Thousands of non-target animals, including small mammals and companion pets, in addition to "predators" are killed every year as a result of the trapping practices of the "Wildlife Services" division of the USDA. This governmental agency uses steel traps, wire snares, and poison to kill thousands of animals, on both private and public land. Since 2000, this agency has accidentally killed 50,000 animals, including federally protected golden and bald eagles, and over 1,100 dogs. Members of the public and this agency's employees have also been exposed to cyanide, which is anchored to the ground with bait. "Body grips" crush spines and bodies of animal victims, including dogs, raccoons, turtles and otters. These data are likely artificially low due to non-reporting of accidental killings.
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