Preliminary evaluation of new cable restraints to capture coyotes

The need for alternative predator capture techniques is increasing, but cur rently available and tested animal capture technology is limited, To evalua te recently developed devices, we conducted a field study of 4 new types of coyote (Canis latrans) capture and restraint systems. We tested the Belisl e(R), Panda(R) Collarum(R), and the Wildlife Services systems to capture co yotes in south Texas during February 1998 and February 1999, We designed fi eld work to determine capture efficiency and selectivity and performed whol e-body necropsies to identify trap-related injuries. Results showed a final capture rate (coyote capture per capture opportunity) of 78% for the Belis le, 8.3% for the Panda, 41% for the Collarum, and 66% for the Wildlife Serv ices system. Some of these prototype systems may cause fewer injuries than traditional capture methods but may not be as efficient as jawed traps. To meet or exceed guidelines of recently established international standards f or humane trapping, 80% of captured animals cannot show injury indicators o f poor welfare, but the Belisle, Wildlife Services, and Collarum devices di d not cross this threshold (31%, 40%, 70%, respectively, did not show any i ndicators). We were not able to capture enough animals with the Panda to th oroughly evaluate the device for selectivity and injury. However, simple mo difications and improvements are ongoing and are likely to result in versio ns of these devices with improved efficiency and fewer indicators of injury .