What is the primary purpose of a foothold trap?

The primary purpose of a foothold trap is to hold an animal's foot. This type of trap is specifically designed to capture animals alive by gripping their foot without causing severe injury. This method allows for the animal to be tagged, relocated, or monitored, depending on the specific goals of wildlife management and research. The construction of a foothold trap typically includes a mechanism that triggers upon the animal's movement, securely holding it in place by the foot while allowing the rest of the body to remain relatively free.

While capturing without injury may appear to align with the purpose of a foothold trap, the design indeed focuses more specifically on holding the animal's foot rather than ensuring the complete absence of injury. A quick kill is not a priority for foothold traps, as these are not lethal traps but rather means of capturing animals alive for further management. Additionally, they are not specifically intended for capturing small prey efficiently, as the size and design can vary widely to accommodate different species.