Injuries to Birds of Prey Caught in Leghold Traps

Authors

Katherine Durham, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1981

Abstract

173 birds of prey, including 32 Bald Eagles, have been treated for trapping injuries at the University of Minnesota Raptor Research and Rehabilitation Program since 1972. These were birds caught primarily in "open" bait /eghold sets incidental to furbearer trapping in the Minnesota region. The differential outcome of the injuries with respect to crippling or mortality is presented for large versus small raptors, toe versus leg injuries, and fracture of the leg versus soft tissue damage only.

There is only limited potential for mitigating the effects of trapping injuries to raptors because of the irreversible soft tissue damage usually associated with such injuries, which results in the loss of the extremity. The extent of soft tissue damage usually cannot be determined at the time the bird is found, as the signs of necrosis require several days to develop. The inadvertent trapping of raptors should therefore be prevented by the restriction of open bait sets.

Recommended Citation

Durham, K. (1981). Injuries to birds of prey caught in leghold traps. International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems, 2(6), 317-328.