Snow build-up on the fence hood may have compromised the integrity of the fence to allow stoats in sometime during last winter. Photos: Elton Smith
Snow build-up on the fence hood may have compromised the integrity of the fence to allow stoats in sometime during last winter. Photos: Elton Smith
A novel trap set and bait: a stone cairn containing Fenn traps and two caged live mice.
A novel trap set and bait: a stone cairn containing Fenn traps and two caged live mice.
The end game: the dead female stoat with one of her dependent kits.
The end game: the dead female stoat with one of her dependent kits.
Every wildlife manager’s worst enemy, an untrappable stoat. Here a stoat has walked up to a trap set but did not enter, even with two live mice beckoning.
Every wildlife manager’s worst enemy, an untrappable stoat. Here a stoat has walked up to a trap set but did not enter, even with two live mice beckoning.
Not very good bedmates. Stoats may like saddleback but not the other way around.
Not very good bedmates. Stoats may like saddleback but not the other way around.
The tale of a stoat
Orokonui conservation manager Elton Smith tells the story of the 2015 battle against stoats at the ecosanctuary.