Rabbit snarers reminded of new regulations

Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today reminded rabbit snarers of revised regulations regarding acceptable snaring devices in four modified snaring and trapping areas in the province. The modified trapping areas are the northwest shore of Grand Lake, Red Indian Lake, Terra Nova area and the Charlottetown enclave.

Minister Osborne said the modified trapping areas were established to better manage snaring and trapping activities that can potentially inhibit the recovery of the endangered Newfoundland Marten population.

The minister said starting with the opening of the hare snaring season on October 8, snarers will be permitted to use two new types of wire, 22 gauge brass wire and six-strand picture cord, in all modified snaring areas. �Through significant study and testing of snare wire the Wildlife Division has identified that these two wires can effectively retain hares but release the endangered marten,� added the minister.

The use of the new snaring wires in a traditional manner, such as no coil required, is intended to be complementary to the existing use of the snare coil giving snarers three snare options to use within these areas. Using these snaring wires and techniques will help reduce the incidence of non-targeted mortality of marten. Like the snare coil device, the approved wires must be set on a solid anchor to ensure that they will effectively release marten. Materials for all three snaring techniques will be available at retailers across the island. A brochure outlining the details of this program can also be obtained when purchasing a small game licence from a retailer located near the modified snaring areas.

Snarers are also advised that during 2005-06, the Wildlife Division will be monitoring the use of the new wires to assess their effectiveness in the field. Wildlife officials will be seeking direct input from snarers and are also encouraging snarers to provide their assessment of the wires by contacting Jonathan Sharpe, Small Game Management Biologist, Wildlife Division, Corner Brook, at (709) 637-2382 or by e-mail at jonathansharpe@gov.nl.ca

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612

2005 10 03                                        9:40 a.m.