I am retired, but was born in a farming community where trapping was common. I don't like the fact that this beaver was not taken alive. I have worked with many legal professionals in the legal system, and I have a basic knowledge of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) as they relate to trapping fur bearing animals. History: After the beaver population was destroyed in Illinois there was a movement to re-introduce them in the 1930s after State protective regulations were enacted in 1933. State law allows the trapping of beaver between November and the end of the following March. The Illinois Wildlife Code and information on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources can be found, in part, in 520ILCS 5/. This, and other State laws allow for trapping by licensed trappers using designated types of traping devices and methods. So, for example, you will find wording such as, "It shall be unlawful for any person to trap beaver with traps except during the open season....Nov. through Mar. 31st.[520ILCS 5/2.30]. Special consideration is given to Special Districts (such as municipalities) under the Drainage Code 70ILCS 605/ which allows the "commissioner" of the special district to protect a drainage system. However, the protection must be done in compliance with the Wildlife Code of Illinois [70ILCS 605/4-14]. Trapping out-of-season is allowed for nuisance abatement, again, in compliance with the ILCS. Therefore, the following questions have been raised in my mind: 1) was the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) contacted in writing about trapping this beaver out-of-season, in the appropriate time period, as required by law [520ILCS 5/2.37]? 2)was the animal carcass given to a conservation officer or agent of the DNR in the required time period as required by law? Or, was it discarded in a shallow grave in the park for possible dicovery by children or animals? 3)if the traps were set during the trapping season was the trapper properly licensed? 4)were the traps used of the type to most likely kill, or to take the beaver alive? 5)was the required follow-up report furnished by the City to the DNR? 6)out-of-season trapping requires special types of traps that are specifically marked; was this done? 7)were the traps checked once a day as required by law [520ILCS 5/2.33a(a)]. As you can see from my comments I put a lot on the trapper. I don't believe that this beaver needed to die, probably by drowning with the use of what may have been a trap intended to kill. It's not like there has been any rush to move these beavers since they have been there for several years that I know of. And, the trapper has no excuse simply because he/she became frustrated or lazy; cruelty to animals can never be condoned. The comment in FOX news from the Park District that it costs $4,000 to trap one beaver is rediculous. Also, the Park District's implication that there would be a problem with the beavers because of the use of the area by people is a joke. Beavers are mostly nocturnal, and an American indian name for the beaver implies gentleness and non-aggressiveness. I can understand moving the beavers because of damge to trees since even beavers have killed themselves by felling trees of substantial size. But, again, there's no reason to kill them. The idea of having a beaver area in the park is very interesting and would take some consideration by progressive thinkers at the Park District. If more people express their views on this matter to the Park District, as I have done in an email, maybe some positive action in this direction will be taken. Everybody have a nice day and take care.
2 comments:
I am retired, but was born in a farming community where trapping was common. I don't like the fact that this beaver was not taken alive. I have worked with many legal professionals in the legal system, and I have a basic knowledge of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) as they relate to trapping fur bearing animals. History: After the beaver population was destroyed in Illinois there was a movement to re-introduce them in the 1930s after State protective regulations were enacted in 1933. State law allows the trapping of beaver between November and the end of the following March. The Illinois Wildlife Code and information on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources can be found, in part, in 520ILCS 5/. This, and other State laws allow for trapping by licensed trappers using designated types of traping devices and methods. So, for example, you will find wording such as, "It shall be unlawful for any person to trap beaver with traps except during the open season....Nov. through Mar. 31st.[520ILCS 5/2.30]. Special consideration is given to Special Districts (such as municipalities) under the Drainage Code 70ILCS 605/ which allows the "commissioner" of the special district to protect a drainage system. However, the protection must be done in compliance with the Wildlife Code of Illinois [70ILCS 605/4-14]. Trapping out-of-season is allowed for nuisance abatement, again, in compliance with the ILCS. Therefore, the following questions have been raised in my mind: 1) was the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) contacted in writing about trapping this beaver out-of-season, in the appropriate time period, as required by law [520ILCS 5/2.37]? 2)was the animal carcass given to a conservation officer or agent of the DNR in the required time period as required by law? Or, was it discarded in a shallow grave in the park for possible dicovery by children or animals? 3)if the traps were set during the trapping season was the trapper properly licensed? 4)were the traps used of the type to most likely kill, or to take the beaver alive? 5)was the required follow-up report furnished by the City to the DNR? 6)out-of-season trapping requires special types of traps that are specifically marked; was this done? 7)were the traps checked once a day as required by law [520ILCS 5/2.33a(a)]. As you can see from my comments I put a lot on the trapper. I don't believe that this beaver needed to die, probably by drowning with the use of what may have been a trap intended to kill. It's not like there has been any rush to move these beavers since they have been there for several years that I know of. And, the trapper has no excuse simply because he/she became frustrated or lazy; cruelty to animals can never be condoned. The comment in FOX news from the Park District that it costs $4,000 to trap one beaver is rediculous. Also, the Park District's implication that there would be a problem with the beavers because of the use of the area by people is a joke. Beavers are mostly nocturnal, and an American indian name for the beaver implies gentleness and non-aggressiveness. I can understand moving the beavers because of damge to trees since even beavers have killed themselves by felling trees of substantial size. But, again, there's no reason to kill them. The idea of having a beaver area in the park is very interesting and would take some consideration by progressive thinkers at the Park District. If more people express their views on this matter to the Park District, as I have done in an email, maybe some positive action in this direction will be taken. Everybody have a nice day and take care.
Stoker,
If you get this by Wednesday 4/29/09, please contact me for a short interview for a local magazine.
Thanks,
John Greenfield
312-560-3966
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