by Jerry D'Amico, Roxbury
“To the Editor:
The foothold trap is legal in 44 states and all of Canada. After banning most traps in 1997, Massachusetts wildlife officials cited that the beaver population had increased from 20,000 to 70,000, and the number of complaints of beaver damage has grown from about 400 to about 1,000. In 2018, the City of Framingham, Massachusetts, hired trappers in an attempt to control flooding across local roads and onto neighboring yards. In 2018, there were coyote attacks in the city of Montreal, Quebec. In April, 2019, two coyotes attacked people in separate incidents in Addison County. These folks had to be treated for rabies. In March of 2019, a bobcat bit a man and attacked two women in White River Junction. This animal tested positive for rabies.
Every major airport in America has a wildlife control specialist assisting in the removal of problem animals in an attempt to minimize aircraft/animal conflicts. Towns and villages throughout Vermont remove beavers annually to reduce flooding of roadways, basements and septic systems. Trapping in Vermont is regulated by the State of Vermont, including mandatory training requirements, restrictions on traps and regulated seasons, and trappers are a valuable community resource.”
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