ABOUT TRAPS AND SNARES
First, a word about what you CAN and CANNOT do if you encounter a trap or snare in the wild.​
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If it's on public land, you CAN report it to your local DWR office to ensure it is in
compliance with State regulations.
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If it's on private land, you CAN contact the owner to confirm they're aware of its
presence and to ensure it's in compliance with State regulations.
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You CAN release a pet from any trap or snare. But see the RESCUING A PET section
below to minimize the risks to you and your pet.
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You CANNOT, however, remove, relocate or render inoperative a trap or snare. State law forbids anyone other than the owner, a peace officer, or the land owner from tampering with these devices, including attempting the release of any entrapped wild animals.
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And that's a good thing, because these can cause serious harm to the inexperienced.
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WHAT THE STATE ALLOWS
Coil spring trap
Long spring trap
Traps
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The State authorizes the use of foothold traps which are typically any underspring or jump trap, longspring trap or coil-spring trap with two smooth arms or jaws that come together when an animal steps on a pan in the center of the trap.
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The trap is usually anchored to a tree and covered with local vegetation to conceal its presence.
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Snares
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The State allows the use of cable snares which are intended to entrap the animal around the neck or leg. They are anchored to large objects (trees, boulders, etc.) and must be equipped with a breakaway lock mechanism that will release when any force greater than 300 pounds is applied.
Foot snare trap
Cam lock snare
RESCUING A PET
Having your pet become caught be a trap or snare is a gut-wrenching experience and requires immediate action to minimize harm to the animal. Following these steps can mean the difference between life and death for your animal.
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1. Stay calm! Or at least try to. Your pet is experiencing enough trauma wihtout having to be concerned about a hysterical owner.
2. Assess the scene for additional traps. There may be more and getting yourself trapped won't help the situation.
3. Immediately restrain the animal to prevent biting. Control its head using a coat or leash.
4. Release the tension on the trap by compressing the levers on foot traps. If it's a snare, find the locking mechanism and pinch it to relieve tension, loosening the cable. And there's always the option to carry a pair of cable cutters just in case.
5. Seek professional medical treatment for the animal as required.