Trapping

Animal trapping is the use of a device to catch an animal. Animals are trapped for many different reasons. It was the very first form of hunting that started back in the neolithic age. Trapping is very controversial because many see it as very cruel. There is regulated trapping to control species. Many use traps out of season and for long periods of time. These people get fined and their trapping licenses taken away.

There are five types of traps that are used. They are foothold traps, body gripping, snares, cages, and glue traps. The foothold trap is the most commonly used. When the animal steps on the trigger, their foot gets caught so they cannot get away. There are different sizes for different animals like bears and beavers. Today's traps are made so they reduce injuries to the animals. Anti-fur people people claim that animals will chew off their leg to get out of the traps. Trappers say they will bleed to death before that even happened. Body gripping traps are used to kill the animal almost instantly. The trap is made to close on the neck of the animal which closes the trachea, and usually breaks the spine. These come in many sizes. Snare traps are easy to make and set in large numbers. They trap an animal around the neck or body and tightens around the animal. Cage traps are baited traps that catch live animals in cages. They have a trigger at the back and when stepped on, the door closes keeping the animal unharmed and inside. Many use these to catch unwanted pests and then release them unharmed in different locations. Glue traps are used to trap household rodents. They are made by attaching extremely sticky material to cardboard. Bait is then set on top. They can be released from these traps unharmed.

The main reasons people trap are for fur, food, and and damage prevention. Someone who traps for fur is called a fur trapper and they make a living out of trapping animals. The fur is then used in clothing and other items. It is considered a profession all around the world. In many areas of the United States and Europe it is illegal to trap certain animals for their fur. Popular animals of fur trapping in America are raccoons, lynx, wolves, and bobcats. Instead of folks going out with a gun to hunt animals, they also trap them. It is like the easy route of hunting. The most common animals trapped for food are opossum, raccoon, and rabbits. Trapping is also used to prevent damage. Many farmers use traps to catch predators that have been stirring trouble with their cattle. They are also used to catch animals that are causing damage to personal property.

 Many unwated animals are also trapped. These animals must be released. Some non-targeted animals are cats, deer, and livestock.


This is a dog that has no left paws after being caught in a trap.



“ANimal Trapping.” Wikipedia. N.p., 8 Jan. 2011. Web. 7 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/‌wiki/‌Animal_trapping>.