Pathological Responses of Red Foxes to Foothold Traps

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1990
Authors:Kreeger, TJ, White, PJ, Seal, US, Tester, JR
Journal:The Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume:54
Pagination:147-160
Date Published:1990
ISBN Number:0022541X
Keywords:Vulpes vulpes
Abstract:

We conducted a 3-year study to document the physiological responses of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to foothold traps. Captive-raised foxes were caught and held for either 2 or 8 hours in No. 1½ padded-jawed, foothold traps or for 8 hours in No. 1½ unpadded traps. Free-ranging foxes were also caught in the same trap types for variable periods. Nontrapped, free-ranging foxes were used as controls. Behavior of captive foxes was video recorded; heart rate and body temperature were monitored via radio telemetry; and endocrine, biochemical, hematological, and pathological samples were collected after the trapped fox was euthanized. Foxes caught in unpadded traps had higher physical injury scores to the trapped limbs than foxes caught in padded traps (P < 0.05). Heart rate and body temperature increased rapidly after foxes were caught, but returned to mean pretrapped levels after 80 minutes. Mean time spent physically resisting the trap in an 8-hour period was 17.8 ± 6.7 (SE) and 13.3 ± 0.3% for foxes caught in unpadded and padded traps, respectively (P = 0.33). Trapped foxes generally had higher levels of adrenocorticotropin, β-endorphin, and cortisol and lower levels of thyroxine and insulin compared to control foxes (P < 0.05). Foxes caught in unpadded traps had higher cortisol, but lower β-endorphin values than foxes caught in padded traps (P < 0.05). Trapped foxes also had higher levels of bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) than control foxes (P 0.05). Foxes caught in unpadded traps had higher values for ALP, AST, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase than foxes caught in padded traps (P < 0.05). Trapped foxes also had higher leukocyte counts than nontrapped foxes with a significant neutrophilia and leukopenia (P < 0.05). Trapped foxes had higher incidences of adrenal gland and kidney congestion as well as adrenal gland, lung, and heart hemorrhage relative to control foxes (P < 0.05). Most of the changes were consistent with the physical exertion of resisting the trap, and none appeared life-threatening. Overall, padded-jawed traps caused less trauma to red foxes than unpadded traps.

URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3808915
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