Understanding Different Types of Animal Traps

Richard Bourne
Dec 22, 2025
5 min read

When you spend time outdoors, especially in the wild, knowing about different types of animal traps can be a useful skill. Whether you’re interested in survival techniques, bushcraft, or just want to understand how traps work, it helps to have a clear idea of the options available. Trapping is a method used for capturing animals either for food, relocation, or pest control. It’s important to use traps responsibly and ethically, keeping local laws and animal welfare in mind.

Why Knowing Different Types of Animal Traps Matters

Understanding the different types of animal traps is essential for anyone who spends time in nature. Traps come in many shapes and sizes, each designed for specific animals and situations. Some traps are simple and easy to set up, while others require more skill and knowledge. Knowing which trap to use can save time, increase your chances of success, and reduce harm to the animal.

For example, if you’re camping and want to catch small game for food, a snare or a deadfall trap might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with nuisance animals around your campsite, a live cage trap could be more appropriate. Each trap type has its pros and cons, and understanding these will help you make better decisions in the field.

Exploring Different Types of Animal Traps

There are many different types of animal traps, and they generally fall into a few broad categories based on how they work and what they’re used for. Here’s a breakdown of some common types:

Snare Traps: These use a loop of wire or cord that tightens around an animal when it passes through. They’re often used for small to medium-sized animals like rabbits or raccoons. Snares are simple but require careful placement to avoid catching unintended animals.
Deadfall Traps: These rely on a heavy object, like a log or rock, that falls and crushes the animal when triggered. Deadfalls are effective for small animals and require some skill to set up properly.
Cage Traps: These are live traps that capture animals without harming them. They’re useful for relocating animals or dealing with pests humanely. Cage traps come in various sizes depending on the target animal.
Conibear Traps: These are body-gripping traps designed to kill animals quickly. They’re often used for fur-bearing animals but require careful handling and knowledge of local regulations.
Foothold Traps: These traps catch an animal by the foot and hold it until released. They’re controversial and regulated in many areas due to concerns about animal welfare.

Each type of trap has specific uses and requires different levels of expertise. It’s important to practice setting and using traps safely and legally.

Close-up view of a metal snare trap set on forest ground — Snare trap set on forest ground

What are the Different Types of Animal Traps?

Diving deeper into the different types of animal traps, it’s helpful to understand how each one functions and when to use it. Here’s a more detailed look:

Snare Traps

Snare traps are among the oldest and simplest traps. They consist of a noose made from wire, cable, or strong cord. When an animal passes through the loop, it tightens around its neck or body. Snares are lightweight and easy to carry, making them popular for survival situations. However, they require careful placement along animal trails or near feeding areas to be effective.

Deadfall Traps

Deadfall traps use gravity to do the work. A heavy object is balanced on a trigger mechanism, and when the animal disturbs the trigger, the object falls and traps or kills the animal. These traps are silent and don’t require bait, but setting them up correctly takes practice. They’re best for small animals like squirrels or rabbits.

Cage Traps

Cage traps are designed to catch animals alive. They usually have a door that closes when the animal steps on a trigger plate inside the cage. These traps are great for relocating animals or catching pests without harm. They come in various sizes, from small traps for rodents to larger ones for raccoons or foxes.

Conibear Traps

Conibear traps are spring-loaded and designed to kill animals quickly by snapping shut on the body. They’re effective for trapping fur-bearing animals like beavers or muskrats. These traps require careful handling and are regulated in many places due to their lethal nature.

Foothold Traps

Foothold traps catch animals by the foot with a spring-loaded jaw. They hold the animal until the trapper arrives. These traps are controversial because they can cause injury and stress to the animal. Many regions have strict rules about their use.

Eye-level view of a metal cage trap set in a wooded area — Cage trap placed in wooded area

How to Choose the Right Trap for Your Needs

Choosing the right trap depends on several factors including the type of animal, your purpose, and local regulations. Here are some tips to help you decide:

Identify the Target Animal: Different traps work better for different species. Small game like rabbits or squirrels can be caught with snares or deadfalls, while larger animals may require cage traps or foothold traps.
Consider Your Purpose: Are you trapping for food, pest control, or relocation? Live traps like cages are best for relocation, while lethal traps are used for food or pest control.
Check Local Laws: Trapping regulations vary widely. Some traps are banned or restricted in certain areas. Always check local rules before setting any trap.
Think About Ethics: Use traps that minimize suffering and avoid catching non-target animals. Live traps are generally more humane but require regular checking.
Skill Level: Some traps are easier to set than others. If you’re new to trapping, start with simple snares or cage traps.

Tips for Setting and Using Animal Traps Safely

Using traps safely is crucial for your safety and the welfare of animals. Here are some practical tips:

Practice Setting Traps: Before heading out, practice setting traps at home or in a controlled environment.
Use Proper Bait: Choose bait that attracts your target animal. For example, nuts or fruits for squirrels, or fish for raccoons.
Place Traps Strategically: Look for animal tracks, trails, or feeding spots to place your traps.
Check Traps Frequently: Never leave traps unattended for long periods. Check them daily to reduce animal stress.
Wear Gloves: This helps avoid leaving human scent on traps, which can scare animals away.
Mark Trap Locations: Use flags or markers so you can find traps easily.
Handle Animals Carefully: If you catch an animal alive, handle it with care and release it promptly if relocation is your goal.

Final Thoughts on Using Animal Traps in the Wild

Understanding and using different types of animal traps can be a valuable skill for anyone spending time outdoors. Whether you’re looking to catch food, manage pests, or practice bushcraft, knowing how traps work and how to use them responsibly is key. Remember to always follow local laws and ethical guidelines to ensure your trapping activities are safe and humane.

If you want to explore more about animal trap types, check out trusted resources and gear suppliers that specialize in bushcraft and outdoor equipment. Being prepared with the right knowledge and tools will help you feel confident and ready for your next adventure.