Raccoon euthanized after leg caught in trap in Langley

A young raccoon was euthanized after its leg became caught in a trap in a Langley neighbourhood. Critter Care Wildlife Society said a concerned homeowner contacted the group this week after seeing the animal dragging a leg-hold trap.

The spring-loaded traps close when sufficient weight presses on them and can clamp an animal’s leg or lower body. They are legal in B.C., subject to specific rules.

The Fur-Bearers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person or people who set the trap. Executive director Lesley Fox said the traps are powerful and dangerous, and can predictably cause serious injuries to wildlife. The organization believes the incident may involve potential Wildlife Act violations and is asking anyone with information to contact the BC Conservation Officer Service’s RAPP Line.

The Fur-Bearers said residents in September provided security-camera footage of a young raccoon dragging a trap and reported seeing a cat dragging one near Hi-Knoll Park, close to the Surrey-Langley border. Fox said trapping is not a solution to wildlife concerns for homeowners and, especially in residential or urban areas, can create significant risks for wildlife, pets and people.

B.C.’s Ministry of Environment said Section 26(2) of the Wildlife Act allows a person to hunt or trap wildlife on their property that is a menace to a domestic animal or bird. Under Section 26(1)(f), it is an offence to hunt, take, trap, wound or kill wildlife with poison. The ministry said raccoons generally cannot be captured or killed without a permit, but landowners do not need a permit to trap and kill raccoons damaging their property. Municipal bylaws may prohibit traps, firearms and bows; residents are advised to contact their local bylaw department.

Anyone with information about the traps can call the RAPP Line at 1-877-952-7277 or report anonymously online.