Wildlife

Trapping Reform in New Mexico

Legtrap © M.K. Ray

Most people are astonished to learn that trapping is still a legal activity in New Mexico. Because fur prices are high now due to demand from fashion houses not only in North America and Europe, but also in Asia, the amount of trapping going on in New Mexico is higher than it has been in years.

Watch this video to see that New Mexicans from many walks of life oppose trapping on public lands.

Submitted by dvw on 29 January 2012 - 12:30am
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Trap Free New Mexico

Trap Free Zia Poster

We need your help to show the faces that support a trap-free New Mexico. Be part of our video montage by downloading and printing the trap-free poster (or make your own) and fill in the blank with words that describe YOU! Then take your picture holding the sign and email it back to Mary Katherine Ray at mkrscrim@kitcarson.net.

Let your voices be heard- and your faces- be seen! In the spirit of the season, gather the kids, the dogs the horses and everyone and create your trap-free NM identity today! The printable poster is attached and can be downloaded.

Watch this video to see that New Mexicans from many walks of life oppose trapping on public lands.

See even more New Mexicans from many walks of life opposing trapping on public lands.

Submitted by dvw on 6 December 2011 - 5:36pm
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So-so year for wolves; otters get second look

Wolf2 © 2006 Larry Allen

By Mary Katherine Ray, Wildlife Chair

Wolves
The wolf population count for 2011 is in. Despite nine known Mexican wolf deaths last year and the fires and the drought, 2011 was not a bad year for wolves. The official count is up to 58, which is eight more in the wild than at the end of 2010. Arizona has 32 and New Mexico 26.

Submitted by Jeff Potter on 1 April 2012 - 1:54pm
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Frequently asked questions on Trapping

Wolf1 © 2006 Larry Allen

Trap Free NM has created a concise set of frequently asked questions about Trapping. Take a look at the PDF attachment.

Submitted by dvw on 27 February 2012 - 5:21pm
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Prairie dogs return to Galisteo Basin

Prairie Dog Feeding

The Gunnison Prairie Dog population in Galisteo Basin has increased from 58 in 2009 to 250 in 2011 thanks to a coordinated effort by the Sierra Club, City of Santa Fe, People for Native Ecosystems, and Wild Earth Guardians.

Submitted by dvw on 10 January 2012 - 12:38pm
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TrapFree NM hosts Statewide Forum on Public Lands Trapping

Trap Free Zia Poster

6-8 pm, Wednesday, April 18
Administration building, Northern NM College
921 N. Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM 87532

The issue of fur trapping on public lands for commercial profit and recreation will be discussed at a public forum in Espanola. Every year, non-target wildlife, domestic pets and dogs, are trapped and killed by the hundreds of thousands nationwide. This is an issue that has ignited public concern throughout the western states that still allow trapping. Arizona, Colorado, Washington and California have banned trapping on their public lands.

Submitted by dvw on 1 January 2012 - 3:00pm
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Mexican wolves endure more losses

Wolf3

By Mary Katherine Ray, Chapter Wildlife Chair

The most recent lethal removal of Mexican wolves occurred in mid-December with the blessing of wolf reintroduction project officials when a lone female consorted too closely with ranch dogs in Beaverhead, NM.

Submitted by Jeff Potter on 29 December 2011 - 1:55pm
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Get your non-trapping license today!

Non-trapping license

The Trap Free NM coalition of which we are a part is offering these wonderful, wallet-sized, laminated non-trapping licenses. Your purchase of $20 is all it costs to help us build support for ending brutal and indiscriminate trapping on New Mexico public lands. That is the same price as an actual trapping license issued by NM Game and Fish which allows the unlimited slaughter-for-profit of our wildlife. Purchase of this license supports living wildlife and recreation in wild places unhindered by traps.

Buy your New Mexico Non-Trapping License Now!

Submitted by dvw on 20 December 2011 - 6:33pm
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City of Santa Fe latest NM government body to endorse trapping ban

Bobcat siblings © Julianne Koza

Advocates hail recent anti-trapping resolutions

SANTA FE- On Tuesday, September 27, the Santa Fe City Council unanimously endorsed a citizen resolution to ban the use of leg hold, snare, and other traps on public lands. The resolution bill was sponsored by Councilors Chris Calvert and Patti Bushee, who has had two of her dogs caught in traps around Christmas one year, as well as Santa Fe Mayor David Coss.

“Santa Fe City Council has now joined many other town, city and county governments around the state in voicing support for a publicly endorsed ban on public lands trapping,” said Teresa Seamster, Executive Committee member Northern NM Group of Sierra Club. “The actions of elected officials to support a ban on these types of traps are a positive move forward.”

Submitted by dvw on 5 October 2011 - 4:12pm
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Few reasons for trapping

raccoons.JPG

By Teresa Seamster

Trappers kill thousands of our state’s wild animals each year for recreation and profit. According to last season’s Furbearer Harvest report from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, over a thousand of the following species were killed in traps set throughout New Mexico: gray foxes (1,694), bobcats (1,715), and coyotes (4,609). But these numbers are a fraction of the actual total, which is unknown.

Submitted by Jeff Potter on 29 September 2011 - 1:24pm
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