Moles Ganging Up On Me

[Nicepix 5,650]

There is a difference between trap shy and neophobic. An animal will only become trap shy if it associates a bad experience when encountering a trap. Most moles do not get chance to form an association as the first time they encounter a trap it is their last. But some animals are neophobic and if at all possible will avoid anything that they are unsure about. You see it in dogs and cats when they encounter something strange that they cannot rationalise and if you've ever ridden a horse then you'll know only too well that anything out of the norm' whether it is a crisp packet blowing over the road or a dog barking a mile away can cause the rider some real problems.

 

If a mole trapper is experienced enough and doing the same thing over and over again successfully then I don't see how blame can be apportioned to him if he encounters a really difficult mole that avoids all the traps set.

[mazperks 18]

We've heard the tales on here of moles evading capture for weeks and months, by blokes who know what they are doing.

It's not beyond the realms of imagination to have a target animal, of any species, to be extra sensitive to traps.

I use the word "trap shy" as a general term, but call it neophobic, crafty, or whatever, they do exist.

Getting back to my trap project, I'm having to re-think the trigger release.

Because of the strength of the spring, the hook on the trigger is digging in to the keep, needing a bit too much force to release it.

I may try the horizontal trigger stick in notches method, or a string/toggle.

Edited March 20, 2015 by mazperks

[mazperks 18]

They must be those Moldovian mole hounds I've been hearing about.

They reckon the traditional mole catcher will soon be a thing of the past, I'm glad I've retired.

[perthshire keeper 1,239]

"pre-ban" of course