REDUCING NON-TARGET MOOSE CAPTURE IN WOLF SNARES

摘要: I investigated the characteristics of moose ( Alces alces ) bycatch in kill snares set for wolves Canis lupus) interior and south-central Alaska, USA. My objective was to design a snare that would reduce vulnerability injury if captured without reducing its effectiveness capturing wolves. documented at close range (<30 m) encounters by captive natural habitat Kenai Moose Research Center (MRC) Alaska. contacted 153 cm or 183 n = 184) with their chest-shoulder area (59.8%), neck-head region (34.2%), upper legs (3.8%), along ribs (2.2%). fate following 225 contacts; 13.8% were nose (5.8%), leg (4.9%), unknown (3.1%) remainder either knock-downs (65.3%) push-asides (21.0%). did not attempt avoid snares. Of 147 knock-downs, 86.4% formed loop 15-38 diameter laid near snow surface continuing present potential trap moose. also evaluated capture rates size wild 3 study areas Capture rate type influenced depth MRC. higher other wind. subsequently developed incorporated an additional wire (diverter) placed height allowed any ungulate taller than wolf contact push away prior contact. This reduced but capture. cinch stop 24.1-26.7 from end act as breakaway system snare's Results this are applicable where coyote latrans snaring occurs presence large hoofed mammals.