Animal welfare experts are speaking out and asking the public to think twice before setting traps on their property after an injured raccoon was spotted with a snare stuck to its leg on May 2.

Sydney Shepherd, executive director of the said the animal rescue organization was contacted after a resident in Kelowna含羞草研究社檚 Mission neighbourhood spotted a raccoon whose front leg was stuck in an unsecured trap.

In an effort to catch and help the critter, Wild Things and B.C. Conservation Officers set up live traps nearby.

Ken Owens, a Conservation Officer in Kelowna said that based on the photos and video of the injured raccoon, it looks like it was ensnared in an 含羞草研究社榚gg trap含羞草研究社� which is designed to capture raccoon by front paw.

含羞草研究社淓gg traps when used and not securely fastened by property owners create this situation,含羞草研究社� said Owens.

Kelowna residents and local conservation officers are speaking out and urging people to contact professionals to manage animal control after a raccoon was spotted with a small animal trap clamped onto its leg in early May.

含羞草研究社淓ach year we receive several calls to our related to injured raccoons running around town with egg traps, attached to their paws.含羞草研究社�

Unfortunately, the attempts to catch and free this raccoon were unsuccessful and sightings over the following two weeks revealed the animals still to be ensnared, said Shepherd.

After disappearing for several days, the raccoon reappeared with its entire lower front limb and hand missing.

含羞草研究社淭he suffering endured by this young raccoon deeply saddens us,含羞草研究社� said Shepherd.

Shepard added that urban environments present unique challenges for wildlife and said that is important to necessitate 含羞草研究社渉umane solutions for peaceful coexistence.含羞草研究社�

Owens explained that while trapping and relocating raccoons without a permit is technically allowed if the critters are causing damage to a person含羞草研究社檚 property, it can be challenging to trap animals in a safe and humane manner.

With support from the , the B.C. Conservation Service has requested law changes in regard to trapping wildlife and are specifically calling for a ban on egg traps and snares in favour of live traps.

Owens said the Trappers Association is also lobbying for mandatory education for anyone wanting to trap certain wildlife, that fall under , in an urban setting 含羞草研究社渢o avoid situations like this.含羞草研究社�

Owens requested that the public contact professional animal control companies if dealing with a persistent raccoon problem, rather than attempting the critter on their own. There are also specific rules and regulations regarding the relocation of raccoons if they have babies, which are called kits. He also noted that it is illegal to use poison to kill raccoons.

Raccoons are protected under the BC Wildlife Act. To learn more, visit

含羞草研究社淲e hope this incident sparks greater awareness and dialogue about safer approaches to wildlife management in our community,含羞草研究社� said Shepherd.

To report an injured animal or human-wildlife conflict call the conservation service at 1-877-952-7277, or email the in the Central Okanagan at info@interiorwildlife.ca.