A Baseline Assessment of Furbearers on the Upper Coastal Plain of Virginia

Abstract

We assessed the status of furbearing mammals on Fort A.P. Hill, Caroline County, Virginia during the 199 8-1999 trapping season with the cooperation of local licensed trappers. Our analyses were based on 345 captures representing of 10 mammal species, ranging from one bobcat (Lynx rufus) to 157 beavers (Castor canadensis). Mean number of captures per 100 trap nights was 17.0. Captures varied from 11.9 to 17.9 per 100 trap nights for conibear traps and 9.7 to 18.3 per 100 trap nights for leg-hold traps. External measurements of six species were similar to those reported for other populations in the region. We suggest that valuable insights into the ecology and trends of furbearer populations can be obtained from studies conducted on government installations such as Fort A. P. Hill. Management plans that include evaluations of infectious disease reservoirs and transmission and impacts of furbearers on wetlands, other wildlife, and human activities would aid in long-term evaluation of these mammals from ecosystem and health perspectives.