Bear Traps and Foot Snares for Furbearers

In the United States, snares are most commonly used to capture and control surplus furbearers like coyotes, beavers, and bears. Both snares and traps are used, and bear traps are one of the most commonly used devices available for large furbearers.

Bear traps are often referred to as foothold traps and were first invented in the 1600s. Since that time, foothold traps have been a mainstay in trapping, though the design and mechanism have undergone numerous innovations.In the 1800s, the first steel foothold traps were manufactured and due to their efficacy, quickly became one of the most frequently used tools for trappers. Still in use today, foothold snares are popular, particularly for larger prey such as bears and coyotes.

What is a Foot Snare?

There are a number of types of bear traps, but foot traps and foot snares are perhaps the most commonly used, and with good reason. Foot snares are one of the more humane ways to trap furbearers because they are designed to minimize injuries incurred by the animal. One popular option, the Belisle Foot Snare, combines the benefits of traditional foothold traps with the convenience and efficacy of a snare.

The Belisle Foot Snare is specifically designed to allow for unproblematic releases of non-targeted catches, which keeps your traps clear and allows you to catch the furbearer you set out to snare. This unique foot snare has jaws that capture the leg of the animal and is behaviorally passive, meaning that the animal must actually step on the trap in order to activate it. Because the animal must step on the trap to activate it, foot snares must be placed directly in the animal’s movement path to be effective.

Benefits of Using Foot Snares and Proper Sizes for Furbearers

One of the benefits of having this design is that it lessens the likelihood that unintended targets are caught in the foot snare. Foot snares minimize any injuries to the animal and allow for non-targeted catches to be released without problems. Because the animal must step on the trap to activate it, foot snares need to be placed directly in the animal’s travel path.

The Belisle® Foot Snare operates very similarly to traditional footholds, with one major exception. When the device is activated, the jaws of the Belisle Foot Snare slip away, leaving a cable that lassos the animal’s leg. With its similarity to traditional footholds, many trappers are able to easily adapt to using this type of snare. While foot snares are not the most widely used tool in the United States, they are available and the Belisle Foot Snare has been certified by the Fur Institute of Canada for the capture of lynx, coyote, and bobcats. This certification from the Fur Institute of Canada meets the humane requirements set forth in the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards.

Currently, we offer the Belisle Foot Snare is available in three sizes depending upon the size of the furbearer you wish to target.

1. 6 Inch Belisle:This snare is ideal for snaring medium-sized animals. Made from a 7X9 3/32” cable, the six-inch snare is perfect for capturing coyotes and foxes.
2. 8 Inch Belisle:For slightly larger animals, an eight-inch snare is preferable. Crafted using 7X19 1/8” cable, the eight-inch snare is most frequently used for wolves, mountain lions, and other similarly sized animals.
3. 10 Inch Belisle:When you want bear traps, this is the best option. Made with a 7X19 3/16th cable, the 10-inch foot snare is used in the trapping of black bears.

No matter what type of snare you are using or what furbearer you are targeting, having the right materials and properly setting them are essential to success. With help from the pros at The Snare Shop, you can choose your snares and traps in confidence, knowing that we offer high-quality products with an unparalleled level of expertise. Whether you’re looking for our Belisle foot snares, hunting supplies, or animal baits, you can count on The Snare Shop to deliver first-rate products and service.