Animal traps are often used with the goal of solving backyard wildlife problems, but they can do more harm than good. While it may seem like a quick fix, trapping and relocating animals is rarely the right solution. Many animals don’t survive relocation, and trapping often causes unintended consequences for the local ecosystem. Some states may require a special permit to relocate wildlife. By learning about humane alternatives, you can help protect wildlife while keeping your space safe and peaceful.
When animals like raccoons, opossums, or skunks show up in your yard, it’s often because they’ve found food, water, or shelter. Trapping might seem like a good way to remove them, but it’s only a temporary solution. If the attractant remains, another animal will soon take its place. Relocated animals struggle to survive in unfamiliar environments, facing new predators, unfamiliar food sources, and territorial conflicts. Trapping disrupts their natural behaviors and often puts their lives at risk.
The risks aren’t just for the animals being trapped. Non-target species, including pets and protected wildlife, can get caught in traps. Injuries, stress, and unnecessary suffering are common outcomes. Even live traps, which may seem more humane, can cause animals extreme stress and lead to injury, or separate a mother from her babies. It’s important to understand that most situations can be resolved without using traps at all.
In situations where you need to encourage an animal to move along, there are many humane deterrents available. Sealing points of entry under your deck or shed, installing motion-activated lights and sprinklers, using ultrasonic repellents, and natural scents like citrus or peppermint can help discourage animals from lingering in your yard. Some products simulate the smell of predator urine which can deter animals from taking up residence. These solutions are not only more humane but also more effective in the long run.
Glue traps and snap traps are also discouraged for the following reasons: .
- Slow or Delayed Death: Many snap traps are designed to kill immediately, but they don’t always succeed in doing so. Some animals may be trapped and experience prolonged suffering if the trap doesn’t kill them right away. Animals that are trapped in this way can suffer from dehydration, starvation, or shock before they eventually die.
- Non-target animals: Snap traps and glue traps do not discriminate and can easily catch animals other than the intended target. This could include pets like cats or small wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, and lizards.
- Inhumane Design: Some snap traps may not be strong enough to effectively kill the animal, and instead, they only cause injury or immobilization. Animals may struggle, causing more harm to the animal in the process
- Severe Physical Pain: Animals that get caught in glue traps are stuck in a strong adhesive that can cause immense pain. They are unable to escape, which often results in distressing struggles that lead to wounds on their skin, fur, and even internal injuries and broken bones as they try to free themselves.
- Prolonged Suffering: Animals trapped in glue traps and snap traps can suffer for a long period. They may be stuck for hours or even days before they die, either from dehydration, starvation, exhaustion, or from being unable to move.
- Difficult to Release: It’s almost impossible to release an animal from a glue trap without causing severe injury. Even if an attempt is made to free the animal, the adhesive can tear their skin or cause long-term damage.
- Educating your community about the dangers of trapping can also have a positive ripple effect. Many conflicts with wildlife stem from a lack of awareness about why animals are there in the first place. Sharing what you know with neighbors, schools, and local groups helps create a more wildlife-friendly neighborhood.
Animal Traps – FAQ
- Are live traps a humane option?
Even live traps can cause extreme stress and injury. Animals can hurt themselves trying to escape, and the process of relocating them puts their survival at risk. - How can I prevent wildlife from coming into my yard?
Secure trash bins, block access to crawl spaces, and remove outdoor food sources like pet food. Keeping your yard tidy and trimming back dense vegetation can also help. - What are some humane alternatives to trapping?
Use motion-activated lights, ultrasonic repellents, or natural scents like citrus and peppermint. These discourage animals without causing harm. - Is it illegal to trap and relocate wildlife?
In many areas, trapping and relocating certain species is illegal without a permit. Always check your local laws and contact a wildlife professional for guidance. - What should I do if a wild animal keeps coming back?
Focus on identifying and removing whatever is attracting the animal—whether it’s food, water, or shelter. If the problem persists, reach out to a local wildlife expert for advice. - How can I educate my neighbors about the dangers of traps?
Share information through community groups, local events, or even casual conversations. Offering alternatives and facts about the risks of trapping can encourage more humane solutions. - What should I do if I find an animal on a glue trap? Cover any exposed areas of the trap with paper towels or tissues to prevent the animal from becoming stuck further. Place the trap and animal in a covered box and bring them to a wildlife rehabilitator. Do not attempt to remove the animal yourself - rehabilitators have the specialized training and tools to safely remove animals.
