RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota game officials and representatives from trapping and fur-harvesting organizations are calling for a ban on the use of live mammals as bait.

Reports of live animals such as domestic cats being used to bait coyote and bobcat traps prompted the state's Game, Fish and Parks Commission to recently propose a ban.

The Rapid City Journal reports the commission has received complaints from people hiking or walking in the Black Hills who have come across a small cat in a trap that hasn't been fed or watered for several days.

Keith Fisk with the commission says the rise in prices paid for bobcat pelts could compel inexperienced trappers to use live bait.

Larry Bowden with the Western South Dakota Fur Harvesters says the organization supports the proposed ban.