An effective box trap for capturing lynx

Abstract

We designed a box trap for capturing lynx (Lynx lynx) that is lightweight, safe, effective, and less expensive than many commercial models. It can be constructed in approximately 3-4 hours from readily available materials. We used this trap to capture 40 lynx 89 times (96% of lynx entering traps) and observed no trapping related injuries. We compare our box trap to other common lynx-capture techniques that we used in terms of capture success, injuries, efficacy, and cost. Our design provided a safe, economical, and efficient means of capturing lynx when even a moderate risk of injury was unacceptable.

Citation

Kolbe, Jay A.; Squires, John R.; Parker, Thomas W. 2003. An effective box trap for capturing lynx. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 31(4): 980-985.