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HURRICANE — A man was cited for illegally setting a trap in Quail Creek State Park after a dog stepped in it.
Hurricane police and responding park rangers found two traps within the boundaries of the park following a woman’s report that her dog stepped in one of them along the shoreline, according to Quail Creek State Park manager Laura Melling.
“The dog didn’t seem to be hurt,” Melling said. “The lady at that time decided not to take the dog to a vet.”
Melling said that the man was cited for illegal trapping, a misdemeanor offense. State law prohibits trapping in park areas unless it is “authorized and permitted by the park manager.”
I have no idea what he was trying to attract with the traps. I find it really unusual that we would have a bobcat in this area, and I don't believe you're allowed to trap bobcats. I believe they're protected.
–Laura Melling, Quail Creek State Park manager
Rangers found tracks near one of the traps, but authorities did not immediately know what the man was attempting to trap and did not find any bait.
“A lot of traps are baited with a scent, something you spray on that attracts them,” Melling said. “I have no idea what he was trying to attract with the traps. I find it really unusual that we would have a bobcat in this area, and I don’t believe you’re allowed to trap bobcats. I believe they’re protected.”
Melling added that although not many people frequent the area when the weather is cold, she never would have allowed the traps to be placed within the park because of the possible danger to visitors.
“I still have a lot of fishermen and a lot of people that bring their dogs out or just come out to exercise and walk along the shores,” she said.
A ranger left a note where one of the traps was found explaining why they had been removed, and the owner of the traps contacted the ranger, Melling said.
“He’s probably going to contest it,” Melling said of the man. “I don’t know that for sure, but that was kind of the impression the ranger got when he called in. He wasn’t very happy.”
Contributing: Tammy Kikuchi
