PULASKI, WI (WTAQ)- A pair of Pulaski students have built a better bear trap.
Sophomores Chasten Fatla and Brock Bogacz spent time in class building a new bear trap that the Department of Natural Resources can use in Northeast Wisconsin.
“The DNR came in with a trailer and a culvert rolling around on a trailer and said, here, build a bear trap,” said Fatla.
The students presented the DNR with a bear trap that they invented Thursday. Fatla says the DNR their teacher Jerad Marsh to help come up with a new trap, and they took on the challenge, including addressing the questions that they had.
“How are we going to keep nice and steady and secure so the bear does not get out.”
The boys spent time researching the internet, and soon had the idea.
“Once the bear steps on a pressure plate, the door releases, trapping the bear safely inside,” Fatla said.
The idea impressed members of the DNR, including Wildlife Biologist James Robaidek.
“We wanted it so that our staff can drag up to a 700 pound bear through the front.” He says it also helps that the culvert trap is on a trailer, so it can be hauled away quickly.
“I gave them a budget and a deadline, and they met the deadline and were under budget. They highly exceeded my expectations, and my expectations are pretty high.”
The DNR believes that the trap will fullfill their needs, but the students are anxious to see if it works.
“I would like to get a phone call or something saying, hey, we got a bear with the trap that you guys built,” Fatla said.
The trap was hauled away Thursday for use in Northeast Wisconsin.
