Hikers setting mousetraps at the shelters

jason · 04-05-2010, 09:29 AM

"Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time"

I like this saying, and do my best to follow it. However, I read a story over the weekend where more people are setting up mousetraps at their campsites. This was mostly dealing with shelters on the Appalachian Trail system. They seem to be having a mouse problem there from people leaving food around.

To me it just seems wrong. But I was wondering if anyone here does this at all.

SQuirrel · 04-10-2010, 11:42 PM

Well you bring up an interesting question. I am big on leave no trace principles, and would not normally have any animosity towards small rodents around the camp. In fact, I remember a small field mouse that hung out around the edge of the campfire ring one with us one time. He was so cute.

But heres the kicker, the natural balence has already been upset. The mice are there becouse people are bringing in a food source for them. They don't set bear traps around the Yosemite campsites, but they sure do something about bears that have learned camp is a food source. Some cases the decision might be made to terminate the life of "problem bears".

On the one hand I think it is a dispicable practice to set mouse traps, but on the other, people were the cause of the problem so in turn people should be the solution. If everyone would be more responsible with their food, this would not be an issue.

Chris · 04-12-2010, 06:54 PM

I totally agree. I don't like to bother anything that I don't have to. Unless they are running rampant through my campsite I don't see a problem. If you store your food the way it should be stored, you shouldn't have a problem.

Newanderthal · 04-21-2010, 03:49 AM

they should put moustraps in the sleeping bags before they go to bed. then when they snap shut on something sensitive, they'll be reminded not to leave food lying around and maybe they'll pack it out like they're supposed to.

OpenAir · 04-21-2010, 07:32 AM

That is so daft. If you are out there, well you expect animals-even rodents. Clean up your area before you set up or sleep. And don't leave food lying around. Seems common sense to me.

04-05-2010, 09:29 AM	#1
jason Look 2x Safe a life Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 1,348	Hikers setting mousetraps at the shelters "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time" I like this saying, and do my best to follow it. However, I read a story over the weekend where more people are setting up mousetraps at their campsites. This was mostly dealing with shelters on the Appalachian Trail system. They seem to be having a mouse problem there from people leaving food around. To me it just seems wrong. But I was wondering if anyone here does this at all. Follow us on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/outdoorbasecamp Youtube Channel Coming soon...

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

04-10-2010, 11:42 PM	#2
SQuirrel Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 70	Well you bring up an interesting question. I am big on leave no trace principles, and would not normally have any animosity towards small rodents around the camp. In fact, I remember a small field mouse that hung out around the edge of the campfire ring one with us one time. He was so cute. But heres the kicker, the natural balence has already been upset. The mice are there becouse people are bringing in a food source for them. They don't set bear traps around the Yosemite campsites, but they sure do something about bears that have learned camp is a food source. Some cases the decision might be made to terminate the life of "problem bears". On the one hand I think it is a dispicable practice to set mouse traps, but on the other, people were the cause of the problem so in turn people should be the solution. If everyone would be more responsible with their food, this would not be an issue.

04-12-2010, 06:54 PM	#3
Chris Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 60	I totally agree. I don't like to bother anything that I don't have to. Unless they are running rampant through my campsite I don't see a problem. If you store your food the way it should be stored, you shouldn't have a problem.

04-21-2010, 03:49 AM	#4
Newanderthal Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 162	they should put moustraps in the sleeping bags before they go to bed. then when they snap shut on something sensitive, they'll be reminded not to leave food lying around and maybe they'll pack it out like they're supposed to.

04-21-2010, 07:32 AM	#5
OpenAir Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 79	That is so daft. If you are out there, well you expect animals-even rodents. Clean up your area before you set up or sleep. And don't leave food lying around. Seems common sense to me.