BCM Y2K Harp Traps

Note: These devices are no longer being produced, except possibly for a very special order. We currently have a SMALL quantity of USED traps in stock as we are now using G4 traps for our own projects. Used traps are fully functional but will have cosmetic blemishes.

These live traps are specifically designed for bat trapping abandoned mines which may be too dangerous or extensive for wildlife surveyors to thoroughly search. Traps might also be used to sample species exiting a summer roost. They feature simple, quick set up design. Monofilament lines are easily tensioned and quickly field-repairable. Trap frames are constructed of strong lightweight plastic tubing and will never rust, rot, or mildew. A plastic catch box prevents bats from escaping wether the animal falls in front, behind, or in-between the trap lines. Oversized access hole allows bats to move into a detachable holding cage for transport and convenient identification. Cage detaches in seconds and can easily be done in the dark. Trap, catch box and holding cages are fully assembled but due to the preferences of indivdual researchers, the trap is shipped unthreaded. Unlike other bag style traps, BCM's traps are very low maintenance throughout the night, and when properly set up do not require constant supervision.

BCM has two sizes of traps which are available, a large 3'x3' frame and small 2'x2' frame trap. Traps can also be custom built to your specifications. Harp Traps are special order only, allow three weeks for delivery. Additional holding cages are also sold seperately. Please specify the monofilament line test strength you prefer (4#-20#). Bat trapping requires certain state wildlife permits, this product is available only to wildlife professionals or researchers.

Our current live trap model was based on a very successful and proven harp trap system in use by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (see photographs above). The great advantage of this system overall is that the trap can be left unattended without bats escaping. Building on this model after much field work and input from other researchers, Bat Conservation and Management has made the following upgrades to the current PGC system:

• The catch box features detachable side slides for easy bat removal, cleaning, or storage. The internal baffle is eliminated with steeper sides.
• The seams of the catch box have been sealed to prevent bat's toes from becoming pinched as the box is flexed.
• The catch box and holding cage each have large handles and attachment points.
• The travel tube connecting the catch box to the holding cage has been enlarged from 1'' to 3'' eliminating bottlenecks and bat clogging.
• The holding cage directly attaches to the catch box without tools, eliminating work to prop the cage in place.
• The holding cage is horizontal, providing more extensive ceiling roost space than older designs.
• The horizontal holding cage is low profile, fitting into smaller mine/cave entrances than previous designs.
• The holding cage features two access ports and fine nylon mesh screen which bat's body parts cannot become entangled in. The dangerous hinged "snap door" lid on the PGC cage has been totally eliminated.