Know the Species for Legal Trapping

Learning about the animals you want to trap is very important. Trappers must be able to properly identify the animals that they are targeting. Knowing the habits and habitats of animals helps trappers locate good trapping locations and make successful trap sets.

Check with your state or provincial wildlife agency to find out which furbearers may be trapped legally in your area. Learn to recognize key characteristics of the animals. These characteristics include the following:

• Shape, size, coloring, and any other distinguishing features of the animal
• Preferred habitats and range
• Feeding habits
• Wildlife sign, such as tracks, scat, and calls
• Daily activity patterns, such as where the animal travels and why

The following are common North American furbearers.

• Muskrat
• Nutria
• Beaver
• Raccoon
• Weasel
• Mink
• Skunk
• Opossum
• American marten
• Fisher
• Northern river otter
• Red fox
• Gray fox
• Coyote
• Bobcat