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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Videos help pet owners keep dogs out of traps

From staff and wire reports

With trapping seasons open in Idaho, Fish and Game officials are promoting a video for pet owners with tips on keeping their dogs out of traps meant for critters such as beavers, bobcats and wolves.

“When pets encounter traps or snares, owners must be prepared to act quickly,” the department says in a media release. Letting dogs run loose is especially dangerous in some areas during winter, it says.

The 9-minute video, Avoiding Wildlife Traps While Walking your Dog, shows the variety of traps and snares that could be encountered while hiking or walking a dog and how to recognize and avoid them.

Some traps and trap sets can be very visible to people who know what to look for. However, many traps will be difficult to spot.

A companion 8-minute video, Releasing Your Dog from a Trap, describes the types of traps and snares that are likely to be encountered and provides instructions on how to release a dog should it get caught.

A brochure is also available at some pet stores, veterinary clinics and Idaho Fish and Game offices statewide.

Both videos and brochure are available online at fishandgame.idaho.gov/trap.