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The C120 Magnum with pan trigger: a humane trap for mink (Mustela vison)
G Proulx1, M W Barrett, S R Cook
1Humane Trapping Program, Alberta Environmental Centre, Vegreville, Canada.
Abstract:
The C120 Magnum trap, equipped with a 66 x 69 mm pan trigger, which favored double strikes in the neck and thorax regions, successfully killed nine of nine wild mink (Mustela vison) in simulated natural conditions. Average times to loss of consciousness and heartbeat were estimated at less than 72 (+/- 24) sec and 158 (+/- 48) sec, respectively, after firing of the trap. This study confirmed that the C120 Magnum trap can be expected to render greater than 79% of all captured mink unconscious in less than or equal to 3 min (P less than 0.05). This is the first mink kill trap to meet the requisites of the Canadian General Standards Board regarding killing traps.
Insights
The C120 Magnum trap effectively killed all tested wild mink (Mustela vison) with rapid loss of consciousness and heartbeat. This trap meets Canadian standards for humane killing devices.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife management
- Animal welfare science
- Trapping technology
Background:
- Efficient and humane trapping methods are crucial for wildlife management.
- Previous trapping technologies have faced scrutiny regarding animal welfare.
- The Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) has established criteria for humane killing traps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and humaneness of the C120 Magnum trap for wild mink (Mustela vison).
- To determine if the C120 Magnum trap meets the CGSB requisites for killing traps.
Main Methods:
- Testing the C120 Magnum trap under simulated natural conditions with nine wild mink.
- Measuring times to loss of consciousness and heartbeat after trap firing.
- Analyzing trap performance based on strike location (neck and thorax regions).
Main Results:
- The C120 Magnum trap achieved a 100% kill rate in nine wild mink.
- Average times to loss of consciousness and heartbeat were rapid (<72 sec and <158 sec, respectively).
- The trap demonstrated a >79% probability of rendering mink unconscious within 3 minutes (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- The C120 Magnum trap is highly effective and rapid in dispatching wild mink.
- This trap meets the Canadian General Standards Board requirements for killing traps.
- The trap's design, featuring a specific pan trigger, contributes to effective neck and thorax strikes.
