Using Enclosed Foothold Traps on Land

Enclosed foothold traps are highly selective. They are designed to catch particular species, especially the raccoon and the opossum.

• To trigger the trap, an animal must reach through a small opening. Larger animals cannot get their feet through the opening. Smaller animals cannot reach the trigger.
• The raccoon and the opossum have small feet and long legs. When one of these furbearers reaches into the trap for the bait (placed below the trigger), the trap fires. A small spring arm captures the animal's foot.

Procedures for setting and using these traps vary. Some are anchored in the ground. Other types do not need to be placed in the ground. Special tools may be required to set and release the trap.