Preliminary bait trials with captive stoats / by Elaine Murphy, Carol Gardiner and Wayne Eggleton

Abstract

Preliminary trials were undertaken to determine which of three baits (fish-based catfood, hen eggs, and dead mice) commonly used to catch stoats (Mustela erminea) was the most attractive. All six stoats ate eggs and mice significantly more often than catfood. Combining results from both sexes, there was no significant preference between eggs and mice; when results were divided by sex however, females ate mice significantly more often than eggs and males ate eggs significantly more often than mice. Although widely used, catfood is probably not an effective bait to catch stoats. The differences between sexes and individuals in food preference may make it difficult to develop a bait or lure that will attract all stoats equally.