The History of Trapping Animals

Trapping animals has long been used to keep people warm and to supply food. Traps have also been used to keep certain animals from overpopulation. Although trapping has been going on for centuries, there is controversy about this means of hunting. There are those who feel that traps are undo cruelty for the animal. Regulations in the United States and the United Kingdom lay out guidelines for use of traps such as snares. These guidelines suggest that hunters use snares that will allow the hunter to release anything that he does not want to keep.

History

One of the first ways man hunted animals was trapping. During these times hunting and trapping animals was rarely for sport.

Types

Types of traps include nets, steel-jaw traps, pits, cages, glue-traps and snares (anchored noose).

Uses

Early on, animals were trapped for fur, food and trade. They also had to keep the population of certain animals down to control damage to property.

Controversy

Because of the concern that traps are cruel to animals, there have been recommendations to make better ways to trap animals. There is also concern that something other than the intended animal may get into the trap, such as pets or children.

Geography

In most areas of Europe, it is illegal to use snares. In certain parts of the United States and the United Kingdom, certain regulations have to be followed when using traps.