Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

Seven types of breakaway snares were evaluated for breaking strength and variability using a universal testing machine. Maximum tension before breakage for individual snares ranged from 142 to 486 pounds. Sheet metal locks which ripped out, and S-hooks which straightened, provided the least variable results. Coyotes (Canis latrans), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), domestic calves, and lambs were tested to determine the tension loads they applied to snares. Differences in tension toads among coyotes and nontarget species should allow for the development of snares that will consistently hold coyotes and release most larger nontarget animals.