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A wolf sits with its leg in a trap in the snow. Image text reads, "Take a stand against trapping" in red.

Be Trap Aware: Protect Wildlife, Pets, and People

Trapping poses hidden dangers to wildlife, pets, and outdoor enthusiasts across the country. Every year, animals—both wild and domestic—suffer severe injuries or die after being caught in traps.

As outdoor lovers, pet guardians, and advocates for coexistence, we have a responsibility to raise awareness and help prevent unnecessary suffering.

Trapping happens in every state across the country, often out of sight and out of mind. From snares to leg-hold and conibear traps, these devices are legal on public and private lands in most states, where wildlife, pets, and outdoor enthusiasts risk encountering them. Even in states that have some sort of ban on traps like Colorado, New Mexico, and California, there are exceptions and loopholes.

Trapping likely persists because most people don’t even know it’s happening—but we’re here to change that.

Take Action: Order Trap Awareness Stickers and Marking Flags
A die cut sticker with an image of a trap at the top and a QR code at the bottom reads, "Warning: traps set in this area. Protect pets and kids."
Image of a dog being held by its owner wearing a pink cast on its front leg with a leghold trap that it was freed from placed on the left side of the operating table the dog is resting upon.

Why Be Trap Aware?

Traps—like snares, leg-hold traps, and conibear traps—are indiscriminate and often cruel. They are legal in many states but rarely come with the visibility or warnings needed to protect people and their pets. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Traps can be anywhere: Trails, public lands, and even recreation areas can harbor traps.
  • Pets are frequent victims: Dogs can easily get caught in traps, leading to pain, injury, or even death.
  • Trapping is poorly regulated: In many states, trappers aren’t required to check traps daily, so animals can suffer for days before being found.

Understanding trapping laws in your state is key. Visit our Find Your State page to learn about trapping regulations where you live.

A trail sign reads "Trail" with an arrow pointing left on a red background with white trim and text. A Wildlife for All sticker mocked up to be placed on the trail sign post. The sticker has an image of a trap at the top and a QR code at the bottom reads, "Warning: traps set in this area. Protect pets and kids."

TAKE ACTION: MARK TRAPS WITH STICKERS AND FLAGS

Help us make the outdoors safer for everyone. By spreading awareness, staying informed, and equipping yourself with tools like trap awareness flags and safety stickers, you can help prevent tragedy and protect wildlife and pets alike.

Protect people, pets, and wildlife by ordering these stickers or flags—or donating to make this work possible for others. While tampering with or removing traps is almost always illegal, you can take meaningful action by raising awareness and flagging traps where it’s permitted.

You can order:

  • “Be Trap Aware” safety flag – Use flags in legal, visible locations to alert others when traps are spotted. Use these flags to help mark the locations of visible traps, alerting other outdoor enthusiasts to proceed with caution.
  • Waterproof, outdoor education stickers featuring essential information to share in your community are a simple, effective way to spread awareness about the dangers of trapping or post an alert at a trailhead or public space.

Take the first step toward safer public spaces: order free stickers or flags. (Suggested donation of $3 per sticker and $15 for 10 flags)

An image of trail at the top of hill curving to the right and overlooking a forested valley below. In the foreground is a mocked-up image of a marking flag with an image of a trap at the top and a QR code at the bottom reads, "Warning: traps set in this area. Protect pets and kids."
Order Your Stickers or Marking Flags

Learn About Traps

Most people don’t realize the extent of trapping or its devastating impact. Knowledge is the first line of defense. Learn how traps work, where they might be found, and the harm they cause.

Educate yourself and others with these resources:

 

Know How to Release Your Child or Pet

Review trap release instructions before heading outdoors because if your loved one gets caught in a trap, knowing how to respond can save their life.

If your child or pet becomes caught in a trap, remain calm. Protect your hands with gloves or a thick cloth, as traps can have sharp edges. Use tools such as pliers or a leash carabiner to compress the trap springs and release the pressure. It’s helpful to carry a multi-tool when recreating in areas where traps may be present.

After freeing your child or pet, seek immediate medical or veterinary attention, even if no injuries are apparent.

For more detailed guidance, watch these step-by-step guides:

 

Report Traps & Spread Awareness

Encountered a trap in your community or on public lands? Reporting it can make a difference:

Note: Traps are often legally placed, and Wildlife for All does not advocate for tampering with or removing traps, as this is illegal in most states. Instead, use your voice and your awareness to protect others by placing flags and stickers in locations where it is permitted and safe.

A leg hold trap is shown open on a concrete floor. A yellow tape measure spans the trap showing it is more than 9 inches wide.
Illustration showing how to free your dog from a leghold trap
Illustration of a conibear or body gripping trap
A black bear stands looking up at a tree with a trap on it's front left foot.

Image courtesy of Trap-Free Oregon

Join the Movement

Trapping continues because too few people know about it. By staying informed, spreading awareness, and encouraging meaningful reform, we can create safer, more compassionate spaces for wildlife, pets, and people.

Take action, protect your community, and help end unnecessary suffering: Order your free stickers and flags today! (Suggested donation of $3 per sticker and $15 for 10 flags)