Montana sued over trapping in lynx habitat

Three conservation groups filed a federal court lawsuit Thursday against Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks commissioners and Director Jeff Hagener for allowing trapping and snaring in Canada lynx habitat. The Friends of the Wild Swan, the WildEarth Guardians and the Alliance for the Wild Rockies say FWP reported at least nine incidents since 2000 of lynx being caught in traps set for other species; and say four of those animals died. They alleged that this violates the federal Endangered Species Act, which lists lynx as a threatened species and warranted for protection, and want the trapping prohibited in lynx habitat. The lawsuit outlines some of the cases in which lynx were caught and died, including one that starved to death. They note in the lawsuit that in 2006, lynx researchers for federal government documented 49 moralities of radio-collared lynx in Montana. Causes of mortality included incidental trapping or shooting, predation, starvation and other unknown causes. Lynx trapping is banned in Montana because the animal is protected under the ESA. However, Montana allows regulated trapping of other species. The conservation groups allege that trapping and snaring in occupied lynx habitat is illegal because the Endangered Species Act mandates that states prevent the “take” of threatened animals. Canada lynx that are captured in traps endure physiological and psychological trauma, dehydration, and exposure as well as injuries to bone and tissue that reduces their fitness and chances for persistence, according to the lawsuit. They claim that trapping also causes indirect mortality to lynx kits since adults harmed or killed by traps and snares cannot adequately feed and nurture their young...more