Trapping Incidents
This online resource compiles available information on Wyoming’s non-target trapping and snaring incidents from 1984 to the present. It does not include the thousands of animals intentionally trapped or snared each year.
Markers indicate the general area of each incident; precise locations are rarely available. The incidents shown here represent only a fraction of what actually occurs, as many non-target captures go unreported. Reporting is required only for certain wildlife-related trapping incidents.
Since 2000, more than 100 dogs have been reported trapped in Wyoming, with over thirteen confirmed deaths. More than 250 wildlife incidents are included on this map. Sadly, wild animals are far more likely to die in non-target trapping events, and young animals are often among the victims. Nearly every face shown on the Wildlife Trapping tab represents significant suffering—and a wild life lost.
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Feb 26 2022 A government trapper set snares around sheep grazing areas as lambing season was approaching. Traps are indiscriminate and catch non-target animals, including domestic pets and wild animals. Fortunately, Henry was mostly uninjured.… Continue reading -
Dec 16 2021 Hunting Dog killed in snare near Big Piney, WY
A hunting dog was killed by a snare near Big Piney. Anyone with a legal snare placed almost anywhere on public land, including directly on public trails, can kill your dog without accountability by anyone. Be Snare Aware!… Continue reading -
Oct 20 2021 Dog caught in illegal snare at West Table Boat Ramp – Teton County, WY
A dog was caught in an illegal snare near West Table Boat Ramp. The trapper was cited for illegal snaring, but the snare was given back to the trapper! The dog is uninjured.… Continue reading
Have you experienced a negative trapping incident involving you, your pet, your family, or another living thing?
Please share your story so that we can help you in whatever way we can and bring the realities of trapping to a broader public. Your personal information will be respected, and you may submit anonymously.
Provide as much as possible of the following information so that your report will be as effective as possible. Include species of animal, type of trapping device, name of dog (if applicable), any injuries incurred by animals or humans involved, medical expenses, and as much additional detail as possible. Also, photos are very helpful but not required. We encourage you to include multiple photos and videos of trap, trap set area, bait, wild animal, dog, injury, and a picture of your dog without the trap to add a face to your story.
No agency keeps track of reports of dogs caught in traps. This map is incomplete, but a much-needed record of these incidents. As awareness has increased, WU is learning of more cases where dogs were trapped but the owner had no recourse or engaged officials to report it to. We aim to share those stories here.