free.
