Internal Memo Reveals Colorado Division of Wildlife to Recommend Trapping & Hunting Season for Two Imperiled Species

Animal Protection Institute
Wednesday, 27 June 2001

Denver -- An internal memo obtained by the Animal Protection Institute reveals that the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) has endorsed a proposal put forth by trappers to open a trapping and hunting season for two biologically sensitive species, the swift fox and American marten, as well as opossum. The recommendation comes only months after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) removed the swift fox as a candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act.

"CDOW's recommendation flies in the face of public sentiment," said Camilla Fox, Wildlife Program Coordinator for the Animal Protection Institute. "CDOW closed the season on these species in 1995 because of public pressure. Now they're reversing their position and catering to a tiny minority of vocal trappers who want to trap and kill these animals for profit and recreation."

In 1995, the FWS determined that listing the swift fox under the ESA was "warranted but precluded" by other agency duties. Afterwards, CDOW led the fight to keep the swift fox off the endangered species list.

Other facts to consider:

- In a June 14 report, a CDOW biologist admitted, "marten populations have never been rigorously studied in Colorado" and that conservationists might be concerned that "the DOW does not have enough information to warrant opening marten seasons." Marten populations have declined severely due to trapping and logging. The U.S. Forest Service has designated American Marten as "sensitive" and a "Management Indicator Species" in Colorado's Pike & San Isabel National Forest. The report also notes "there has been no studies of opossum in Colorado."

- Less than 1,000 Coloradans trap animals for profit or recreation, while more than 330,000 residents (58% of the population) enjoy "wildlife watching," according to the FWS.

- A 1995 survey by Colorado State University experts revealed that about 90% of Coloradans oppose recreational and commercial trapping. In 1996, Colorado citizens passed Amendment 14, which banned commercial and recreational trapping of furbearers with body-gripping traps. The current proposal would allow the use of cage traps and firearms to kill the swift fox, American marten, and opossum.

"This decision appears to be based on politics not biology. To recommend trapping and hunting of two imperiled species is biologically irresponsible," said Christopher Papouchis, Wildlife Biologist for the Animal Protection Institute. "It could have a serious impact on their populations."

The Colorado Wildlife Commission will vote on the issue at a public hearing on July 12 at 10:00 am at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Grand Junction.

The CDOW memo recommending the opening of a trapping/hunting season on the swift fox, American marten and opossum is available upon request.

ABOUT US: Established in 1968, the Animal Protection Institute is a national animal advocacy non-profit with more than 85,000 members across the United States.

For more information, or to contact Animal Protection Institute, see their website at: www.api4animals.org