Trap Release Workshops: Perspective from Wyoming Untrapped Founder
Wyoming Untrapped (WU) was delighted to partner with WYCAP on a trap-release workshop in Laramie, our second such opportunity. There has been a history of pet-trapping injuries in the area, six in one winter season a few years ago. A second workshop was needed. The turnout was impressive and a kick-start for stronger trapping and snaring education in the southeastern part of the state. As always, it was good to join WYCAP members and catch up with Dave's "hundreds" of rescue projects around the world and at his home in Missoula. This was a hugely successful event!
WU two days later hosted a trap release workshop in Alpine, where there has also been a history of pet injuries and deaths. Most recently, in February 2024, Jester, a beloved pet, was killed in an illegal Conibear trap in Alpine. It was one of the most brutal incidents, requiring the owner to drag her dead dog, still in the trap, over half a mile on the snow-covered road to her car and cell service. The young trapper was fined only $250 for this illegally set trap, and this horrific and unnecessary death. We responded with a request for a trap release workshop, offering hands-on training with real traps and tools. We were glad to have one of the new Teton County game wardens attend the workshop, contributing some of his knowledge as well. We were all reminded that these devices can be set in the very same space where we hike, ski, walk our dogs, and find solace in nature. They are often hidden, silent, and set on or near trails, waterways, and winter travel corridors. And when a trap snaps shut, it doesn't ask whether the victim is a coyote or a beloved companion.
That's why education matters. Every person who learns to recognize trap signs, every pet owner equipped with knowledge and tools, and every conversation we have about humane coexistence brings our shared landscape one step closer to safety and understanding. There is so much love for wildlife and for the pets who explore this state with us. Wyomingites proved that at these workshops.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended these workshops, learned, shared stories, and stepped into this work with open hearts. Together, we are building a humane Wyoming, one where care for animals, wild and domestic, guides our choices and our future.
