How Snap Traps Are Harming Wildlife
Why We Are Sharing This Again
Back in August 2025, CTV News spoke with our senior wildlife supervisor, Jenna Kuncewicz, about the dangers of snap traps.* The story reached many people, yet we continue to see the heartbreaking results of these devices every week. Injured baby skunks and raccoons are still arriving at our doors, which is why we felt it was time to talk about this again.
A Quiet Backyard and a Curious Little Raccoon
Picture a cold winter evening. Someone sets a black snap-style rat trap along a fence line, hoping to deal with a few unwanted rodents. At the same time, a young raccoon wanders through the yard following the scent of something that smells like food. The trap is small and dark. The raccoon is hungry and unaware of the danger. One quick sniff. One step too far. A sharp snap.
Injuries That Change Everything
During the weeks prior to Jenna’s interview, we admitted nine injured skunks, eight of which fell victim to these traps. We have also seen raccoons and squirrels. Jenna has seen the damage firsthand. Broken bones. Lacerations. Crushed paws. Severed limbs. Many of these little ones suffer for hours before anyone finds them. Some do not survive at all. Only a few of the animals brought to us last summer made it through rehabilitation.
What We Are Doing and What You Can Do
Our team works hard to save every animal we can. Some stay with us for weeks or months as they heal. But the truth is that many of these injuries are preventable. We encourage everyone to think carefully before using snap-style traps outdoors. If you must use them, keep them indoors or place them inside sealed boxes with small entry holes that wildlife cannot access. There are also humane alternatives such as sealing holes in sheds. Small changes can make a very real difference.
What Could Have Been Avoided
When wildlife avoid these traps, they stay in their natural rhythm. They continue foraging. They stay whole. They stay alive. We all benefit and the environment benefits when our communities keep animals safe.
One Simple Choice Can Save a Life
Our wild neighbours are not pests. They are hungry youngsters trying to find their way. Please think twice before setting snap traps outdoors. Share this message to help protect them.
*CTV NEWS Story: https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/bc-non-profit-warns-about-dangers-of-rat-traps-to-baby-skunks-raccoons/
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