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Injuries To Birds Of Prey Caught In Leghold Traps, Katherine Durham

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

One hundred and seventy-three raptors, including 32 Bald Eagles, have been treated for trapping injuries at the University of Minnesota Raptor Research and Rehabilitation Program since 1972. These birds were primarily caught in "open" bait leghold sets incidental to furbearer trapping in the Minnesota region. The differential outcome of the injuries concerning crippling or mortality is presented for large versus small raptors, toe versus leg injuries, and leg fracture versus soft tissue damage only. There is only limited potential for mitigating the effects of trapping injuries.