Letter: Trapping is inhumane

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 1, 2026

A recent BDN article listed new animal trapping regulations in Maine. I am amazed that people still use traps. It is inhumane and cruel to use a device that causes severe lacerations, broken bones, joint dislocations or the drowning of wild animals. Once “caught” the creature is typically in severe pain, frightened and totally helpless until the trapper eventually returns. Depending on location, Maine law only requires traps to be checked every five days. There is the real possibility for an animal, including a non-target species such as endangered wildlife or a family pet, to get caught and die a horribly painful death over five days. Why is this activity considered a sport or even permitted? Sounds like the sport is “trapped” in the 1800s. ~ Charles Mitchell, Belfast