Crow traps-are they legal? (1 Viewer)

[trw]

Walking near the Foulshaw Moss Osprey site recently I noticed two Magpies trapped in a cage by a local.
Learning that two Magpies have just taken the new born Bassenthwaite Osprey chicks I am turning a blind eye- he may be doing the Foulshaw Ospreys a favour.
'I didn't see anything officer'
Are these traps legal?I don't know anything about them.
How do they get trapped in them?
What is the motivation for people to set them up?

 

[Corvus cornix]

Hi,

Larsen Traps and similar cage traps like the one described are perfectly legal, as long as they are operated correctly. The trap will usually consist of two or more compartments, one holding a live decoy bird and one with the trap set. The decoy bird will attract quarry species, which will be caught in the trap compartment. The decoy bird is generally dispatched (humanely) and the fresh bird used as the new decoy. The decoy bird should be provided with fresh food and water and the trap checked at least once every 24 hours. Also, the decoy birds cannot be sold, as they are classed as pest species. They are sometimes offered free with the cage.

These types of traps are sometimes controversial as they are indiscriminate in what they catch, there have been cases of raptors, waterbirds even pet cats being caught in them. These should, of course, be released
unharmed. but there's no guarantee.

They are used mainly for vermin control by land owners for a variety of reasons. Whether or not you condone the use of these type of traps, they are legal and certainly better than illegal pole traps that are still, sadly, in use.

There's much more information available on the internet, try searching "Larsen Traps" and you can find information on their use and regulation from a variety of sources.

Cheers

 

[trw]

Thanks
I didn't know anything about them so that is very useful.
The trapper keeps hens and chickens so perhaps he catches crows and magpies to stop them taking his chickens.

 

[Corvus cornix]

No problem. That could well be the case and nothing more sinister.

If you're around there regularly and have any concerns, it may be worth contacting the RSPCA for advice.

Cheers