Foothold Traps

• The first mechanical traps used to capture beavers were foothold traps. They are still popular choices for many trappers. The traps are set where when beavers will step on the trap it will close across its foot, holding it as though it were handcuffed until the trapper arrives. Both coil spring foothold traps and lever spring foothold traps will work. Most trappers put their traps near deep water and rig the traps to pull the beaver into the deep area where they will quickly drown.
  
  

Body Grip Traps

• These traps, made from heavy wire with strong springs, are set and positioned in front of den openings or on underwater pathways that beavers follow. When the beaver tries to pass through the trap, it fires, clamping down on the beaver's neck or body compressing its airway or chest so it can't breath. The beaver is quickly killed. Beavers are large animals so large body grip traps with 7-inch or larger openings are required.
  
  

Cable Restraints

• Snares, more properly called cable restraints, are slip-loops formed with thin metal cable that closes around a beaver's neck or leg, tightening like a cowboy lariat does when he's roping a calf. Once the loop of cable tightens, the beaver is restrained until the trapper arrives. Cable restraints can be set on land or under the water with equal success.
  
  

Suitcase Traps

• Trapping regulations vary from state to state, and municipalities often add other restrictions to what types of traps are permitted in their jurisdiction. When beavers need to be trapped in areas where other types of traps are illegal to use, suitcase type -- so named because they resemble a large suitcase made of wire mesh -- traps are often allowed. The wire mesh halves of the suitcase are set in the open position in shallow water or on the beaver's dam and when the animal crawls onto the trap to get at the baited trigger, it snaps closed, hopefully shutting the suitcase tightly enough to prevent escape.