Millions of coyotes, raccoons, bobcats and other species are caught in the wild using spring traps with metal teeth that smash bone and tear muscle. If trapped animals do not die from blood loss, infection, gangrene, or exposure, they are often killed by predators. About one quarter of trapped animals escape by chewing off their own limbs.
Some states have regulations dictating how often trappers must check their traps, the frequency can vary from 24 hours to one week. Other states have no regulations at all, and animals can suffer for days before they die. To kill the animals without damaging their fur, trappers strangle, beat or stomp them to death.