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Kodiak resident Mike Hansen recently lost his canine companion, Matches, after the dog strayed into an otter trap. Hansen tried to rescue Matches, but was unsuccessful.

Larry Lewis, an employee of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, encounters dogs that were killed after being caught in a trap or snare in the midst of trapping season each year. In order to educate Kenai Peninsula residents on how to release a dog from a trap or snare and how to recognize a trapline, Lewis held a class at the Peninsula Dog Obedience Group in Soldotna on Saturday.

"What we want to try to do is reduce user conflicts," Lewis said.

As a trapper and dog owner, Lewis stressed the responsibilities of both parties to prevent dogs from getting caught in a trap. He said it's important for trappers to be conscious of where their traps are set. For example, traps should not be set near heavily traveled public use trails.

Lewis also discussed the importance of nontrappers recognizing and avoiding traplines.

"If you find yourself on a trapline, you need to remove yourself from that trapline," Lewis said. According to state statute, it's illegal to tamper with others' traplines, he said.

Because trappers are not obligated to mark their traplines, locating them can be difficult. Lewis said if there are tracks heading off of the main trail, there's a good chance a trapline could be set there. Also, the bait for a trap might be visible, but the trap itself hidden.

If someone is in an area where a trapline could be set, Lewis advised keeping a dog on a leash. If there's one trap, there's bound to be more.

Lewis said trappers don't want dogs getting caught in their traplines just as much as dog owners don't want their pets to get caught.

"Trapping is a big part of the history of Alaska," he said. "Trappers are not out targeting dogs."

If a dog does become entangled in a trap or snare, the owner should first cover the dog's face. This is to subdue the animal because it will be in a state of panic.

Next, secure the dog's muzzle. This is to prevent the dog from harming itself or the person releasing it. The dog's legs also should be secured so it can't run away after being released from the trap.

Lewis said most of the negative incidents with dogs and traplines occur when an amateur trapper has set the trap. Lewis urged all in attendance to become educated about traplines. He doesn't want to see trapping disappear nor any dogs injured or killed from traplines.

Mike Nesper can be reached at mike.nesper@peninsulaclarion.com.