Tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that you want all trapping banned in the Nulhegan Basin Division of Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Vermont, home to Canada lynx, a federally threatened and state endangered animal.
Furbearer trapping is NOT compatible with the stated purpose of a wildlife refuge: “To protect species, listed as endangered or threatened, or identified as candidates for listing, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973.” Trapping in this part of the refuge is particularly egregious due to the presence of Canada lynx, who are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Federal law requires an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for any activity that might result in the "take" of endangered species; an ITP has not been granted, yet USFWS is still allowing trapping.
The only effective way to protect lynx from trapping is to prohibit trapping in areas where there have been confirmed sightings, such as Nulhegan Basin. Lynx are often mistaken for bobcats - a target species and one that is found in this wildlife refuge.
Please sign this petition and help us protect this shy, elusive animal from indiscriminate traps.
View lynx in Vermont's Nulhegan Basin here.
