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MYTH:
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Death by trapping is more
humane than death in nature.
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FACT:
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The natural cycle of life and
death helps maintain genetic diversity and a strong gene
pool. Trapping is indiscriminate. Trapped mothers are
killed, leaving litters to die. Young are killed. Old or
sick animals may survive instead of young and healthy.
Trapping does not balance nature; it upsets the balance.
There is nothing humane about trapping.
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MYTH:
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Trapping is selective.
Trappers say they are trapping for a specific animal.
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FACT:
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Witness the dead cat and the
dead skunk in the park; that trapper was after mink. ($4 a
pelt)Millions of unintended animals are trapped annually. In
fact, for every intended animal trapped, 10 unintended will
be caught. Unintended include pet dogs, pet cats, endangered
species. For example, April 11, 2010 in Maine, a bald eagle
was caught by the talon in a trap.
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MYTH:
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“Man is a predator”
Trappers take pride in outfoxing the foxes, and will tell
you predatory humans are just part of the natural order.
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FACT:
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Man is what he chooses to be.
Man can choose to be humane.
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MYTH:
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Trapping is a necessary
management tool to control wildlife populations.
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FACT:
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This is the most oft-quoted
justification for trapping. But it is both cruel and
ineffective.
(a)There is no such thing as a “surplus” animal. In
nature, animals regulate their own populations based on
available food and habitat. Programs of “management”
deplete some species, open the field for more of other
species, kill off the healthy as well as the older or sick
animals, and in many other ways destroy Nature’s balance.
(b)The coyote demonstrates that this concept of
"management" doesn't work. Despite decades of
efforts to eliminate the entire species, they are more
numerous than ever.
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MYTH:
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Trapping is necessary to
protect livestock.
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FACT:
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The money spent on efforts to
eradicate predators, mostly coyotes, is taxpayer money down
the drain. Despite endless annihilation programs, coyotes’
ranges have vastly increased. The government would save
money by simply paying ranchers for lost livestock.
Guard dogs, llamas and donkeys; birthing sheds; electric
fencing have all proven to protect livestock while allowing
predators to continue their important roles in the
ecosystem.
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MYTH:
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Trapping helps control the
spread of disease. -- Frequently stated by local trappers.
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FACT:
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From National Academy of
Sciences, Centers for Disease Control, World Health
Organization and numerous other organizations: No scientific
evidence supports this claim. The money would be better
spent on research, vaccination, compensation to stockmen for
losses, education and warning systems.
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MYTH:
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Trapping provides significant
income and employment opportunities for many Americans.
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FACT:
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A 1997 survey of annual income
of trappers in every state indicated that income from
trapping was low to non-existent. In years of lower pelt
prices, trappers must have other sources of income. Most
trap as a hobby or sideline.
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