What to Look for in a Live Trap
When dealing with wildlife, a humane approach is always the best option. Live animal traps provide a safe and effective way to capture and relocate animals without causing them harm. Choosing the right live animal trap is essential for both the safety of the animal and the success of your trapping efforts. Size & Compatibility The first thing to consider when selecting a trap, is the size of the trap relative to the animal you are trying to capture. Traps come in assorted sizes, designed for diverse types of animals. Make sure to choose a trap that is appropriately sized for the specific wildlife, feral, or domestic animal you are targeting. Most live traps can range from as little as 18” all the way up to 72” in size. A trap that is too small will not effectively capture the animal, while one that is too large may allow the animal to escape or cause injury to both the animal and the trapper. Depending on the needs of the trapper, there is also various traps that are great for first – time trappers. Durability & Construction A good starting point to find a high-quality live trap is by looking for sturdy materials such as galvanized or powder-coated steel. These traps are resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring they last through multiple uses and withstand harsh weather conditions. A well-constructed trap will have strong welds and reinforced corners to prevent the animal from escaping or being injured while caught, without damaging the trap. The lifespan of a live trap depends on several factors, including the quality of the materials used, the frequency of use, and how well it is maintained. Most galvanized traps can last up to 10 years or longer with proper care. Coated steel can last even longer. Under average weather conditions, the lifespan of a powder coated steel trap can even reach between 15 and 20 years. Safety Features Handling the trap in a safe manner is essential to protect both the animal and the person working with the trap. Features such as smooth, rolled edges prevent the animal from injuring itself, while protective handles and solid door latches keep you safe during transport and release. Some traps also include shields or covers to calm the captured animal by reducing visual stimuli. Traps that are equipped with an adjustable trigger mechanism prevents early accidental door closures and can be customized to the trappers needs. Larger traps can be used in some cases to trap smaller animals or multiple animals by using a Trap Isolator which separates larger traps into smaller components that are appropriate for the size of animal you are trapping. Ease of Use A good live animal trap should be easy to set up, bait, and release. Look for traps with clear instructions and simple mechanisms. The trigger system should be sensitive enough to capture the animal but not so sensitive that it goes off prematurely. Additionally, consider traps with rear doors, sliding doors, or self-locking doors to prevent the accidental release of animals once caught. Traps without hinges and springs are maintenance-free, and some carriers allow handlers to restrict the animal to one side of the cage for injections and facilitate easy transfer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ1QyFYZ85I Humane Design Traps designed with animal welfare in mind are crucial. The goal is to detain and relocate the animal without causing stress or harm. Features such as spacious interiors, minimal gaps between the mesh, and smooth surfaces help ensure the animal remains calm and unharmed while in the trap. Most cages come in camouflage colors, so they easily blend into the environment. While wildlife deterrents are keeping the animals out, the sole purpose of a live trap is to lure them into the cage without scaring the animal. A well-designed cage will ensure a smooth and safe process keeping it as calm as possible. 2 Door traps allow for added versatility when trapping. Baiting & Placement The effectiveness of your trap also depends on how you bait and place it. Research the dietary preferences of the animal you are targeting and use an appropriate bait. Raccoons, for example, eat a variety of foods and are not particularly selective. Placing the bait inside the cage and creating a scented pathway towards the trap will attract them quickly. For best results, place traps where the animal is known to frequent, ensuring they are stable and secure to prevent tipping or movement. A good rule of thumb is to set the trap against a natural background, like a barrier, and ensure the entrance is easily accessible for the animal to walk into. Legal Considerations: Before purchasing and using a live animal trap, it is important to check local wildlife regulations. Some areas have specific laws regarding the trapping and relocation of wildlife. Ensure you are compliant with these existing regulations to avoid legal issues and ensure the humane treatment of animals. Always prioritize humane methods and follow the code for responsible trapping to promote the ethical treatment of wildlife.
Using Electric Fencing to Manage Bear Conflict
Bear conflict, in large, is driven by food in Alberta. Margo Supplies Heavy Duty fence is the tool of choice for homeowners, hobby farms, and industry professionals. The Heavy Duty fence is a multi-functional carnivore fence that can be a standalone fence system or can be installed on an existing fence. http://vimeo.com/video/631000796?h=8d541b7de8 Jay Honeyman is a bear conflict biologist with Alberta Environment and Parks. His job is large carnivore conflict mitigation and with that, he often deals with human-bear conflict. Jay explains the nature of these conflicts, and how installing a simple electric fence can protect high-value food sources from bears. From hobby farms to industry professionals, the benefits of electric fencing can be easily understood after speaking with Honeyman. “By reducing conflict and reducing these attractants so that bears aren’t interested in coming onto people’s properties. We’re not having to euthanize bears, we’re not having to relocate bears, we’re not having property damage for the landowner, and we’re not having public safety issues with bears hanging around properties.” – Honeyman, 2021 Electric Fencing is an integral component for managing conflicts with bears, especially when bears are motivated to an area. Once a bear gets a food reward they become quite driven and they will return to the area. Electric fencing breaks this reward cycle and tells the bear that they need to move on. “By removing the food source, it’s a win-win for everyone, and it’s something we should be doing more of”
The Environmental Impacts of Bear Spray
Most bear sprays use a propellant that is being phased out in Canada and the USA, why? In the world of wildlife management and technology, we are constantly searching for new ways to make it easier for humans to co-exist with our natural surroundings. While many products cater to industry professionals, one of the most widely used animal management tools is bear spray. From outdoor enthusiasts to job sites, bear spray is often on hand for those who understand the dangers of bear encounters. But what happens when a life-saving tool like bear spray turns out to be bad for the environment? It can be difficult to balance the known benefits of a product like bear spray with the potential environmental impact that it has. Background Over the past decade, the USA and Canada have passed legislation that attempts to limit the use of known pollutants. One such pollutant is the propellant 134a, which is used in most available bear sprays. The governments of these countries have allowed the limited use of 134a in bear spray because up until recently, there was no known alternative. Over the past year, Counter Assault has discovered an alternative to 134a that significantly reduces the environmental impact of bear spray. The new propellant creates about 120 metric tonnes of CO2 which is about 9.5 times less than the widely used 134a propellant, which creates 1,144 tonnes of CO2. The Environmental Impacts of Bear Spray: A Comparison If we compare 10,000 cans of bear spray, which typically contain between 80g – 150g of propellant per can, this is how they stack up: Current Bear Spray (134a propellant) GWP = 1,430 Bear Sprays that use the 134a propellant have a Greenhouse Gas Effect of 1,430x that of CO2. Counter Assault Low-Emission Bear Spray GWP = 150 Counter Assault Bear Spray uses a new propellant that has a Greenhouse Gas Effect of 150x that of CO2. The most readily available bear sprays on the market still use 134a as a propellant, which has a significantly higher Greenhouse Gas Effect compared to the new alternative. At Margo Supplies, we are proud to carry Counter Assault Low Emission Bear Spray, a major innovation in bear deterrent technology.
What is in Bear Spray and How Does it Work?
If you work or visit areas where bears may be present, you might have been told to “be prepared with bear spray”, but what is actually in bear spray and how does it work? In short, bear spray is the last line of defense against bear attacks. While many bear encounters do not result in the use of bear spray, in close contact encounters, it has been proven to minimize harm and prevent fatalities. In a study conducted in Alaska, it was found that 98% of people who carried bear spray were uninjured in a close-range bear encounter. In a study of 83 bear-related incidents, 98% of people who carried bear spray were uninjured in a close-range encounter. – Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska, 2010 How does it work? Bear spray is an aerosol, similar to hair spray or bug spray. Aerosols are a combination of propellants and solvents under pressure that are contained within a can. The propellant is what allows for the solvent to be dispersed into the air. Most bear sprays use a propellant called R134a, popular for its non-flammable and non-toxic properties. R134a was recently banned in Canada without an essential-use permit due to its negative environmental impact. The solvent is the product that is being dispersed into the air. In the case of bear spray, the solvent or product is called capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers. It is commonly used in food products, pharmaceuticals and animal deterrents. Capsaicin creates a burning sensation upon contact, making it an irritant to mammals, including humans. On Sale Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Bear Shield Bear Spray Currently selling 225g with 06/2027 expiry date Currently selling 400g with 07/2027 expiry date 2.0% total capsaicin and capsaicinoid – equal or exceeds all other Bear Sprays in Canada Longest… $60.00 – $70.00 $40.00 – $70.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
What is Bear Spray and How Can It Keep You and Your Family Safe
Bear awareness, deterrents and the best bear spray should be a routine part of your wilderness outing, especially early spring through fall. Enjoying warm summer days vacationing with family or friends is likely to include some time in nature away from the concrete jungle. When you head out to enjoy some clean air and adventure in the wilderness, take the Boy Scout motto to heart and “Be Prepared”. You may remember to pack lots of water, snacks, and clothes for unpredictable weather, but are you prepared for a bear encounter? You are entering their natural habitat and this is their season to focus on foraging for food as they prepare for winter. Bear awareness, deterrents and the best bear spray should be a routine part of your wilderness outing, especially early spring through fall. 1. Be Prepared Bear Spray, although a last line of defense, is easy to obtain, carry and to use for every member of your family. It can be easy to become separated from your group, by even few hundred yards, having each member in your group carry a can of bear spray could save a life. Have every member of your group know how, and when, to use bear spray against an aggressive, threatening or attacking bear. 2. Under Pressure Bear spray contains the oil of the hot pepper, Capsaicin, mixed with a propellant and contained under pressure in an aerosol can that is easy to carry and use. Most canisters will deliver about 6-9 seconds of continuous spray and the pepper ingredient causes an immediate and involuntary shutdown of the animal’s functions and preventing or minimizing an attack. Bear Spray is non-toxic and does not cause any lasting harm to the animal or humans. **[It is safer and more effective for people, while ultimately protecting bear populations, than firearm use.][3]** 3. Practice Startled or threatened bears can move very quickly, bear spray should be readied at the sight of an animal and for use when it is 30m (100ft) away. It is useful to practice a zig-zag spraying motion with the safety on or use the Inert Training Spray to practice, particularly valuable for teaching young children how to use Bear Spray if ever necessary. 4. Stay Safe Most importantly, choose destinations away from known bears, travel in groups, and make some noise. Most often bears are just as likely to run from you and your smell before you even notice them, but it’s never worth the risk to get too close. Back away slowly from a bear in your path and stay away if you are unsure or uncomfortable entering bear country. Bear Spray is an inexpensive and indispensable tool for protecting you and your family. 5. Check Expiry Like any aerosol based spray products, while the active ingredient remains potent, it is the propellant that deteriorates and will not expel the product at the desired range, limiting its shelf life to approximately three years. Store canisters safely and avoid extremes in temperatures. On Sale Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Bear Shield Bear Spray Currently selling 225g with 06/2027 expiry date Currently selling 400g with 07/2027 expiry date 2.0% total capsaicin and capsaicinoid – equal or exceeds all other Bear Sprays in Canada Longest… $60.00 – $70.00 $40.00 – $70.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
