Bill > S634

This bill amends Massachusetts law to significantly restrict the use of traps for capturing furbearing mammals like beavers and muskrats. The legislation generally prohibits most types of traps, including steel jaw leghold traps and lethal snares, with only limited exceptions. These exceptions allow for trap usage by state or municipal health and wildlife departments in specific circumstances related to human health and safety, such as preventing flooding near water supplies, utilities, public infrastructure, or critical facilities. Traps may also be used between November and April for wildlife management by licensed professionals. The bill establishes a process for obtaining emergency permits from local boards of health to address immediate threats, with permits valid for up to ten days. Additionally, the bill requires permit holders to submit detailed reports to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife within thirty days of permit expiration, documenting the specifics of their trapping activities, including the location, property owner, methods used, and number and species of animals captured. The overall intent appears to be balancing wildlife conservation with public safety by strictly regulating trapping methods and providing controlled mechanisms for addressing potential human-wildlife conflicts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S634