Barbaric trap snares raccoon

Today, the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley received a severely injured raccoon - a victim of a barbaric, body-gripping trap called a Duke dog-proof trap.

In California, body-gripping traps are prohibited for recreation and the fur trade, with restricted use when protecting property or for public health and safety. 

Additional regulations govern the setting of traps, including cage-type "humane" traps. For example, traps must be clearly labeled with a number registered with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. This trap had no visible identification.


The raccoon's front paws were caught in two separate traps, set in the ground and tethered to something by a wire chord. The animal managed to chew through the chord, only to get hung-up on a fence. 

The adult male raccoon was recovered by San Jose Animal Care and Services and delivered to the wildlife hospital where it was quickly tended to by medical staff.

Once anesthetized the traps were removed from the animal's swollen limbs, revealing severe injures - a fractured left paw and right wrist. Additionally, the raccoon's tail was horribly mangled, requiring amputation. 

Duke, as he's being called, has a long way to go before he's able to be returned to the wild, if at all. 

WES is collecting pledges toward a reward fund for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this crime. You can email us a pledge or send a check that we'll hold while the investigation is carried out. Reward fund checks can be sent to WES at Box 65 Moss Landing CA 95039.

If you have any information about this crime, please call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife CalTip line at 888-334-2258.

To make a donation to the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley to help cover the cost of Duke's care and medical treatment, click HERE.