NLIS 2
October 3, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)
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.
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