PROTECTIVE MEASURES. 



29 



musk have proved effective in many cases by causing the wolf to turn 

 aside to follow the scented cross line and so Avalk into the trap. 

 Siberian musk (from the Siberian musk deer) is very attractive to 

 wolves in the Zoo. Oil of anise and oil of rhodium seem to have no 

 attraction for wild wolves, and are scarcel}^ noticed by those in con- 

 finement. Asafeticla is mildly attractive to wolves and coyotes at the 

 Zoo, but used alone is very slightly, if at all, attractive to those on 

 the range. 



Wolf urine taken from the bladder is used by some trappers, and is 

 said to be very successful. It is bottled and kept until rancid and then 

 sprinkled over the traj). The sexual organs of the female wolf im- 

 mersed in the urine are said to add efficacy to this bait. The urine of 

 the female in the rutting season is said 

 to be especially attractive to males; it 

 should be used in January or February. 



Fetid halt. — The bait that has proved 

 most effectiA^e may be called, for lack of 

 a better name, fetid bait, because of its 

 offensive odor. It has been long in use 

 in variously modified forms by the most 

 successful wolf trappers, and its prepa- 

 ration is usually guarded as a profound 

 secret. It can not be credited to any one 

 trapper, since no two prepare it in just 

 the same way, but in most cases its fun- 

 damental odors are the same. It may be 

 prepared as follows: 



Place half a pound of raw beef or 

 venison in a wide-mouthed bottle and 

 let it stand in a warm place (but never 

 in the sun) from two to six weeks or 



longer or until it is thoroughly decayed 



Fig. O.- 



Iron stakes for -wolf trap, with 

 and without swivel. 



and the odor has become as offensive as 

 possible. If the weather is not very warm this may require several 

 months. ^Alien decomposition has reached the proper stage, add 

 a quart of sperm oil or some liquid animal oil. Lard oil may be 

 used, but prairie clog oil is better. Add half an ounce of asafeticla 

 dissolved in alcohol and one ounce of tincture of Siberian musk, 

 or, if this can not be procured, one ounce of pulverized beaver 

 castor or one ounce of the common musk sold for perfumery. Mix 

 thoroughly and bottle securely until used. Apply the scent to the 

 grass, Aveeds, or ground back of the trap with a stick or straw 

 dipped in the scent, or by pouring from the bottle. A teaspoon- 

 ful should be enough for baiting one trap, but in some cases more 

 may be used to advantage. It should be iDlaced beyond the trap 



