B.C. non-profit warns about dangers of rat traps to baby skunks, raccoons

A wildlife non-profit is sounding the alarm about a dangerous trap tactic that may seem quick and snappy but causes serious injury to animals.

A B.C. refuge for injured wildlife is out with a warning after seeing an increase in serious and often fatal injuries to baby skunks and raccoons caused by “snap traps” designed to catch rats and mice.

Jenna Kuncewicz, the senior wildlife supervisor at Critter Care Wildlife Society in Langley said this specific type of trap can do “so much damage.”

Kuncewicz told CTV News Vancouver the organization has seen a noticeable increase in reports about these traps harming native wildlife.

From January to June of this year, Critter Care treated eight animals injured by the traps. However, in July the number almost doubled, with 15 animals admitted.

“They cause severe lacerations, severe injuries, often compound fractures, severed limbs,” said Kuncewicz.

Recovery from these types of injuries doesn’t happen overnight, and Kuncewicz said the extent of rehabilitation required varies on a case-by-case basis.

“It can range from a few weeks to a few months,” she said.

But in the majority of cases, the injuries have proven fatal. Only five animals admitted to the centre this year have survived, Kuncewicz said in an email to CTV News.

“In addition to admitted animals, we receive many calls of people passing by wildlife caught in rat traps which we can not get to in time or locate after the initial call. There are so many out there that we cannot save,” she wrote.

CTV News reached out to Tomcat, one of the manufactures of these types of mouse and rat traps, and a spokesperson said they take these concerns seriously.

“As the product label suggests, they are intended to trap mice and rats, not small raccoons, baby skunks or other animals.” The statement further explained, “these are powerful traps, we do recommend caution in placing them in areas where wildlife, small animals, pets and children are present.”

Kuncewicz suggested using less harmful measures to safeguard your home, including sealing any potential problem areas and using predator scent sprays.