AUGUSTA (AP) – Maine wildlife officials acted swiftly to put into effect new rules aimed at preventing Canada lynx from being caught in a type of trap that killed a lynx last month.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s advisory council voted Thursday in favor of temporary rules little more than a week after a federal judge ordered the state to take additional steps to protect lynx, which are listed as a threatened species.

On Nov. 17, a lynx was found dead in a trap set for other animals in Aroostook County.

The trapper was not charged with killing the protected cat because biologists and wardens determined he thought he was complying with state regulations. The trapper also promptly reported the incident to authorities.

The new regulations clarify the placement of so-called Conibear traps, which are filled with bait left for fisher, marten or other species. The traps are designed to kill by breaking an animal’s neck or dislocating its spine.

The lynx found dead last month apparently climbed a larger tree and reached into the trap in a smaller tree nearby. The new rules clarifies the size of trees where traps can be used and sets a minimum distance from other trees.

Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin praised trappers for working with the state to fix the rules. But not everyone was pleased.

“We believe the emergency rules are a farce,” said Camilla Fox of the Animal Welfare Institute. “I know of no other state that has such complicated regulations regarding Conibear traps. And if the trappers were perplexed by the (prior) regulations, they will be utterly confused now.”

The Wildlife Alliance of Maine and the Animal Welfare Institute have accused the state of violating the Endangered Species Act by allowing trapping practices that ensnare lynx. Eight lynx were reported caught in leghold traps last year. All eight were released alive.

The federal judge denied the groups’ request for a temporary injunction seeking wider restrictions on trapping, but the court case continues.

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