Selecting a Trap
Using the correct size and type of trap is essential to achieving a high level of efficiency while meeting animal welfare criteria.
Traps generally fall into two categories.
- Quick-Kill Traps
- Body-Grip Trap: Designed for a quick kill, this trap is made of frame wires that clamp the furbearer's body.
- Snare: This is a special type of trap that works as a quick-kill trap when used in a water set. It is less expensive, lighter in weight, and less likely to freeze in cold weather than other types of traps. Check the state's regulations for snares before using them.
- Body-Grip Trap: Designed for a quick kill, this trap is made of frame wires that clamp the furbearer's body.
- Live-Hold Traps
- Box Trap: A land-only trap, it consists of a mesh box with a swinging door to let the animal in but not out. Cage traps should be used when the possibility of catching pets is high. However, they are difficult to conceal and may be avoided by some animals.
- Foothold Trap: Used on land or in water, the trap holds an animal's foot and typically will cause little damage to the animal. The most common types are longspring and coilspring traps.
- Cable Device: This device is less expensive, lighter in weight, and less likely to freeze in cold weather than other traps. A loop of cable encircling the animal gets smaller as the animal pulls and relaxes when the animal stops pulling.
- Box Trap: A land-only trap, it consists of a mesh box with a swinging door to let the animal in but not out. Cage traps should be used when the possibility of catching pets is high. However, they are difficult to conceal and may be avoided by some animals.
Bodygrip traps catch the animal's entire body.
Cage (box) traps come in different lengths and have doors that vary in size.
Foothold traps catch the animal when it steps on the trap.
Snares or cable devices use a loop of cable to catch a furbearer by the neck, body, or leg.