Rats!! Yep rats are critters too; but not the welcome kind. Many Wellington tracks have traps at strategic points. These are typically the box traps with a bait (a nicely ripe hens egg) a pressure sensitive snap mechanism. These traps must be cleared after each visitor and as such require constant surveillance.
http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/science/plants-animals-fungi/animals/vertebrate-pests/traps/traps-tested"
Another type of mechanical trap is controlled by a small gas cylinder (silver bit). The rat investigates the bait by putting his/her nose/head high up inside the white tube. It triggers a mechanism that gives the poor fellow a serious head injury. The rat drops to the ground and the trap then resets itself. This trap has about 24 charges and can be left in place for as long as the CO2 gas cylinder has a charge. It is a little expensive but saves on the constantly needing to check the trap lines.
The Crofton Downs community is currently in the process of counting rats and mice using baited cards (they can count the number and type of bite marks) and will be embarking on a cooperative eradication campaign.
You can access the track up to the Crows Nest on the skyline from behind the childcare centre (bridge available) or at the trail head for Critter Cache I (plank available… hopefully). Just move along tracks in a left and up direction. Alternatively, you can access the cache via the Crows Nest cache and Skyline walkway or for those who want less hill, try the access from Huntleigh Park Way.
This cache will bring you to a fantastic view above Crofton Downs. If you wave I might see you. It is located behind some makeshift camoflage. It might blow away so feel free to reinforce the hiding place. The box, like many other boxes in this series might be tricky to open. LIFT THE CACHE FROM ITS HIDING PLACE AND PLAY WITH IT - THEN SEAL IT AGAIN TIGHTLY - NO GAPS - AND REPLACE EXTACTLY. PLEASE Don’t use a sledge hammer – tools are not required. A little thought perhaps. Please bring your own pen.