In addition to learning about the habits and movements of coyotes, wildlife biologists often gather other data on animals they trap and release.
Click on the Information icon (i) for each coyote in the Visulization Tool. What data was collected? What samples were taken? Why do you think this data is important to wildlife biologists? How might the data assist the Department of Natural Resources in establishing rules and regulations for hunting or trapping coyotes?
Create a chart or graph using data gathered on the coyotes when they were trapped.
If you were tracking coyotes, what would YOU want to learn?
Best Management Practices for Trapping for Scientific Study
Trapping Best Management Practices, or BMPs, are special guidelines to make sure trapping animals is done kindly, safely, and smartly. People like wildlife experts, trappers, and veterinarians work together to create these rules. They help trappers choose the right traps, set them up properly, and treat animals well.
What Are the Main Ideas of BMPs?
Choosing the Right Trap
BMPs explain different kinds of traps, like foothold traps (some have soft padding), bodygrip traps, cage traps, and cable restraints. They tell trappers which trap size and type to use for different animals and places, so the trap works well and is safe.
Setting Up Traps
BMPs teach trappers to put traps where animals like to go, like paths they walk on or near their homes. They also show how to set traps so they stay in place, using things like stakes or weights to hold them down.
Taking Care of Animals
BMPs focus on being kind to animals. They suggest using traps with padded or special jaws to prevent injuries. Trappers are also told to use the right trap size and place it carefully so animals don’t get hurt or stuck.
Staying Safe
BMPs help keep trappers safe, especially with bodygrip traps that can be tricky. They recommend using tools to set traps and safety gear to avoid accidents.
Following Rules and Being Responsible
Trapping has strict rules set by wildlife agencies. BMPs are part of these rules, and trappers must follow them. They also encourage trappers to be ethical, meaning they trap in a way that’s fair and helps keep wildlife healthy.
Learning About Trapping
Trappers take classes to learn about BMPs and how to trap responsibly. These classes teach them how to use traps safely and treat animals kindly.
Keeping BMPs Up to Date
BMPs are always improving. Scientists and trappers test new ideas and update the guidelines to make trapping even better for animals and people.
Why Are BMPs Important?
Kinder Trapping
BMPs make sure animals are treated gently, with less pain or injury.
Better Trapping
Using BMPs helps trappers catch the right animals more easily and quickly.
Catching the Right Animals
BMPs help trappers choose traps that catch only the animals they want, not other creatures.
Helping Wildlife
By following BMPs, trappers help keep animal populations and their homes healthy for the future.
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
HS-LS2-2 (High School)
Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
MS-LS2-1 (Middle School)
Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.