The majority of trapped animals are captured for their fur skins, which are sold, or for management purposes, oftentimes referred to as "animal damage control." Others are trapped for biological studies.
Professional trappers are very few in number. In the United States there are only about 2,000 individuals who earn a living by hunting* and/or trapping. The vast majority of trappers is under the age of 20 and is involved in the activity for "recreation." The number of trappers fluctuates dramatically based on the price trappers are able to collect for the animals' pelts. Oftentimes the cost of trapping supplies exceeds the economic return.
There are three principal types of traps: limb-restraining, killing, and confinement. Traps are set on land, in the shallows with a slide to drag the animal into the water and drown it, or underwater to kill by drowning, strangulation, or a sharp blow to the neck.
Steel-jaw leghold traps are the most commonly used traps for catching animals for the fur trade. This limb-restraining device is used in all three set locations previously described. Steel-jaw traps have been condemned internationally as inhumane and have been banned in 88 countries, but are still used in the United States. When the trap is triggered, the jaws slam together with tremendous force upon the limb of whatever animal has set off the device. The jaws of the trap are standard steel, or they may contain sharp teeth or a small strip of hard rubber (called "padding" by the fur industry).
Scientists and veterinarians* have documented the injuries caused to leghold-trapped animals from being caught and from their violent struggle to escape the painful capture. Traumas include broken bones, severed tendons and ligaments, fractured teeth, and severe soft-tissue damage. Gangrene of the affected appendage can begin within as little as half an hour after being trapped................
