New regulations under the B.C. Wildlife Act are now in effect to restrict the use of foot-encapsulating traps, commonly known as ‘egg traps’ to licensed trappers.

Changes require the traps to be solidly anchored, strengthening animal welfare standards in B.C., an April 29  Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship media release said.

“Foot-encapsulating traps are widely available for purchase by the public, in stores and online, and are most often used to trap raccoons by the front paw. When used improperly, these traps can cause significant pain and prolonged suffering. Raccoons caught in unanchored traps may sustain injuries when dragging the traps,” the ministry said.

Licensed trappers and others exempt from requiring trapping licences, are trained in proper trap use, including how to set, monitor and remove traps in a way that reduces the risk of injury and distress.

Under these new regulations, egg traps may be used only if they are solidly anchored. Anchoring traps helps keep the animal in one place and reduces the risk of further harm, allowing the animal to be found and removed from the trap more quickly, the ministry outlined.

“More humane alternatives, such as live box traps, remain available for the public to use to address neighbourhood raccoon problems. For members of the public who are not authorized to use foot-encapsulating traps, these alternatives are widely available and can be used safely in residential settings,” the media release said.

Unauthorized use of an egg trap is an offence under the Wildlife Act and its regulations. Penalties for Wildlife Act violations include fines, court prosecution and community justice forums.

The province engaged with stakeholders and First Nations throughout 2025 and 2026 to inform them about the changes, the media release concluded.

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