Why Grease Bear Traps?

Where legal, trapping bears can be a challenging method.

Trapping bears is legal in only a few states in America and some Canadian provinces. Even where it is legal, few people actually choose to trap for bears. The demand for bear traps is low, making them both rare and very expensive.

From the Factory

Once manufactured, bear traps are coated with a layer of cosmoline, a type of grease used to prevent rust from forming on raw steel and iron. This insures the traps don't develop any rust before they are purchased.

Change the Grease

The grease a manufacturer uses has an odor bears can easily detect, which could help them avoid being trapped. Bear trappers remove the cosmoline grease, then lubricate the traps with a scent-free, paraffin-based coating.

Closing Speed

Traps are machines and a well lubricated machine works best. Besides adding a measure of rust protection, a well lubricated trap works smoother and the jaws of the trap will close more rapidly, increasing the chance of the bear's paw being held securely.

References

• Schafco Products: Cosmoline Products

Resources

• Water and Woods: Dying and Waxing Traps