Wild Life Intern AnMarie Ulery

This week I was able to get more practice with operating the tractor. First, I learned how to detach the hayfork and replace it with a bucket. Then, I was able to get lots of driving time from scooping up old hay with the bucket and transporting it around headquarters for the cows. This week I also continued to work on my carpentry skills by building saddle racks for the horse barn.  At the end of the week, Dr. Tomecek and I went into the field to begin practicing methods for meso-mammal trapping (specifically coyotes). I learned where to place a trapping site in relation to a trail and how to choose a spot with “backing” that will make it to where an animal can only come at the trap from one direction. I then learned how to properly set up a station, dig a hole for the trap, set the trap, and then conceal the trap all while leaving minimal trace of disturbance.   Wild Life Intern AnMarie Ulery