Oct. 22, 2021  |  By Brenna Galdenzi

https://www.waterburyroundabout.org/opinion-archive/ht7gqx01ylra0w1dinbij57malr6em

Stowe — Trapping season starts on the fourth Saturday of October each year in Vermont and runs through March 31. Each trapping season, dogs, cats, and other non-targeted animals, including protected species, are injured or killed in traps. According to public records obtained by Protect Our Wildlife, a dog was trapped in a leghold trap set for coyotes during the first week of trapping season last year. Some of the other non-targeted captures that were voluntarily reported last year include a barred owl, a great blue heron, and a Canada goose. Vermont Fish & Wildlife does not require trappers to report when they trap a non-targeted wild animal.

Traps may be set on private land — with permission — and public land, including National Wildlife Refuges, home to federally protected species including Canada lynx.

Trappers are not required to post signs as…