Raccoon traps banned in P.E.I. highway ditches

A rule prohibiting trappers from setting raccoon traps in P.E.I. ditches on the side of highways is one of several new fur-harvesting regulations on P.E.I.

The change comes at the request of the P.E.I. Trappers Association.

"And the rationale as I understand it was to be pro-active. Prince Edward Island is a very densely populated place and they were foreseeing the possibility for conflict," said Brad Potter, manager of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries' fish and wildlife section.

"I don't think, it's not in relation to any incident that I'm aware of, but traps set in the highway right of way have the possibility to conflict with, you know, domestic animals such as cats."

Potter says the association was also concerned that people walking along the side of the road might be disturbed by seeing a raccoon in a trap.

The trapping season for beaver, mink, muskrat and weasel will now begin Nov. 1 instead of Oct. 31.

Members wanted the change so they could spend Halloween with their families.

Other changes include adding weasels to the list of species for which the use of certified traps is mandatory, and changing the allowable possession period for pelts after the season ends, without a permit, to five days instead of 10.