A mink trap on a Royal Wootton Bassett canal has been destroyed by a man who believed it was there to catch swans, a charity says.
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust (WBCT), in collaboration with the Waterlife Recovery Trust and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, has been working to eradicate non-native mink in the area.
The invasive species has significantly impacted waterborne wildlife, particularly water voles. A small population of voles is known to exist at Royal Wootton Bassett.
In Pewsham, Chippenham, eight mink have been caught – and dispatched – in the past year. Since then, sightings of young ducklings, moorhens and little grebes have increased.
Following a £1,000 fundraising effort, three more mink traps were purchased and two were recently deployed at Templars Firs and Chaddington.
The traps are designed to protect native species, especially the vulnerable water vole, which is often targeted by mink.
However, shortly after deployment, one of the traps was deliberately removed and destroyed.
The man responsible spoke to nearby dog walkers at the time, telling them he believed the traps were to catch swans. Parts of the trap were thrown into the WBCT compound near the lock.
The man also removed the cage trap and its cellular transmitter, which were either taken or discarded somewhere along or in the canal.
Howard Yardy, Wildlife Officer for the Melksham, Chippenham and Calne branch, is appealing for their return. The Trust hopes the equipment can be recovered and repaired for future use.
“The Trust is dedicated to bringing a sustainable and thriving ecosystem full of wildlife and fauna,” he said.
“With our assistance we hope to make a long lasting vibrant habitat.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Howard on [email protected].
