Ending the Use
of Cruel Traps
STOP THE KILL
Help us end wildlife trapping
Wildlife trapping is an inherently cruel and indiscriminate practice that has no place in modern, science-based wildlife management. Traps—including steel-jaw leghold traps, body-gripping Conibear traps, and wire snares—cause prolonged suffering to animals through severe injuries, broken bones, dislocations, amputations, dehydration, extreme stress, and orphaning of young. Despite industry claims about improvements in trap design, scientific studies consistently document the significant pain and suffering these devices inflict on animals, who may be trapped for days before trappers return.
The indiscriminate nature of trapping makes it particularly problematic for wildlife conservation and public safety. Studies show that up to 67% of trapped animals are “non-targets,” including threatened and endangered species, family pets, and even humans. Most states lack adequate oversight of trapping activities, with minimal reporting requirements and insufficient protections for public lands users. This creates serious safety hazards for the vast majority of Americans who use public lands for recreation.
Despite common misconceptions, trapping serves no legitimate wildlife management objective that cannot be accomplished through more humane and effective non-lethal alternatives. There is no credible evidence that trapping effectively manages wildlife populations or reduces human-wildlife conflicts. In fact, nonselective killing of ecologically valuable species degrades ecosystem health and biodiversity by undermining the important ecological functions these animals provide.
Our Work
- Project Coyote works to end the outdated practice of trapping through a coordinated approach by:
- Educating the public about the cruelty and ineffectiveness of trapping
- Advocating for policy reforms at local, state, and federal levels to restrict or ban cruel trapping methods
- Promoting science-based, humane alternatives for addressing human-wildlife conflicts
- Building coalitions with stakeholders, including outdoor recreationists, pet owners, and conservation organizations
- Supporting legislation that protects wildlife and public safety on our shared lands
Our goal is to create a more compassionate society where wild carnivores are valued for their ecological roles rather than persecuted through cruel practices. By reforming wildlife conflict management, we can foster environments where both humans and wild animals coexist safely and peacefully.
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Toolkit
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DOCUMENTARIES
Cull of the Wild: The Truth Behind Trapping
Playlist
RESOURCES
Project Coyote Fact Sheet
Wildlife Trapping: Unnecessary, Outdated, and Cruel
Wildlife trapping involves setting devices to capture or kill wild animals without requiring human presence. In the United States, trapping of fur-bearing animals including coyotes, bobcats, foxes, racoons, beavers, and other species is largely legal for both recreational and commercial purposes—even on public lands. Trapping does not serve a legitimate wildlife policy or conservation objective that cannot be accomplished with more humane and effective alternatives. Read this fact sheet to learn more about trapping’s impacts on wildlife and public safety.
Films
Cull of the Wild: The Truth Behind Trapping
CULL OF THE WILD: The Truth Behind Trapping, exposes the inherent cruelty of body-gripping traps and snares and challenges the claim that trapping with non-selective traps is an effective wildlife management tool. Featuring new and archival footage and exclusive interviews with trappers, biologists, veterinarians, members of Congress, and wildlife advocates, CULL OF THE WILD educates viewers about the effects of trapping on wildlife and presents a stark picture of the realities of the fur trade and of federal predator control trapping programs. Order a copy here.
DIRECTOR: Vanessa Shulz
PRODUCER: Camilla Fox, Project Coyote Founder & Executive Director (produced before founding Project Coyote).
Books
Cull of the Wild: A Contemporary Analysis of Wildlife Trapping in the United States
Edited by Project Coyote Founder and Executive Director Camilla H. Fox and Christopher M. Papouchis
Short Films
Watch videos about Ending the Use of Cruel Traps
CAMPAIGN UPDATES
We need your help in protecting Nevada mountain lions! Last October, wildlife advocates submitted a petition to the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners requesting changes to trapping
April 15, 2024 Media Contacts: info@projectcoyote.org, 415.326.4110 LARKSPUR, CA — Wildlife Services, often known as the killing arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), just
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Tuesday, November 29, 2022 Montana’s efforts to kill 40% of the state’s wolf population this winter move forward HELENA, MONTANA—Today, a