STOATS AND WEASELS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23259, 31 January 1939, Page 10

STOATS AND WEASELS

EXTERMINATION METHODS LURE OF DEAD BAITS STUDY OF ANIMALS' HABITS In view of the decision of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society to conduct a vigorous campaign for the extermination of vermin, which hare constituted a great menace to game and native birds, it is advisable that successful methods of destroying stoats and weasels should be detailed. It is recommended by the federation of North Auckland Acclimatisation Societies that the jawed rabbit trap, which snaps closed when sprung by its victim, is an efficient means of killing vermin. Stoats are intensely curious and methodical, always using the same little runs or tracks from their habitat. If it is suspected that they aro living in a piece of bush, hollow log, pile of timber or stone walls, the vicinity should be examined for signs of runs. Artificial runs may be constructed with the aid of a small drain pipe covered with turf, or a hole may be pierced through a hillock of turf. A hole in a stone wall or bank will answer the same purpose, but care should be taken that the animal can see right through.

Traps should bo set near the end of the runs, being set into the ground level with tho tracks, after being light covered with earth or grass to conceal the traps as much as possible without impairing their efficiency. The surrounding area where runs are created should be covered with a sprinkling of small brflsh tea-tree or similar material found in the vicinity.

A dead stoat will servo as an effective lure for others of its species, which will bo attracted long distances by the scent. At the end of a run a dead stoat or other bait should be suspended some 12in. or ISin. above tho trap. If several traps are buried in a circle, with tho dead animal swinging over them, the chances are that curiosity will cause live stoats to sit up and smell the other, thus coming in contact with one or more of the traps