BMP Criteria for Trapping Devices

Since the research began, over 600 types of traps have been evaluated for 23 species of furbearers. Although the research has not evaluated every option available to trappers, it has provided a great deal of information to make trapping safer, more selective, more efficient, and more humane. When evaluating traps, these criteria are used.

• Animal Welfare: At least 70% of trapped animals must have no injury, little injury, or moderate injury.
• Efficiency: At least 60% of the furbearers that spring a trap must be captured and held by the trap.
• Selectivity: Traps must limit the risk of capturing non-furbearer species and increase the odds of capturing the target furbearer.
• Practicality: Traps are evaluated based on cost, ease of use, storage, weight/size, reliability, versatility, and life span.
• Safety: Traps are checked to see if they are safe for the user and others who might encounter the traps.