UNB, government study to determine local raccoon, skunk populations
Researchers will be setting traps in the Fredericton, Saint John, Sussex, and Woodstock regions to estimate raccoon and skunk populations in those areas.
Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet says knowing the density of raccoon and skunk populations will help the experts better plan for future wild animal inoculation efforts against rabies.
The traps will be set Monday and checked each weekday until September 1st, though the traps will be closed Friday to prevent animals from entering them and reset next Monday.
The traps will be baited with sardines, and any skunks or raccoons captured will be ear-tagged and released where they're caught.
Government says any domestic cats and dogs that are captured will be released without being tagged, and pet owners are encouraged not to let their animals roam off-leash to avoid setting off traps accidentally.
Researchers will be setting traps to help determine the population density of raccoons and skunks.(Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Energy and Resource Development)
- Agricultural areas near Woodstock and Sussex
- Forested areas to the north and south of Fredericton
- Urban areas of Fredericton and Saint John